Home Remedies and Herbs for Muscle Fatigue

Muscle fatigue refers to a decline in muscle force or power.¹ Muscle fatigue can be described in both a decrease in the magnitude and in the duration of muscle contractions.² There are several types of muscle fatigue, depending on the affected muscles. Skeletal muscle fatigue, for example, affects the skeletal muscles and is common following overuse, such as when exercising.² Respiratory muscle fatigue affects a person’s breathing when there aren't enough energy supplies to meet the demands of the respiratory muscles.³ 

According to the task dependency principle, there is no single cause of muscle fatigue.¹ Although muscle fatigue can refer to a variety of conditions, including a motor deficit or decline in mental function that affects muscles, the term is generally used in reference to exercise-induced muscle fatigue.¹

What Causes Muscle Fatigue?

The exact physiological causes for muscle fatigue vary, with many mechanisms causing muscle fatigue. This ranges from inadequate motor command in the motor cortex to the accumulation of metabolites present in muscle fibers. Muscle fatigue causes can include intense physical activity or performing an activity for a long period of time.¹ 

You are at higher risk of developing muscle fatigue if you are older.¹ Studies also show that women are less likely to become fatigued than men, even when matched for strength. It’s believed that this difference between male and females may have something to do with metabolic pathways that supply ATP during activities that cause fatigue.¹

Muscle fatigue is also linked with various medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease. Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often experience respiratory muscle fatigue due to not getting enough oxygen. Individuals with neurological disorders like postpolio syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also experience high rates of muscle fatigue as do people with metabolic disorders like diabetes.²

Muscle Fatigue Symptoms

Muscle fatigue is a symptom itself. During exercise, it simply indicates that you have overworked your muscles. Muscle fatigue can occur when the force the muscles exert decreases or when the duration of the performed activity decreases.¹ 

Muscle fatigue is typically treated through rest and ensuring you have enough nutrients in your diet to replenish your energy stores. Muscle fatigue herbal remedies may help with recovery or help strengthen muscles to reduce fatigue in the future. Talk to your doctor if you suspect it is a symptom of an underlying condition.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2375565/
2. http://blogs.umass.edu/janekb/files/2014/01/Kent-Braun-2012-CPreview-condensed.pdf
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00260877