Natural food supplement to relax muscles

Muscle Relaxing Formula combines the four plant extracts most widely-studied in relation to muscle pain – and in their best form.

Lemon balm leaf.

Lemon balm is a medicinal herb traditionally used for over 2000 years to calm the nerves and ease pain. Recent clinical trials have confirmed the anxiolytic effects of lemon balm extract (1-3) as well as its ability to reduce sensitivity to pain via modulation of certain receptors in the central nervous system (4-6). Studies have demonstrated its analgesic properties (7-8) and associated decrease in sensitivity to external stimuli (nociception).

These properties are linked to the presence of terpenes in its essential oil as well as to its high content of phenolic compounds (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid), citral, flavonoids (luteolin) and tannins (9).

Attention: many unscrupulous manufacturers replace the costly lemon balm extract with related species that smell strongly of lemon such as citronella or lemongrass.

The aerial parts of passionflower.

Passionflower contains several substances that act as pain-relievers: indole alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes and glucosides (10), although more than 294 volatile compounds have been identified.

The majority of pharmacological studies conducted on passionflower have demonstrated its effects on the central nervous system, particularly anxiolytic and sedative properties (11). Commission E (a European scientific advisory board) and ESCOP (the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy) also officially recognise the use of passionflower to reduce nervousness, and relieve muscle spasms and nerve pain.

The flowers of German camomile

Known for its relaxing properties, camomile has a number of anti-inflammatory and analgesic ingredients such as chamazulene, apigenin, flavonoids and alpha bisabolol. It has produced good results when administered to people suffering from various types of pain (12).

Attention: German camomile (Matricaria recutita), the flowers of which are the most beneficial parts, should not be confused with feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), the leaves of which are used to reduce the intensity of headaches and migraines.

Valerian root.

Traditionally used by Native Americans for treating muscle injuries, valerian root is still in demand today. It contains more than 150 chemical compounds, including valerenic acid and valtrates which explain its effect on certain chemical messengers in the brain and its relaxing benefits (13).

The formulation also contains two micronutrients recognised for their physiological benefits for human health:

Vitamin E (natural form).

Well-known for its exceptional antioxidant benefits, vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties

Attention: the most abundant form in the body is alpha-tocopherol. As the synthetic form of this molecule is much less well-absorbed, it’s important to choose supplements such as Muscle Relaxing Formula which contain the natural form (14).

Magnesium (in its most soluble and absorbable form).

Magnesium plays a role in nerve transmission and helps muscles relax after contracting. As well as this muscle-relaxant effect, it also participates in pain relief: by disrupting NMDA receptors, it impedes the entry of calcium ions into cells, producing an anti-nociceptive effect.

This effect is associated with decreased sensitivity to pain stimuli triggered by injuries or insult to tissues. Magnesium thus offers significant potential for reducing hypersensitivity to actual and phantom pain.(15-16).

Attention: The less absorbable a magnesium salt is, the less beneficial it will be for the body and the greater its laxative effect. It’s therefore essential to choose the best forms: magnesium citrate and magnesium chloride. It’s also important to control your magnesium intake from food if you are taking it in dietary supplement form.

To maximise this formulation’s efficacy, you can also follow these steps throughout the supplementation period:

1. Make sure you stay well-hydrated by drinking at least two litres of water a day, a little at a time. Good hydration promotes healthy circulation in muscle fibres.
2. Set aside time every day to relax (meditation, visualisation, listening to relaxing music, contemplation without stimuli, etc.) and ensure you get a good night’s sleep overwork and lack of sleep exacerbate pain.
3. Avoid eating foods that promote systemic inflammation such as red meat, dairy products, cooked meats, processed foods and refined cereals.
4. Prioritise anti-inflammatory foods, particularly those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fats that are able to reduce pain) as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, all rich in antioxidants. You can combine Muscle Relaxing Formula with a daily dose of Super DHA, a natural formulation rich in omega-3 which provides a much higher intake than can be obtained from everyday diets.