How to Relieve Leg Cramps With Herbs
Leg cramps are created when the muscles in your calves, your hamstrings or quadriceps become contracted, causing pain and tightness. Also known as a "charley horse," these cramps can be caused my many factors: restriction of circulation of the blood, dehydration, repeated use and exhaustion of a muscle, rigorous exercise, sitting uncomfortably, strain due to lack of stretching or because of a mineral deficiency. Although many of these cramp inducers can be avoided with simple body care, there are also herbal remedies to cure or relieve leg cramps.
Instructions
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Stay hydrated. Drink at least 64 ounces of water throughout the day and sports drinks with electrolytes after serious exertion to avoid cramping. According to herbs2000.com, lack of water and fluids can lead to leg cramps, especially when mixed with heat and vigorous exercise. Dehydration is one of the primary causes of night cramps in your legs.
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Drink herbal tea. Chamomile, peppermint, cinnamon and green teas are especially helpful in relaxing muscles and increasing circulation. Not only will the water prevent dehydration, but the herbs will have natural health benefits for your muscles and body.
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Add new herbs to your diet. There are many natural herbs that you might not be familiar with that help ease cramping. According to altmd.com, leg cramps often occur due to poor circulation of blood in the legs caused by inactivity, vascular disease, spasms of veins and arteries and stress.
Ginger is the most common. It is available as a raw or cooked food, in teas and as a supplement. It is a circulatory stimulant, which assists in reducing leg cramping. Peruvian bark is a bitter herb that has anti-inflammatory properties to aid with circulation. Cramp bark is an antispasmodic herb, which relaxes muscles and your nervous system. Both barks are available as teas and supplements. Also, ginko leaf extracts are available to improve circulation and provide antioxidants to protect blood vessels, according to altmd.com.
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Eat healthfully and get your nutrients to prevent a mineral deficiency leading to leg cramps. Calcium, magnesium and potassium are essential to preventing these muscle spasms and circulatory restrictions in your legs. Incorporate herbs like garlic, ginger, basil, parsley and cayenne pepper into your diet to assist with circulation and muscle constriction. Eat foods packed with essential minerals, like apples, bananas, nuts, corn, raspberries and honey.
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Relax with a warm bath or shower. The warm water will ease tense muscles and will also relieve muscle cramps. Add herbed oils--rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus oil--to increase soaking benefits or to massage into muscles for healing and cramp-relieving purposes.
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Tips & Warnings
It is important to stretch every day and drink lots of water. Muscle cramps are mainly caused by inactivity, dehydration and mineral deficiency. Avoid drinking alcohol and coffee, which restrict mineral absorption, or supplement with a multivitamin if you feel you aren't consuming enough nutrients. These herbal remedies will relieve and treat muscle cramps, but plan for long-term remedies and health care for the best results.
