The 4 best natural muscle relaxants to relax your muscles

Natural muscle relaxants: what are they?

The term ‘muscle relaxant’ refers to substances used to ease muscle tension or spasms.

These compounds reduce muscle tone, i.e. the basic tension of the muscles, by acting at various levels: directly on the striated fibres responsible for contractions, on the control of the motor neurons which excite these fibres, or at the nerve-muscle interface (neuromuscular junction).

Muscle relaxants are mainly used to relieve muscle contractures, particularly neck, lumbar or back pain, but also recurrent nocturnal cramps (1).

They form the basis of certain classes of anxiolytic drugs (benzodiazepines) and general anaesthetics used during surgery. They also occur naturally in certain plants or nutrients, where they exert a milder but still effective action.

The 4 best natural muscle relaxants

Magnesium: a key mineral in neurotransmission

Magnesium is an essential mineral found in large quantities in the human body, mainly in bones and teeth, and plays a role in more than 300 distinct enzymatic reactions (2).

It is involved in cellular energy production, neurotransmission and muscle relaxation, and supports the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles (3).

In our diet, magnesium is concentrated mainly in cocoa, nuts, wholegrain cereals and legumes.

The occurrence of tremors, numbness, muscle spasms or irregular heartbeats may suggest a deficiency (4).

It should be noted that people who are elderly, athletic, experiencing stress or undergoing diuretic treatment are more prone to deficiency: in these contexts, magnesium supplementation using highly bioavailable forms that are well tolerated by the digestive system (such as magnesium orotate from Magnesium Orotate, magnesium malate from Magnesium Malate, or the OptiMag synergy which combines 8 exceptional forms) is a relevant strategy (5-7).

Valerian: a nervous activity regulator

Also known as catnip, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herb of the Caprifoliaceae family which grows in damp soils in Europe and Asia.

Already praised for its thousand virtues by ancient authors such as Dioscorides and Hippocrates, its roots are used today in phytotherapy to regulate sleep disorders and support mental health (8).

More specifically, valerian is thought to have sedative and relaxing properties due to its sesquiterpene acids, which have been shown in vitro to have some affinity for GABA receptors (which help reduce nervous activity) (9).

It could therefore induce a state of calm conducive to muscle relaxation, which is why it is found in certain formulations dedicated to muscle relaxation (such as Muscle Relaxing Formula, which combines valerian with magnesium).

Ashwagandha: the relaxing plant of Ayurveda

The adaptogen family includes Indian ginseng, aka Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). A long-established part of traditional Indian pharmacopoeia, this famous tonic of Ayurvedic medicine provides invaluable help during periods of nervous tension or anxiety.

By modulating the levels of certain neurotransmitters (such as GABA and serotonin) and the production of cortisol (the stress hormone), it is thought to contribute to optimal relaxation, physical and mental well-being and emotional balance — and, by extension, to support muscle relaxation (10-11).

Most of its benefits are currently attributed to its content of a group of steroidal lactones known as withanolides (which is why our Super Ashwagandha extract is precisely standardised to 5% withanolides).

Passionflower: reducing psychomotor agitation

Native to South America and Mexico, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing vine with spectacular flowers, whose aerial parts are traditionally used to relieve the physical manifestations of anxiety (12).

A unique combination of flavonoids, betacarbolines and maltol, it is thought to interfere with the GABAergic system to temper neuronal excitability, thereby inducing a state of calm by reducing psychomotor agitation (the cause of nervous, difficult-to-control movements that place excessive strain on muscle tissue) (13).

The WHO defines it as ‘a mild sedative effective against nervous agitation, insomnia and anxiety’, justifying its use in certain relaxation supplements (such as Muscle Relaxing Formula).

Synergistic formulas for muscle relaxation

Why opt for a muscle-relaxing synergistic formula?

As well as the undeniable convenience of an all-in-one supplement, this format draws its strength from the complementary nature of its compounds, chosen to cover all aspects of muscle relaxation and maximise their mutual effectiveness.

So you can imagine, for example, the benefits of a dietary supplement that combines valerian, passionflower and magnesium in a single capsule (as Muscle Relaxing Formula does).