My "secret" natural anti-inflammatory treatment

Friday, November 20, 2009

I did a few too many squats at the gym yesterday so my legs are really sore today. I thought it might be helpful if I shared my "secret" recipe for beating muscle soreness. These things are most helpful if you do them before the muscle soreness sets in, but later is OK too.

I completed my first triathlon in July of this year (.5 mile open-water swim, 16 mile bike, 3 mile run). Fully expecting to be sore the next day, I did these two things a few hours after the race and I wasn't sore at all the next day.

 
1. Ginger "tea": Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that is kind to your tummy, unlike ibuprofen. To make ginger "tea", grate fresh ginger into a mug (I use about a tablespoon). Then add boiling water and let it steep for at least 10 minutes (the longer it sits, the better). You can strain it with a tea strainer or drink the grated ginger along with the "tea", it's your choice. You may also add sweetener if you wish (I recommend agave nectar).   

2. Epsom salt bath: Add two cups of epsom salt to a warm bath and soak away your tension. Epsom salt is available at any grocery or drugstore.     
 
This isn't a miracle cure, but I do think that these things are very helpful. I have heard that "ice plunging" is beneficial as well. I'll let somebody else test that one!  

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