Pain in your muscles following a workout is known as DOMS – or delayed onset muscle soreness. It is triggered by small-scale damage to your muscles from strenuous or unaccustomed exercise.
Using this as a barometer isn’t sustainable. As you workout more, you’ll stop getting that soreness. Great news!
Lactic acid build-up is often blamed for post-workout muscle soreness, but lactic acid isn’t the problem; it breaks down quickly and is no longer present when the muscle soreness hits.
Why muscle soreness occurs is still a grey area, but anti-inflammatory herbs and spices can help: ginger, oregano and rosemary in food as a tincture or in essential-oil massage.
Turmeric is great to have daily with a little black pepper to enhance absorption. Aim for a teaspoon of turmeric per day.
Tart cherry juice has been shown to lessen pain and improve strength recovery in athletes at 2 cups per day; it also helps you sleep which is important for muscle repair.
Beta-glucan-rich medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps and chaga help mitigate oxidative stress, support community, and assist in muscle recovery.