Bending, twisting, lifting---any movement can generate a muscle spasm. Many spasms are temporary and the pain subsides quickly, but sometimes more severe spasms require treatment. There are numerous medications, both prescription and nonprescription, that either help to alleviate the pain or prompt the contracting muscle to relax. Frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxers is detrimental to the liver and kidney, but there are many herbs that safely alleviate a muscle spasm without causing harm to the organs.
Boswellia, Serrata and Capsaicin
The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook recommends boswellia serrata for muscle spasms because pharmacological studies revealed its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. Boswellia serrata comes from a tree that is native to the mountainous forests of India. A gummy extract from the tree's bark provides the boswellia essential oil. Look for boswellia in a topical cream to treat a muscle spasm. You can also find boswellia cream with capsaicin. Capsaicin, an ingredient derived from chili peppers, is another natural pain reliever. Studies have found that capsaicin reduces the transmission of painful impulses. Rub the cream several times daily into the afflicted muscle.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an herb that belongs to the buttercup family and is native to the eastern deciduous forests of northern American. The roots of the black cohosh plant carry curative properties. American Indian healers have long used the herb for the treatment of women's issues and joint and muscle pain. According to Stanley W. Beyrle, a naturopathic doctor at the Kansas Clinic of Traditional Medicine in Wichita, Kansas, the antispasmodic effect of black cohosh is immediate. He routinely recommends it to his patients who have injured backs, muscular cramps and strains, and arthritic pain. Black cohosh is available in tablet, capsule or extract form. The Chopra Center Herbal Handbook suggests a dosage of two tablets or 40 drops of the liquid extract twice daily. Avoid use of black cohosh if you are pregnant or nursing. Black cohosh may cause stomach upset.
Rosemary, chamomile, and lavender
Healers for centuries have used lavender, rosemary and chamomile to reduce tension and induce tranquility. Massage oil made from these herbs can help ease an aching cramp. To prepare the oil, mix three drops of rosemary and chamomile with eight drops of lavender in a base of almond oil. Massage the blend into the spasm, or if you can't reach the area, have someone apply it for you.
Another remedy with rosemary is a poultice made with dried rosemary and a few drops of water. Apply the rosemary poultice to the muscle spasm. You can cover the poulticed area with gauze and leave the poultice on for several hours. Placing a warm heating pad over gauze for 10 to 15 minutes will aid the poultice's effectiveness.
