Herbs for Muscle Cramps
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Sharon
Posted on: June 7, 1998

I’ve been having a lot of muscle cramping lately. When I stretch out in the AM, my muscles seem to STAY stretched out in a cramp. My toes cramp under. It’s so painful. Can you recommend anything? I already take Dong Quai, fenugreek and Thyme. I’m 49 years old.

You should consult your doctor to rule out any underlying disorder that may be causing your muscle cramping.

Siegfried Gursche, in "Encyclopedia of Natural Healing" (Alive Publishers, Canada, (800) 663-6580 or Natural Life Publishing Inc., U.S. (800) 663-6513) states that muscle cramping may be caused by circulation problems such as in arteriosclerosis or thrombosis, which must be attended to by a doctor, or by a lack of calcium or magnesium (especially if leg cramping occurs at night), both required for muscle contraction, or by an acidic environment in your body.

Magnesium is lost by consumption of alcohol and coffee. Green vegetables, peanuts, sesame seeds and walnuts are high in calcium and magnesium. Other good calcium sources are dairy products and oily fish such as sardines and salmon. Magnesium is also supplied in fresh fruits such as apples, bananas and black grapes and in almonds. An acidic environment can be avoided by eliminating fatty or processed food, sugar and vinegar containing products. Fresh fruit and vegetables are best to create a more healthy, alkaline environment.

A lack of iron in the blood can result in circulation problems. Almonds, dried fruits, spinach, seaweeds and beets can help to build up the blood.

Herbs that can help are: Nettles and Parsley for iron, Yarrow and Linden flowers (Tilia) to improve circulation and Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) to help calcium absorption and improve the quality of connective tissues. Teas can be made from these herbs by steeping a teaspoon of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water, covered in a ceramic teapot or cup, for 15 minutes.



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