Have you ever wondered why your muscles are sore the day after exercising? According to Today I Found Out, muscle soreness is actually a condition known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). DOMS occurs six to eight hours after exercising and reaches its peak at 48 hours, reports Breaking Muscle. When you suffer from DOMS, you actually experience micro-fractures in your muscle cells. 
But muscle aches are not always caused by exercising. According to Healthline, achy muscles can often caused by stress or tension. They can also be a symptom of such medical conditions as fibromyalgia, flu, lupus, hyper- and hypothyroidism, and potassium deficiency. No matter the reason for your achy muscles, there are a number of ways to safely and effectively soothe and relax your muscles.
1. Cherry juice. Long distance runners will be glad to know that a study from Oregon Health and Science University found that drinking tart cherry juice 7 days before a particularly strenuous run can reduce muscle pain. The study explains tart cherries are effective because they are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. 
2. Coffee. According to an article on WebMD, researchers at the University of Illinois found that drinking a cup of coffee can help reduce post-exercise muscle pain. This is because caffeine is linked to the part of the brain involved in processing pain. 
3.  Molasses. Blackstrap molasses has an incredibly high magnesium content. Because of this, molasses is a fantastic preventative against achy muscles. Natural Alternative Therapies recommends drinking a tablespoon of molasses in a glass of water daily. Alternatively, you can add molasses to your morning coffee. 
4. Apple cider vinegar. Health.com recommends wrapping a cloth dipped in apple cider vinegar around your achy muscles. Keep the cloth in place for 20 minutes. You may feel relief in as little as one hour. 
5. Coconut oil. Coconut oil can prevent muscle cramps and spasms, says Earth Clinic. In addition to adding it to your everyday diet, you may also benefit from massaging your sore muscles with coconut oil.  
6. Cayenne rub. Cayenne naturally occurs in bell peppers, chili, paprika, and habanero. This potent ingredient has long been used as a natural home remedy against pain, says Learning Herbs. It works because the active ingredient in cayenne, capsaicin, inhibits the neurotransmitter in your brain that signals pain. To make a pain-relieving muscle rub as instructed by The Hippy Homemaker, fill a jar with cayenne until it is a third full. Top off the jar with olive or coconut oil. Leave the jar in the sun for two weeks and then strain the solution. Rub the oil on your sore muscles for quick relief. 
7. Watermelon. This summer fruit contains an amino acid known to prevent against muscle pain. This is why researchers in Spain are suggesting it be used as a new drink for athletes. Watermelon juice is so effective, it can reduce muscle soreness after only 24 hours. 
8. Blueberry. Researchers in New Zealand found that drinking a blueberry smoothie before and after exercise can actually speed up the time it takes for muscles to recover. This is because blueberries are full of recovery-promoting antioxidants. 
There's no longer reason to suffer from sore muscles. Try one of these home remedies today.
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