Soothe stubborn muscle aches

Gardening, hiking, pickleball...summer presents us with plenty of fun exercise opportunities. But all that physical activity can trigger delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Caused by tiny microtears in muscles, DOMS pain typically sets in within 12 to 72 hours after overexertion and can last as long as seven days. And while reaching for painkillers seems like an easy fix, research suggests the meds can interfere with muscle repair. To the rescue: natural strategies that dial down DOMS naturally

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Smooth on this oil

It’s no secret that ice packs help numb some of the pain. But when experts at the University of Texas at Arlington set out to examine the effectiveness of ice on DOMS, they found applying peppermint oil to painful areas proved more effective. In fact, people who used the oil experienced significant muscle pain reductions within the first day. Credit goes to mint’s menthol, which stimulates cold-sensitive nerves to dull pain signals. A recipe for relief: Mix 20 drops of peppermint oil with 2 oz. of jojoba or sweet almond, then rub on sore areas.

Do some gentle stretches