Muscle spasms
can occur as a result of not stretching before you exercise, a deficiency of calcium in the body or a host of other reasons. There are many things you can do to treat muscle spasms. For instance, you can take a hot shower before exercise. You can increase your intake of calcium-rich foods to help with symptoms. Natural herbs can also be used and come in forms like tea, moist compresses, tinctures, and foot soaks.
Celery Seeds and Cramp Bark
Celery seeds are useful in the prevention of severe muscle spasms because they have anti-inflammatory properties. Celery seed can also help to reduce arthritis pain. Make an herbal tea using whole celery seeds by combining one teaspoon of fresh finely crushed celery seeds with one cup of boiling water. Let tea steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink. Tea may be ingested three times a day for relief. Celery seed capsules are also available -- take 1 to 2 tablets three times a day.
Cramp bark is typically used to treat cramps associated with the menstrual cycle. However, it can be used for other aches and muscle spasms as well. Available in tincture form, take 30 to 60 drops an hour. Reduce the dosage as the symptoms start to abate.
Chamomile and Mustard Seeds
Chamomile tea is helpful in relieving muscle spasms. Chamomile tea contains an amino acid called glycine, with helps to relax the muscles. Drink a cup of chamomile tea twice a day.
Try an Ayurvedic treatment to ease your muscle spasms. Fill a large foot bath or bowl with hot water, and add tea bags containing black or brown mustard seeds. Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes to alleviate symptoms.
Herbal Moist Compresses and Massage Oil
Moist, warm compresses that contain herbs can be used to ease severe muscle spasms. Take a flannel cloth and immerse in hot water to which you have added two ounces of powdered ginger. The water should be colored a deep yellow. Remove cloth, wring out and place on the affected area until the cloth becomes cold. Repeat the procedure until you have relief. It is a good idea to have a second cloth ready to rotate in the application. Ginger helps to ease joint inflammation, and will relax muscles.
Make an herbal massage oil to use in treating muscle spasms. Combine one cup of sweet almond oil with one ounce of cramp bark tincture, 1/2 ounce of lobelia tincture, and 1 1/4 ounces of wintergreen essential oil. Mix ingredients together, and massage into affected area. Store this oil in a tightly capped glass jar.
