Muscle Cramps
Natural Remedies

Muscle Cramp Remedies

Multiple Remedies

5 User Reviews
4 star (1) 
  20%
3 star (1) 
  20%
1 star (3) 
  60%

Posted by Faith (Alabama) on 04/05/2015
★☆☆☆☆

I have terrible leg cramps lately--they start at my shin. When I stand to work it out, it moves to my thigh. Then it spreads to my foot, curling it outward so badly that, if I stand, I am on the top of my foot. I have been using mag oil for the past 2 weeks, covering all my skin for 20 minutes 2x per day. Then I use more when it actually cramps. I also take potassium, about 300 mg per day. I use sea salt on my food, so I get that. Any other suggestions? I feel this all day long, ready to spasm if I flex my foot. Also, I walk about 2 miles + or - daily.

Replied by Paulette
(Celina, Tx.)
04/05/2015

Also, try a spoon of yellow mustard. And put a bar of soap {I use Cares} under the bottom sheet on your bed down by your legs. I read about this in the newspaper and it works. Hope it works for you.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Faith (Alabama) on 04/05/2015
★☆☆☆☆

I have terrible leg cramps lately--they start at my shin. When I stand to work it out, it moves to my thigh. Then it spreads to my foot, curling it outward so badly that, if I stand, I am on the top of my foot. I have been using mag oil for the past 2 weeks, covering all my skin for 20 minutes 2x per day. Then I use more when it actually cramps. I also take potassium, about 300 mg per day. I use sea salt on my food, so I get that. Any other suggestions? I feel this all day long, ready to spasm if I flex my foot. Also, I walk about 2 miles + or - daily.

Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
04/05/2015

To Faith,

Re leg cramps...using Pressure Points

If your leg cramps are mainly on one side of your body...left leg more than right leg or the other way around, then the problem is not a nutritional deficiency. More likely it is the pelvis out of place...shifted too high on the cramping side.

I deal with this by placing person on carpeted floor face down with small pillow for neck support. Using my thumb, I begin probing and holding down thumb for a moment or two and then moving the thumb a quarter inch...I'm doing this on hip on side of pelvis, on the aching side. If a few minutes the "patient" will "yelp out" in finding I'd hid a sharp pain. Then the finger is held for 15 seconds and gently released. Do this repeatedly on the sensitive pelvis area where the sensitive area is. Then work down the hurting leg...down the sciatic nerve and there will be more very sensitive zones. Pressure point them too. Patient will be sore the next day and by second will not be hurting nearly so much. This is the use of "pressure points" and can be very helpful.

This is my experience. I also take my hands and hold down on pelvis while patient pushes up like in a push up...gently pushing his lower torso up and against your weight on pelvis. Do this twice. That "push up" technique will also help reset the pelvis back to normal in relation to the lower vertebra.

If you've ever had a hip roll then the patient will be helped by that also. Google that and you will see how a home version could be done. The hurting leg is on top and is rolled toward body.

If patient is somewhat improved a few hours later, then likely the problem is pelvis. I repeat the next day or two. Again, the places where the pressure has been placed will be sore the next day. But better day two.

Replied by Steve
(Nevada)
04/05/2015

Sounds like you are on the right track. Sometimes energy healing or cold laser therapy can be very helpful with muscle cramp issues as well.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by May10777 (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) on 05/30/2014
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I have suffered severe spasms for many years. The only thing that ever really helped me was Quinine which is not available anymore. My last scrip was in '04. There seems to be no answer to why I have them. My doctors say "some people just have them and some people don't." These are serious spasms where both feet and legs are sometimes affected alway up so cannot get up and walk it out. Or once I was driving and both hands drew up in knots at the same time. Scary, hurting so bad and trying to hold a steering wheel like that.

The Doctor recommended calcium years ago and at first it seemed to help. Next time I complained she said try Magnesium as you may have a shortage. Again it helped and I was able to sleep through the night. But not for long. I have used a teaspoon of yellow mustard, a little pickle juice, a little vinegar & honey and all these things will give some relief after a few minutes. But getting to them can be a problem and the safest & simplest thing I can do is keep water by my bedside! I have learned if I drink a glass of water right away it helps.

The bar of soap in bed did not work for me.

I have noted that when I run out of milk and don't drink milk I sleep through the night and don't have them. I read somewhere that milk actually leaches calcium out of bones and that may be what is happening. I can get more calcium eating collards greens without the cramps.

