As my third and final Pittsburgh Marathon Blog, I’d like to focus on post-marathon sore muscles. There are a number of herbal home remedies for sore muscles that I would like to share with you.

First, I want to tell you the basics!

- Although it may feel good at the time, try to avoid heat for at least the first 24 hours. The heat will increase blood flow to the inflamed areas, actually making your inflammation worse, and causing you more pain in the long run.

- Moving is good, but don’t over exert your already overwhelmed muscles, as this could lead to muscle tears or ligament damage. You want to gently move muscles to keep them stretched. Leisurely walking or swimming are great for this.

The following will heal your sore muscles from the inside out:

1. Sip some Chamomile Tea to ease tense muscles. The Chamomile is a natural pain reliever, as it reduces inflammation.

2. Turmeric may help with inflammation. Add turmeric powder to boiling milk, sweeten with sugar or honey, and drink it as hot as possible. This will provide instant relief to muscle spasms and heal inflamed muscles from the inside.

The following are great topical treatments for muscle pain.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar draws the lactic acid (which causes the pain) out of your muscles. Saturate a towel or large cloth with apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the muscle. Leave this on for 20 minutes. Repeat every 3 – 4 hours until pain is gone.

2. Rosemary has four anti-inflammatory properties and is easily absorbed through the skin, making it an ideal treatment. Place 1oz fresh Rosemary leaves into a 1 pint container and fill with boiling water. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes. Once rosemary wash has steeped, saturate a washcloth and apply to aching muscles 2 – 3 times per day.

3. Menthol can be used in 2 ways to get relief from muscle and joint pain. Menthol actually release the pressure on your muscles.

- add a few drops menthol oil to a bath and soak for 15 minutes.

- Add menthol to a diffuser or humidifier and  let it run as much as possible.

4. Grate fresh Ginger and add to olive oil. Massage this mixture onto aching joints and muscles. You will feel it generating heat, this means it’s working! Follow with a warm (not hot) bath.

Now that you know how to prepare your body, how to carb-load correctly (see yesterday's blog), and how to treat your aching muscles when it's all over, you're ready for the big race!

Good Luck!

Send your beauty questions to [email protected] and I'll answer them in my next blog.

Don't forget to check in next week for another dose of the Beauty Blog.

Thanks, 

Bethany