Replied by Bess from Calgary, Alberta, Canada on 07/26/2013

Hi Lin from Florida - Are you able to visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner? Perhaps a licensed acupuncturist would help. I did hear that SPZM tablets have alleviated various spasms (including facial, upper back, neck, etc.). They are available at Amazon as well as other online suppliers. I'm sure a TCM doctor would have them as well.

One customer review for SPZM tablets (on pureformulas.com) said: "I have been using SPZM for over six months to help control my hemifacial spasms. It has helped me quite a bit with this condition with no noticeable side effects."

Hope this helps. Cheers, Bess

Replied by Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa on 07/27/2013

Dear Lin from Florida, Looks like Bess had some great ideas for you! A couple of things come to my mind that you could safely, easily and inexpensively try. One is Blackstrap molasses. 1 T, once or twice a day. (Right off the spoon, or mixed in milk or coffee or whatever.) I have seen it so helpful for calming muscle problems.

Another thing to try is chamomile tea. At least 2 mugs a day. But it is very relaxing and might make you sleepy. Pour boiling water over the tea bag in a mug. Let it steep for 10 minutes or so. Remove tea bag and sweeten if you like.

Finally, some peppermint and/or lavender essential oil massaged in the area of spasm a couple of times a day, or when it is bothering you might help. The peppermint oil is pretty strong and you might want to mix a few drops into 1/2 t. of coconut oil. Don't get it in your eyes. It will not cause long term harm, but it will not be comfortable.

Let us know what helps you!

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Lin from Florida on 08/19/2018

Thank you for your suggestions. Currently I am on a limited income and cannot go to practitioners mentioned. I started taking liquid magnesium chloride last week. No change in frequency of spasms so far.

Replied by Art from California on 08/20/2018

Lin,

The way you described that you are taking the liquid magnesium chloride, it sounds like you may be taking it orally? If that is correct, you might have better luck using it topically if what you have is a 50% magnesium chloride solution or less. If it is stronger than a 50% solution, you may have to dilute it or just get or make your own mag oil to 50% magnesium chloride flakes to 50% distilled water. I just applied a 50% solution to my face to make sure it is doable and it seems to be fine. Do not get near the eyes!

Art

Replied by Kim O from Ohio, USA on 12/14/2025

A friend of mine suffers from this condition. During an attack, I suggested she try her TENS unit. This helped her tremendously. It's not a cure. And I don't know if it is safe for everyone. Now she uses medical marijuana. She was addicted to marijuana before it was legal. Her personality changes have severed our 50+ year friendship. One person's remedy is another person's curse.