I had a rather strenuous week at the gym and now my arm muscles are so sore, I can hardly type.
I've scoured the web for a natural remedy (there's only so much Advil a girl can take) and I've come across something from health.com that looks doable so I'm actually going to try it tonight (full disclosure later).
- The remedy: Saturate a cloth with apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the muscle for 20 minutes; the pain should disappear within a few hours. Reapply every three to four hours for continued relief until the pain is gone for good.
- Why it works: Apple cider vinegar is a muscle reliever; it helps to draw lactic acid (the stuff that causes soreness) out of your muscles after exercise.
My only issue is the smell. Apple cider vinegar sure is potent stuff, so my soaking will happen in the shower. I'm curious if any of you guys have tried something like this? If so, share it below.
Yumi
Angie Gooderham
Celine
Wow good to know!
1I've used it on a sunburn before with success but never tried it for sore muscles! I found the smell didn't really linger on my skin either, thank goodness!
2That stuff is kind of like a a crazy cure all!
3Now it's just that I have to get to the store to get some Apple Cider Vinegar...I'm so sore that I can barely walk. Ug...
4I never heard of using Apple Cider Vinegar for sore muscles. I guess we will see later if it works. If I'm sore from working out which usually happens when I don't warm down after I workout I generally turn my music full blast so my roommates don't hear me moaning in pain and do jumping jacks for 15 minutes. I hit the shower immediately after and turn the hot water on full blast.
**TIP: Always remember to warm down for 10-20 minutes after your workout to avoid soreness the next day. People usually skip the warm down because they are in a hurry(I've used the excuse too).
5Actually lactic acid doesn't cause soreness. This common myth was debunked recently. If you google search "lactic acid not responsible for sore muscles" you will get a NYtimes article talking about this. Maybe the apple cider vinegar does something else though, not related to lactic acid, just the soreness, so I will try this if i get way too sore sometime. I usually bengay myself up and take an anti-inflammatory.
6You should eat bananas... something in the bananas, maybe potassium, helps sore muscles.
7Tiger Balm might help against sore muscles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Balm
8I sometimes will take a bath in Epsom salts to relieve muscle soreness. I've never heard of the apple cider vinegar thing, but I suppose it could work. I don't think I'd like the smell too much though! I relieve sunburn with tea-soaked towels. It works really well, but you have to use really strong tea.
9the smell dissipates not long after you apply it. i used to cut apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a facial toner, and it doesn't smell at all after it dries.
10Don't know about ACV, but taking a hot shower immediately after exercising is not a great idea, as muscles are already inflamed, and the heat will make it worse. Or so I've read...
11interesting, i guess it'll be worth a try after the next time i go snowboarding
12interesting..thx fit
13arnica (a homeopathic remedy) is really great for sore muscles. also equally great for bruising. you can take it orally or apply topically-comes in both tablet form and creams.
14why fit sugar, how in the world did you know that my left shoulder was killing me? I am going to try this tonight. Thanks for post!
15As a previous comment tried to point out: HEAT IS HORRIBLE FOR SORE MUSCLES!!! The muscle is sore because it is inflammed. Thinking back to basic high school chemistry: heat causes things to expand. COLD is what muscles need in order to SHRINK (or constrict) blood vessels to prevent the area from further inflaming.
16I read the post, "Home Remedy: Sore Muscles".... It is really interesting... Thank you for the solutions for Sore Muscles....
17http://home-remedy-web.com
Coach gave us antacid (Tums, Rolaids). Basically, antacid neutralizes lactic acid through absorbsion in blood stream. Or maybe coach meant to make us "believe" we weren't sore anymore...so, "lets run five miles again today". Worked for me, was not stinky, and was bearable to taste....not even dangerous...might work for others. Try it, there's always the ACV.
18Some people with sensitive skin have found Apple Cider Vinegar to be a bit harsh. I'd suggest pouring the ACV in a bowl, diluting it with water and then dipping the cloth in.
19Well, the best thing that works for me and most S.A body builders gave me this advice is Citric Soda - its almost like Enos, but drink a glass daily and it will draw most of the lactic acid out of your body.
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