I have never heard of using Lobellia before but I will have to try it. I'm always on the look out for anything that helps.

Thank you and I wish everyone who has to deal with this find the right answer.

Replied by Janet
(Coventry, Uk)
05/30/2014

Can you get Schweppes Bitter Lemon or Tonic where you are? They both contain small amounts of Quinine. I always have some in the cupboard and drink a tumbler of one of them when I get leg cramps.

Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
05/30/2014

To May 10777,

Re Quinine....

I did a Google search and found "Quinine" from a Canadian source.

Also when I get too much carb overload (especially sugar) in afternoon and evening I'm liable to have leg issues. For quick relief I take one third teaspoon of baking soda in a half glass of water and dissolve. Then I "pat" some of the liquid on my knees...twice on each knee cap. And then drink the rest. The aching I relate to metabolism issues, but somehow the dissolved baking soda gives instant relief.

Also, for a bad case, I'll triple up on my AEP (Calcium AEP).

For aching that involves the entire leg...that's a circulation problem. I use natural (NOT synthetic) vitamin E plus added magnesium. And a good soak every week in two cups of Epsom Salts in a tub of warm water is a great help. The key is the E. I take 1, 000 IUs daily. Start at 200 IUs and over months increase to at least 400.

If the aching is from a vein issue...I use Horse Chestnut in pill form. Three daily.

If the aching is due to onset MS, the AEP will work wonders. My mother kept mobile even though she had full blown MS for the last 15 years of her life. Whenever she had a "flare up" she'd take another 6 AEP tablets, and gone were the aches.

So...aching can be the result of a number of issues. Maybe a combo. But get off the sugar as a dietary help.

Replied by Kay
(Fl)
05/31/2014

Spasms are both muscle and nerve related often relating to mineral deficiencies (and dehydration or fluid-transmission problems). Worse, yet, it is very common that when you treat one deficiency, you create an imbalance in the other(s), in a constant see-saw action. Mineral deficiencies are very common in people habitually taking meds/foods/drinlk that deplete certain minerals; also in athletes, outdooor laborers in hot climates, and in habitual drug/alcohol users (esp crack/meth).

The minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium and zinc MUST be kept in proper balance with each other in order for muscles/nerves to work properly. (Simply put: Calcium controls contraction of muscles, Magnesium controls relaxation of a contracted muscle, Potassium and Zinc controls many necessary adjunct functions, including the uptake of fluids and minerals into muscle tissue, and transmission nerve signals).

One of the easiest/fastest/affordable ways to rebalance your mineral levels (without paying for extensive testing/measuring and dosing) is by purchasing a homeopathic mix of "tissue salts" (aka "cell salts") available at most good health food stores. Since you dont know your mineral levels, and your problem is ongoing for awhile (and could be from several causes and/or multiple imbalances), I would choose the bottle that contains all the basic cell salts; one of several choices is named "Bio-Plasma" made by Hylands ($18 for 1000 tabs; which will last you 6months or years). Take as directed (under tongue; several times a day) until you get relief, then stop. Since they are homeopathic, they will balance themselves out properly over time (as long as you stop taking them each time you get relief). If/when you have a relapse , start taking them again as directed (until you get relief, then stop; then restart them if/when you relapse; stopping & starting over & over again). This will slowly/surely reload both your tissues and body fluids to the proper levels, correcting any deficiencies (which takes more time in deep/damaged tissue).

Hylands has a great laymans website for more details explaining the theory & practices of homeopathy, and cell-salts, and the particular function/workings of each salt (which can all be bought separately, and in different "combos").

Although the Bio-Plasma combo works slower than single salts, it is much more thorough in re-balancing your entire system; adequately replenishing (and eventually helping to repair) muscles, tissues, nerves, transmitters, etc. Otherwise, using a single salt may just be putting a small bandaid on a much more extensive problem.

When you no longer have any relapses at all (over a much longer period then previously), then put your cell-salts away and be sure to take a (high-quality) multi-vitiamin/mineral supplement dialy; and eat a healthy/balanced diet with lots of fresh (or fresh-frozen) colorful veggies and fruits, and plenty of water daily. Do not eat canned foods; do not drink sodas or exceed 2 caffinated drinks per day (if that)! Stay hydrated!

