Muscle Cramp is a common health issue faced by many in their life. Those who participate in sports are prone to it. In muscle cramps, the most affected areas are lower leg (calf) and thigh muscles. Muscle cramps also sometimes happen in arms, hands, and feet. If you are wondering what helps with cramps, here is a list of natural home remedies for cramps.
1.Apple Cider Vinegar
It is high in potassium, raw and helps cure muscle cramps. When the body has low potassium, it becomes on of the leading cause of frequent muscle cramps. Nutrients in apple cider vinegar contribute to controlling the fluid balance in the body, thus preventing dehydration.
Add one tablespoon of it in a glass of warm water. Drink this syrup once a day to prevent muscle cramps.
2. Apply Cold or Heat
Cold therapy for 20 minutes every 4 hours can be beneficial. Apply ice or gel pads to relax the area. You can also reduce pain with heat, using warm clothes that promote vasodilation so that nutrients and electrolytes reach the area of pain.
3. Massage
Rubbing the affected area with circular motions provides relief. You can also use anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments or ointments used by athletes. These help decrease pain and relax the affected area, activate circulation, cool and soothe.
4. Lemongrass
Dilute in 20 ml of almond oil with 4 drops of cilantro and 2 drops of lemongrass essential oil, and apply with gentle massages in the area of the cramp. Lemon grass is allied to good blood circulation and is effective against rheumatism.
5. Molasses
Molasses is a rich source of calcium and potassium whose deficiency may lead to frequent cramps. Calcium and potassium from molasses help in strengthening muscles and prevent cramps.
6. Tea or Ointment with wormwood
Used to treat circulatory problems and fibromyalgia, it can calm cramps. Some soothing ointments contain it. Its effectiveness can be seen when drinking a tea of dry wormwood in 1 cup of boiling water and taken twice a day for a month.
7. Change the Posture
An uncomfortable and prolonged posture can cause cramping. In that case, it is better to change position; Try to stand up, gently move your legs or lie on the floor face up, can be with your feet elevated. You can also relax your muscles face down, legs loose and extended.
8. Take care of the heat
It is advisable to move away from very hot places. Exposure to high temperatures can trigger cramps, and in that case, little clothing should be worn to keep cool, and if you are outdoors, stay in the shade and in a ventilated place.
9. A Natural Smoothie
In some places in Latin America, it is believed that this shake can help fight cramps. Mix 1 glass of skimmed milk with 1/2 cup light natural yogurt, 1 banana and 1/2 cup orange juice in a blender and whisk. Drink 1 glass of this for several days: the potassium of the fruits and the calcium of the milk, will help to relieve cramps.
10. Arnica Flowers
The flowers are used to treat arthritic pains and rigidity of movements. A paste can be prepared with these and apply on the cramp and tie a cloth. Arnica gel 2 times a day for 3 weeks proved to be as effective as ibuprofen for reducing pain.
11. Guelder Rose or Cramp Bark
Also called “snowflake tree”, its scientific name is Viburnum opulus, whose bark is included in ointments to relieve cramps. According to Natural Standard, the essence of the plant has antispasmodic effects on the muscle.
