With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Cramps
The painful sensation in the body caused by contractions and over shortening of the muscles is known as cramps. The two major causes of muscle cramps are due to sodium imbalance and muscle fatigue. Nevertheless, there is another type of cramp called smooth cramps which may due to gastroenteritis and menstruation.
The different types of cramps:
- Smooth muscle cramps is basically pain in the internal organs which include uterus, intestine, kidney stone pain and other various parts.
- Menstrual cramps are abdominal cramps that may extend to the thighs and lower back.
- Skeletal muscle cramps occur mostly in the calves, arches of foot and thighs. It is also known as charley horse and can be extremely painful at times.
- Nocturnal leg cramps can also occur in the calves and soles of feet. It can also occur in the muscles in the body while resting at night.
These involuntary contractions of either a single muscle or a collective group of muscles can be intensively painful and bring about a lot of discomfort. Although, cramps do not have any age criteria but it can more often occur among elderly people. Some of the suggested Home Remedies for Cramps are listed below:
- The pickle juice and mustard has acetic acid which produces a stimulant called acetylcholine that helps to reduce the leg cramps. For this you simply need to take a teaspoon of mustard or otherwise a few ounces of pickle juice that can reduce the contractions and also prevent it.
- Another method to treat cramps is apple cider vinegar which is highly rich in potassium. In a glass of warm water, mix two teaspoon of apple cider vinegar along with a teaspoon of honey. Drink this mixture for some instant relief.
- Honey is known to prevent the cramps to recur. Regular consumption of honey after meals is effective for cramps.
- One of the common folk Remedies for Cramps is the chamomile tea. This contains glycine and amino acid which helps to relax the muscles.
For menstrual related problems, the home remedies are given below:
Menstrual cramps are a major problem for most women that may disrupt the regular routine and have some annoying symptoms. Consider one of the following methods that can ease the discomfort and pain which is commonly associated with the condition.
- Mint can be for menstrual cramps. This can be added to a cup of tea and taken twice a day. A mint candy can also help you in a great way!
- The warmth of hot liquids is beneficial and improves the blood flow which in turn relaxes the joints and muscles. Therefore the best way to overcome muscle cramps is by drinking hot herbal teas. In addition to this warmed lemonade can go a long way to reduce muscle cramps! Age old Home Remedies for cramps are given below:
- A mineral bath which may be a dip in an herbal tub that relieves the cramps. This can be done by using a cup of sea salt along with a cup of baking soda and added to a tub of warm water. Soak yourself for at least 20 minutes to relax the muscles.
- Parsley can be excellent for menstrual cramps and can help to treat the painful contractions. For better results, drink a glass of parsley juice and also you can enhance the nutritional value by blending the juice of parsley with that carrot, beet and cucumber juice.
- One of the old Remedies for Cramps is ginger. Boil a pound of ginger in a cup of water for some time. Prepare an infusion with sugar and take this regularly after meals. If you want to go for some herbal Remedies for Cramps then you can try out the following methods:
- Basil leaves are also excellent for the treatment for cramps. It has a pain killing component known as caffeic acid which is beneficial for menstrual cramps. You can either use this as a spice in cooking or a steep it in tea.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties that are known to ease the common symptoms of cramps. You can simply sprinkle cinnamon powder on the food you prepare or add in a cup of tea.
Other methods to treat cramps which can be tried at home are given below:
- A gentle massage on the tightened knots in natural directions of the muscles can improve the blood circulation and relieve the contracted muscles on the affected area.
- Stretching the muscle cramps gently can also ease the contraction. A muscle cramp in the thigh, the foot can be pulled slowly towards the buttocks and held for a minute. This is a good stretching regimen which should be done regularly to prevent the recurring of such kind of cramps.
- Keeping the body well hydrated can also reduce cramps. Therefore drink plenty of water throughout the day to replenish the lost fluids. This is a simple and best remedy and does not cause you a penny!
- Regular exercise and sexual intercourse can also reduce menstrual cramps. This improves the muscle movements and also increases endorphins release- a body natural way to kill pain.
- A cold pack or a warm heating pad can relax the tensed muscles and alleviate the pain. This is a simple and good treatment for cramps that can be done at home.
In addition to all the Home Remedies for Cramps, a healthy balanced diet which includes all the vital vitamins and minerals can help you to reduce the problem. Food rich in calcium are also known to tone muscle and prevent pains and cramps.
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