If cell-salts don't solve your spasms, then at least you know your minerals levels are probably not the primary issue. (Good Luck & Best Wishes! )

PS: Bottle/can "Tonic Water" has similar features/functions as Quinine (in minute doses), so it may be handy in-a-pinch (but not to be used as a substitute for re-balancing your minerals! ).

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
06/01/2014

May10777, can you stay away from milk (and milk products)?


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Shelagh (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) on 02/12/2009
★☆☆☆☆

This is a bit crazy- I fell on the job last June & tore my anterior deltiod- I am receiving massage therapy and chiropractic treatments which are helping- but the healing is so slow going it's making me nuts! I am 51, I kayak for 'therapy' and have been unable to do this since my fall. And last night I fell again; tripped over a raised bit of something in the concrete... this time I badly injured the opposite elbow- I was actually sitting on the cold ground for a half hour before I could catch my breath & talk myself into biting the bullet through the pain & forcing myself to get up. I had my cell phone and actually considered calling the police for assistance!

I endured interesting muscle spasms all night & even throughout today as I tried to straighten my arm... elbow hurts like hell if I attempt to straighten it- I will seek treatment for this since I am still dealing with shoulder issue.

Ironically, now my 'bad' shoulder is my 'good' one. Sigh.

My question: what to do for acute intense muscle spasms? I rested last night with my arm elevated, iced, rubbed Epsom salts into the area for magnesium... massaged with witch hazel, wrapped in rags with ACV... I took 3 500 mg caps of turmeric. Sleeping was still a miserable ordeal. A slightest movement would send screaming spasms into my elbow and forewrm... causing my hand to clench...

I finally bought otc pain relievers this afternoon because I had to work...

Tonight I can't sleep for the pain... am going to make a cayenne concoction with turmeric... repeat some of my machinations from last evening, see if I can dream up any magic potion... in the mean-time, any other suggestions?

Thanks people. Peace.

Replied by Tess
(Palm Beach, FL)
02/12/2009

Hi Shelagh, not sure this will be of any help, but I found this while searching under Vitamin D3 cures:
http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec01/ch004/ch004k.html

"Symptoms and Signs:
Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle aches, muscle weakness, and bone pain at any age."

There may be other vitamin or mineral deficiencies which can also cause intense muscle pain. I will keep looking.


Mustard

6 User Reviews
5 star (5) 
  83%
1 star (1) 
  17%

Posted by Stuman (Oceanside, Ca) on 12/29/2016
★★★★★

Mustard provided immediate relief for my night time finger cramp. 2 teaspoons of mustard at the time of the cramp has given me relief within 10 seconds of ingestion.

I am still looking for a preventative solution to my overnight, middle, finger cramp.

Replied by Lily
(Atascadero, California)
12/27/2017

Reply to person with middle finger cramp... I had a severe cramp to my middle finger that caused me not to be able to move it...it was bent and I could not straighten it. A friend got me to try a parafin wax bath (In which) you coat your hand with hot wax) you cover your coated hand with plastic (a baggie will work) Immediatly after the treatment ..I was once again able to move the finger. I had the condition for approximately 2 years..and am happy to say that it has never returned even after 11 years. I now own one of those wax baths but haven't had to use it since the friend let me use hers!


Mustard
Posted by Art (Mt. Marion, Ny) on 02/22/2012

Many have mentioned the effectiveness of pickle juice to relieve muscle cramps, well dill pickle juice is usually loaded with mustard seeds. Perhaps it's the salt and mustard thing working hand-in-hand.


Mustard
Posted by BKay (Bozeman, MT) on 05/25/2009
★★★★★

A great remedy for muscle cramps is mustard. I get muscle cramps in my feet and legs frequently. When I get them, or think they might be coming on, I take a couple teaspoons of mustard and get almost immediate relief.

Replied by Flo
(Segamat, Johor, Malaysia)
05/25/2009

Hello! I've been reading Earth Clinic since yesterday. When I came across this Muscle Cramps.... I just had to tell about this "Cramp Keep Away" remedy. No medication, No explanation as to why it works BUT IT WORKS. Not only for me but for my friends who tried it.

What is needed is a cake of soap - any brand. Keep it close to you - in your pocket, on your table, bed, chair etc. You don't even have to take it out of its wrapper. Cramps leave fast and stay away! I found it in a Korean lady's blog a year ago.

By the way I'm going to start on ACV to lower my HBP.


