Fatigue and body pain are common and can occur for many reasons. Muscle weakness and chronic tiredness can often be treated effectively with natural at-home remedies.
Aches, pain, and fatigue are common complaints that practically everyone occasionally has. While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, overusing pain relievers can cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach upset.
Natural remedies are an option that may help you feel better with fewer side effects.
In this article, we’ll go over home remedies that have been found to reduce physical discomfort and ease fatigue.
Natural home remedies for body aches and pains
Body aches and muscle pain have many causes, such as:
- arthritis
- bursitis
- tendinitis
- overuse of muscles
- illness, including the flu and COVID-19
- fibromyalgia
There are several at-home, natural remedies you can try for these conditions and health issues that cause physical discomfort. In some instances, you may have the best results if you combine remedies.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a distinctively flavored spice that’s commonly used in Indian cooking. It contains curcumin, a compound that has been shown in studiesTrusted Source to reduce pain caused by various conditions, including diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis knee pain, and sciatica.
Turmeric is available as a supplement, a tea, a powder, or a seasoning. It may be most effective for pain relief when mixed with black pepper.
Heat therapy
Heat therapy has been shown in studies to soothe sore muscles and significantly reduce acute and sub-acute (longer-term) low back pain.
Using hot water bottles or heating pads on the abdomen is also effectiveTrusted Source as a remedy for menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) pain.
Heat helps ease pain by opening up constricted blood vessels. The increase in blood flow helps reduce joint stiffness due to osteoarthritis and other conditions.
In some instances, you may find that alternating heat and cold is the most effective treatment for you.
Cold therapy
Ice easesTrusted Source the inflammation, swelling, and pain caused by injuries such as muscle sprains and strains. It can also reduce the pain of tendinitis, bursitis, sciatica, and other conditions.
Applying ice at the onset of pain can be especially helpful. Wrap an ice pack or a pack of frozen peas in a towel and apply it to the affected area on and off for 20 minutes at a time.
Massage
The scientific evidence on the benefits of massage for pain relief is mixedTrusted Source. However, many people swear by both professional massage therapists and at-home massage tools.
If you’re under stress or feeling anxious, you may tense up your muscles, causing them to spasm. Massage is relaxing and can help reduce stress, eliminating this painful cycle. Massaging a muscle when it’s cramping can also help the muscle to release.
What’s the fastest way to get rid of body aches?
Body aches have a wide range of underlying causes. It may sound counterintuitive, but in many instances, stretching and light exercise may be the quickest way to get rid of body aches. Other quick remedies include:
- Walking and swimming: This may be especially beneficial for reducing back and knee pain.
- Arm exercises and shoulder rolls: These exercises can be helpful for calming down shoulder pain.
- Alternating ice and heat therapy: This may get quick results for joint pain.
- A hot bath: This can quickly ease back pain.
Natural home remedies for fatigue and weakness
Fatigue and feelings of weakness in the body occur due to various conditions, like insomnia, heart disease, or chronic fatigue syndrome.
One of the best natural home remedies for fatigue and muscle weakness is practicing self-care. Taking care of your body and brain can be highly beneficial for improving energy and mood. Self-care strategies to try include:
- exercising regularly
- establishing a good sleep hygiene routine
- reducing or eliminating alcohol, especially at night
- eating nutritious foods
- staying hydrated
- reducing stress through meditation or yoga
Nutrition for muscle aches and fatigue
| What to eat or drink | Why it helps |
| tart cherry juice | This contains anthocyanins, a water-soluble pigment with anti-inflammatory properties |
| coffee | Caffeine can temporarily reduce fatigue. Drink it early in the day to avoid insomnia at night. Coffee has also been shown in studies to support heart health. |
| eggs | Eggs are high in fatigue-busting protein, healthy fats, and leucine, an amino acid that supports muscle recovery. |
| water | Water is the main component of your body’s muscle mass. Sufficient hydrationTrusted Source maintains the balance of electrolytes and helps you avoid muscle cramps and weakness. |
| bananas | Bananas are high in potassium, an electrolyte and mineral. PotassiumTrusted Source supports nerve and muscle function. Not getting enough can cause muscle weakness and fatigue. |
When to speak with a doctor
You know your body best. If constant fatigue and aches that won’t quit have become a daily or long-term occurrence, speak with a medical professional.
Pain that’s severe enough to keep you up at night or that doesn’t respond to home treatment should also be discussed with a doctor. Diagnostic tests might uncover a condition, such as anemia or diabetes, that’s causing tiredness and weakness.
It may also be possible that regular fatigue is a side effect of a medication you’re taking. If that’s the case, a doctor may be able to alter your medication program.
Takeaway
Fatigue and body pain are common occurrences with many potential underlying causes. Muscle weakness and chronic tiredness can often be treated effectively with natural at-home remedies.
Body pain or fatigue that doesn’t respond positively to at-home treatments should be discussed with a medical professional.
Last medically reviewed on September 2, 2025
How we reviewed this article:
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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Sep 5, 2025
Written By
Corey Whelan
Edited By
Rena Goldman
Copy Edited By
Matt Ng
Sep 2, 2025
Medically Reviewed By
Alana Biggers, MD, MPH
Reference: Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Corey Whelan — Updated on September 5, 2025