Natural Home Remedies for Leg Cramps
Muscle Cramps
Normally, muscles contract and then release, stretching out again. When a muscle contraction is strong and not followed by the subsequent stretch, you experience a cramp. The muscles in the legs, particularly the calf muscles, tend to cramp up the most. These spasms often happen during the night, shocking you out of your sleep with excruciating pain. Why do they happen and how can they be prevented? What home remedies for leg cramps can be used?
Muscle spasms are usually due to one of two things — nutritional deficiencies or poor circulation. By addressing these two issues you can treat this painful problem. There are other potential factors that can lead to leg cramps, such as dehydration, physical strain, hormone imbalances, anemia, fibromyalgia, atherosclerosis, and the use of some medications, particularly diuretics.
Diet and Nutrition
One of the most important ways to treat leg cramps naturally is to improve your diet and consider taking nutritional supplements to address any imbalances. Deficiencies of vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and magnesium may by the cause of the spasms. Vitamins C and E are important for healthy circulation. When the body doesn’t have enough electrolytes, the minerals calcium, magnesium, and potassium, muscle cramps are prone to happen. The B complex vitamins are also important for improving nerve function.
Be sure to include plenty of green leafy vegetables, sweet peppers, tomatoes, bananas, nuts, beans, seeds, and brown rice in your diet to supply the body with the right nutrients. Also, consider taking a high-quality multi-vitamin for healthy muscles.
Epsom Salt Baths
Another home remedy is a soothing Epsom salt bath. Epsom salts are magnesium sulfate crystals. Add one to two cups to bath water and soak for about twenty minutes. This will help by improving circulation but also by supplying the body with a rich dose of magnesium. If you are pregnant or if you have heart problems talk to your doctor before using this treatment.
Hot and Cold
A simple remedy to improve circulation, promote healing, and relieve pain is to use hot and cold compresses. Alternate between an ice pack and a hot compress, using each for five to ten minutes. This is a safe treatment that anyone can use.
Massage
When a leg cramp happens, elevate the leg and massage the muscle. This will help to promote blood circulation and relieve the cramping. Slapping the affected area will also stimulate blood flow. Before you go to sleep spend five minutes stretching out the leg and gently massaging the calf.
Herbal Therapy
How can herbs help with leg cramps? Herbs such as garlic, cayenne, and ginkgo biloba will improve circulation. Drinking a nervine herbal
infusion before going to sleep can also help to prevent cramping by relaxing the muscles. Try a cup of oatstraw or valerian root tea before bed. While these herbs are safe for general use always talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or taking any prescription medications.
Home remedies for leg cramps can be used to treat the pain but also to prevent muscle spasms. Understanding the common causes of this problem — poor circulation and nutritional deficiencies — you can easily remedy this condition. If you continue to have leg cramps, or if you tend to experience them during the day make sure you see your doctor. They could be a sign of more serious circulatory problems.
References
Balch, Phyllis A. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing.” Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).
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photo by Rachel Davies (CC/flickr) https://www.flickr.com/photos/rachdavies/4561858180/
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