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

IF you are plagued by tight, aching muscles, mineral magnesium can be a simple calmer.

Without enough of it, the muscles cannot fully relax, which sometimes leads to spasms.

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

Almonds, spinach, and cashews are great food sources.

But Jane Atkinson looks at other skin care products and treatments that can help ease the pain.

SALTS

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Soaking in a hot bath after a run is wonderfully relaxing, and the addition of magnesium allows the minerals to be absorbed throughout the body.

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

That was luck. All I did was dump a few handfuls into a hot bath and relax to the wonderful, slightly medicinal smell. That really worked.

Last year Westlab were the Official Suppliers to England Rugby League helping players prevent injuries.

I am not suprised. My aching, restless legs went away with this one.

If you don’t like baths, you can also put your feet in them. £9.99 for 1kg bags 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 includes massage bars and Epsom salt cubes.

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

I tried the Deep Sleep Magnesium Massage Bar which is designed for use before and after a workout as the magnesium is believed to activate the neurotransmitters in our brain responsible for calming the mind and body, causing it to relax great to use before bed.

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

This is a buttery bar, so refrigerate to avoid an oily mess. £10 for a 65g bar lush.com.

SPRAY

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FAST, easy and quick to use. BetterYou Magnesium Muscle Spray is great for a quick spritz on your legs after a workout or before bed.

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

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

Don’t rub your eyes after applying and don’t keep it in your gym bag as mine leaked.

Other than that, it’s a worthwhile purchase. On sale at £11.15 for 100ml betteryou.com.