From salts to massage bars we test remedies for tense and aching muscles

IF you’re troubled by tense, aching muscles, mineral magnesium can be a simple soother.

 Without enough of it, muscles can’t fully relax, sometimes causing cramps. 

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We look at toiletries and treatments that can help you ease the pain of aching muscles[/caption]

The recommended dietary allowance is 400-420mg daily for men and 310-320mg for women. 

Almonds, spinach and cashew nuts are great food sources.

But Jane Atkinson looks at other toiletries and treatments that can help you ease the pain.

SALTS

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This was bliss. All I did was tip a couple of handfuls into a hot bath and relax with the wonderful, slightly medicinal smell. This really did work[/caption]

IMMERSING yourself in a hot bath after a run is wonderfully relaxing, and added magnesium means the minerals can be absorbed across your entire body.

 I tried Westlab Recover Bathing Salts, which are a mix of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), eucalyptus essential oil, white willow – which is great for any inflammation – and arnica, which treats muscle aches and inflammation.

This was bliss. All I did was tip a couple of handfuls into a hot bath and relax with the wonderful, slightly medicinal smell. This really did work.

Last year, Westlab was the official supplier to the England Rugby League, helping players to prevent injury.

 I am not surprised. My achy, restless legs disappeared with this one.

If you don’t like baths, you can stick your feet into these too. £9.99 for 1kg bag at westlabsalts.co.uk.

MASSAGE BAR

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LUSH has launched a new magnesium range to improve muscle recovery, sleep and pain. It contains massage bars and Epsom salt cubes.

 Lush co-founder and marathon runner, Helen Ambrosen, and sports masseuse Nikki Camm are the minds behind the new products.

 I tried The Deep Sleep Magnesium Massage Bar which is designed to be used before and after exercise as the magnesium is thought to activate the neurotransmitters in our brain responsible for calming the mind and body, making it great to use before bedtime.

Perfect for applying after a hot shower, it contains cocoa with relaxing lavender and chamomile. I slept like a baby afterwards.

This is a buttery bar so it in the fridge to avoid an oily mess. £10 for a 65g bar lush.com.

SPRAY

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This contains a natural blend of magnesium chloride, lemon oil, arnica and capsicum which is great for nerve pain.[/caption]

QUICK, easy and gets to work rapidly. BetterYou Magnesium muscle spray is great to have ready for a quick spritz on your legs after exercise or before bed.

This contains a natural blend of magnesium chloride, lemon oil, arnica and capsicum which is great for nerve pain.

Ten sprays deliver 150mg of optimally absorbable magnesium. You can feel the results instantly. There was a slight tingling which I wasn’t too keen on, but apparently this may indicate low magnesium levels and is the result of the high-speed absorption through the pores.

 Be sure not to rub your eyes after applying and don’t store them in your gym bag as mine leaked.

Aside from that, it’s a worthwhile purchase. On offer at £11.15 for 100ml betteryou.com.