Home Remedies for Cramps

Cramps are the painful and spasmodic contractions of the muscles.  Most often people get cramps in the calf muscles; however, one can also get them in thighs, feet or just about any muscle of the body. 

Cramps can be caused due to overexertion, stress, dehydration, or sometimes when the affected part of the body has remained frozen in one position for a long time! Less common causes include diabetes, hypoglycemia, anemia, Parkinson's disease, thyroid & endocrine disorders, and use of some medications. 

Try these traditional home remedies to ease the muscular cramps:

• Take 5g of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) roots powder with milk daily. This works as a nerve tonic & treats cramps.
• A massage with mustard oil on the affected part is beneficial to cure cramps.
• Before retiring to bed, drinking a glass of warm milk of with 1/4^th tsp dried ginger powder and 1 tsp of turmeric powder is said to give relief from cramps.
• Prepare a mixture of wintergreen oil (1 tbsp) with 4 tbsp of vegetable oil and massage over the affected area to relieve pain & stimulate blood flow.
• Taking a tsp of castor oil with milk at bed time is another useful remedy for cramps.
• Massage sesame oil into the muscle cramp for relief.
• Boil 1 tsp of sesame seeds in milk and take it warm at bedtime.  
• Applying a hot fomentation on the affected area with a bag of salt is also effective in providing relief from cramps.
• Taking a tsp of fennel seeds or carom seeds after meals with lukewarm water prevents the occurrence of cramps by stimulating digestion, and treating flatulence & bloating.
• Take a hot shower or apply an ice massage to the cramped muscle.

When we don't have enough fluid in our body system, it leads to an electrolytic imbalance that causes muscles to cramp up. Eating a diet rich in minerals like sodium, potassium and calcium regulate muscle contractions & help in curing cramps. Including Vitamin E rich food in the diet is said to improve blood flow through the arteries, and hence, treat cramps. Also, drink plenty of water daily to avoid dehydration. Stretching exercises of the limbs are beneficial.