Mustard
Posted by Alice (Orem, Utah) on 03/17/2009
★★★★★

I have suffered with leg cramps since my youth. The best thing I have found after trying several remedies is to take a teaspoon of yellow mustard each day followed with warm water or milk. Once you get it in your system it seems to be o'k if you miss now and then. Soon as I get forgetful and don't take it for awhile, the leg and feet spasms are back. Any brand of yellow table mustard works. Hope it helps someone else.


Mustard
Posted by Sam (Bournemouth, England UK) on 11/21/2007
★☆☆☆☆

I am currently in extreme pain. MY foot is badly cramping after a lot of exercise this week . . . i knew i didn't need to loose weight!!!! LOL I've read all comments on here and tried mustard to no avail and a hairdryer which eased my pain but only when the heat was over my foot. I'm now sat with my foot in a bowl of boiling hot water which is dulling the pain and making it slightly more bareable. Should i have been able to lay my hands on string at 1:42am i would give it a try. I am praying this is going to be a one off . . . but take comfort in knowing others sit wde awake in agony not knowing what to try next either!! At least your comments have made me smile in my hour(s) of need!!! so thank u


Mustard
Posted by Helen (Long Island, New York) on 03/27/2007
★★★★★

A teaspoon of mustard cured my leg cramps the other night. It worked within minutes.


Mustard
Posted by Ruth (Banning, California) on 11/27/2006
★★★★★

A teaspoonful of prepared Mustard like Frenchs brings toe and leg cramps relief. I have tiny packets of mustard (that I purchase at Smart & Fiinal restaurant suppliers) and carry them in my handbag and at my bedside for quick relief. It works fast 99% of the time.


Nattokinase

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Deborah (MI) on 02/27/2022
★★★★★

I wanted to add my wonderful experience using Nattokinase I ordered off Amazon. I had a horrid knot in my left calf for three straight months. I thought it was a spasm but it never went away no matter what I tried. I think it was a clot. Took the Nattokinase and after 3 days the pain was totally gone. Took two 800mg capsules per directions on the label. So happy I tried this.


Nettle Root Tea

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Bioh4ck (England) on 06/16/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Having bad leg cramps most of my life, I finally found the solution that works by mistake while drinking nettle ROOT tea for something else.

I started drinking nettle root tea for my low blood iron levels, only to discover it cured my night leg cramps or charlie horse cramps as some call it. I collect the nettle roots from a near by field, wash them, dry in the sun for a few days and then grind them up which is the tough part of the process. I try to find the older nettle roots in big patches because they grow their roots over the ground and not in the ground, so no digging, I collect a big bag full which will last me the year or so. Just make sure to wear gloves and long sleeves so not to get stung when ripping the roots out.

If I go on a long walk, or a hard days work or take a hot bath or sunbath for to long due to the sweating out of minerals, I would get bad cramps in the evening mainly when in bed, so I make sure I drink a cup of nettle root tea. Drop a couple of teaspoons of dried nettle root in a saucepan and boil for 5 to 10 mins. Strain to a mug and drink. Taste is good too.

Works every time for cramps.


Niacin

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Ss (Santa Barbara, Calafia) on 01/09/2011
★★★★★

Niacin is EXTREMELY effective for leg cramps. Unlike magnesium, it does NOT result in muscles becoming so relaxed your body's energy levels appear to be reduced.


Pickle Juice

8 User Reviews
5 star (8) 
  100%

Posted by Bebe (Monticello, FL) on 08/13/2023
★★★★★

My son experienced vicious leg cramps after football practices. The coaches started providing dill pickle juice along with water. They would encourage the athletes to drink a half glass if they had cramps. Recently, I have had leg cramps at night. I now have a glass of pickle juice by my bed. After drinking 1/4-1/2 glass, the leg cramps go away.

Replied by Gary
(Kitchener On)
08/13/2023

Hi Bebe

Yes, I heard about pickle juice. I also heard about Vaper Rub, the kind you rub on your chest for a cold.. It works in less than a minute after applying to the cramp. It really works.

Take care Bebe

Gary

Replied by lisa
(idaho)
08/29/2023

Acid ( in pickle juice) frees up the calcium, by removing it from the bones, then the muscles stop cramping.

not a good long term solution.

Probably the problem is Oxalates tying up the calcium, I would suggest adding extra calcium / mag to each meal and even extra more if lots of oxalates in the meal.+



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