Fatigue and body pain are common and can happen for many reasons. Muscle weakness and chronic tiredness can often be treated effectively with natural at-home remedies.

Aches, pain, and fatigue are common complaints practically everyone has on occasion. While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, overuse of pain relievers can cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach upset.

Natural remedies are an option that may help you feel better with fewer side effects.

In this article, we’ll go over home remedies that have been found in research to reduce physical discomfort and alleviate fatigue.

Body aches and muscle pain have many causes, such as:

There are several at-home, natural remedies you can try for these conditions as well as any others that cause physical discomfort. In some instances, you may have the best results if you combine remedies.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a distinctively flavored spice that’s commonly used in Indian cooking. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown in studies to reduce pain caused by a wide number of conditions, including diabetic neuropathy and sciatica.

Turmeric is available in supplement form and as a tea. You can also buy turmeric as a powder or seasoning.

It may be most effective for pain relief when it’s mixed with black pepper.

Heat therapy

Heat wraps were shown in studies to soothe sore muscles and significantly reduce acute and sub-acute (longer term) low back pain.

Using hot water bottles or heating pads on the abdomen is also effective as a remedy for menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) pain.

Heat helps alleviate pain by opening up constricted blood vessels. The increase in blood flow is helpful for reducing joint stiffness caused by osteoarthritis and other conditions.

In some instances, you may find that alternating heat and cold is the most effective treatment for you.

Cold therapy

Ice alleviates the inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by injuries such as muscle sprains and strains. It can also reduce the pain of tendinitis, bursitis, sciatica, and other conditions.

Applying ice at the onset of pain can be especially helpful. Try using an ice pack or package of frozen peas on and off for 20 minutes at a time.

Massage

The scientific evidence on the benefits of massage for pain relief is mixed. However, many people swear by both professional massage therapists and at-home massage tools.

If you’re under stress or feeling anxious, you may tense up your muscles, causing them to spasm. Massage is relaxing and can help reduce stress, eliminating this painful cycle. Massaging a muscle when it’s cramping can also help the muscle to release.

Body aches have a wide range of underlying causes. It may sound counter-intuitive, but in many instances stretching and light exercise may be the quickest way to get rid of body aches. Other quick remedies include:

  • Walking and swimming. This may be especially beneficial for reducing back and knee pain.
  • Doing arm exercises and shoulder rolls. These exercises can be helpful for calming down shoulder pain.
  • Alternating ice and heat therapy. This may get quick results for join pain.
  • Taking a hot bath. This can quickly alleviate back pain.

Fatigue and feelings of weakness in the body can be caused by a very wide range of conditions like insomnia, heart disease, or chronic fatigue syndrome.

One of the best natural home remedies for fatigue and muscle weakness is practicing self-care. Taking care of your body and brain can be highly beneficial for improving energy and mood. Self-care strategies to try include:

What to eat or drinkWhy it helps
tart cherry juiceThis juice contains anthocyanins, a water-soluble pigment with anti-inflammatory properties.
coffeeCoffee contains caffeine, which can reduce fatigue temporarily. Drink it early in the day to avoid insomnia at night. Coffee has also been shown in studies to support heart health.
eggsEggs are high in fatigue-busting protein, healthy fats, and leucine, an amino acid that supports muscle recovery.
waterWater is the main component of your body’s muscle mass. Sufficient hydration maintains electrolyte balance, plus helps you avoid muscle cramps and weakness
bananasBananas are high in potassium, an electrolyte and mineral. Potassium supports nerve and muscle function. Not getting enough can cause muscle weakness and fatigue.

You know your body best. If constant fatigue and aches that won’t quit have become a daily or long-term occurrence, speak with your doctor.

Pain that’s severe enough to keep you up at night or that doesn’t respond to home treatment should also be discussed with your doctor. Diagnostic tests might uncover a condition, such as anemia or diabetes, that’s causing tiredness and weakness.

It may also be possible that regular fatigue is a side effect from a medication you’re taking. If that’s the case, your doctor may be able to alter your medication protocol.

Fatigue and body pain are common occurrences with many potential underlying causes. Muscle weakness and chronic tiredness can often be treated effectively with natural at-home remedies.

Body pain or fatigue that doesn’t respond positively to at-home treatments should be discussed with your doctor.