Muscle spasms occur when a muscle contacts involuntarily. Several things can cause muscle spasms, such as muscle injury, muscle overuse or dehydration when performing a strenuous activity according to the Columbia University Medical Center. Stress may also cause muscle spasms, particularly in the neck. Traditional medications may cause undesirable side effects, therefore, many people are interested in trying herbs to relieve their severe muscle spasms. However, before taking any herbs talk to a physician.
Wild Yam
This herb is said to be beneficial for treating muscle spasms, inflammation and cramps, specifically menstrual cramps. This herb may also help prevent intestinal spasms. There is a small chance that this herb can produce estrogen-like effects; therefore, anyone who is at risk for a hormone-related cancer should avoid taking wild yam according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy should not be combined with wild yam. This herb should be avoided by people who are pregnant or nursing; have endometriosis, blood clots, fibroid tumors, hormone-sensitive conditions, or breast, ovarian or uterine cancer.
Wild yam should also be avoided by those taking diabetes medications, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, Flagyl, Antabuse, progesterone, steroids, vitamin C or potassium.
Cayenne
This herb is known for its pain-controlling abilities due to capsaicin, one of its main ingredients. It is said to help relieve a variety of pain, including lower back pain, muscle pain from fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint pain from fibromyalgia, nerve pain, post-surgical pain and peripheral neuropathy pain according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This herb is commonly used topically to help relieve muscle-related pain.
When applied directly to the skin, burning and itching can occur, but these are typically short-term side effects. When taken internally, stomach irritation can occur. Capsaicin should never be used in combination with hot water or a heating pad.
Those who have heartburn or ulcers should avoid cayenne, which contains capsaicin. Consuming too much capsaicin can cause kidney damage, stomach pain and liver damage. Pregnant women can safely consume cayenne as a cooking spice, but they should not take it as a supplement. Nursing women should avoid this herb.
Those who are allergic to bananas, chestnuts, latex, kiwi and avocado can also be allergic to cayenne. Those taking ACE inhibitors, aspirin, theophylline, stomach acid reducers or blood-thinning medications should avoid this herb.
Passion Flower
Passion flower may help alleviate a variety of ailments, including muscle pain, muscle twitching and spasms, general pain, stress, nerve pain and headaches. This calming herb is most popular for its sedating and relaxing effects. This herb should not be taken when nursing or pregnant.
Those taking other sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, anticonvulsants, antihistamines, antispasmodics, caffeine, drugs broken down within the liver, neurologic agents, Flagyl, Antabuse, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-cancer drugs, antitussives, CNS depressants, naloxone, flumazenil, monoamine oxidase inhibitors or blood-thinning medications should avoid passion flower.
Side effects can include asthma, skin rashes, irritated sinuses, inflammation of the skin's blood vessels, rapid heart rhythm, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, increased bleeding risk and mental slowing according to Medline Plus.
