If you have trouble with muscle spasms, you know how they can interrupt your daily life and your sleeping habits. Waking in the night with cramps in your legs or back can limit the amount of quality sleep you get, setting you up for a day of fatigue the following morning.Through holistic healing practices, several herbs and supplements have been discovered that you can take to reduce muscle spasms. Beginning any new herbal regime under the supervision of a qualified health care professional is recommended.
Wild Yam
Wild yam, not to be confused with the Western sweet potato, has long been used to treating muscle spasms and cramps. For centuries, herbalists have utilized wild yam to treat menstrual cramps. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some holistic healers also note that wild yam may have an anti-inflammatory effect that is likely to relax muscles and calm spasms. A tea of wild yam can be made using 1 to 2 tsp. of dried root mixed with 1 cup of boiling water, and steeped for for three to five minutes.
American Skullcap
American skullcap is a flowering plant native to North America. The plant is cultivated after approximately three to four years of growth. Skullcap has been studied for its use in treating nervousness, insomnia and muscle cramps. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, skullcap has been used for over 200 years to calm the symptoms of anxiety. As a daily supplement, take 1 to 2g of the dried herb once per day. American skullcap may also be used in a tea by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of the dried herb, and steeping for 20 minutes.
Yarrow
Yarrow is typically used to ease the cramps of smooth muscle such as the stomach, small intestine and uterus. Yarrow can be found in the forms of dried herbs, liquid extract and capsules or tablets. The recommended dose of yarrow to relieve muscle spasms and cramps, take 2 to 4g in capsule form three to four times a day. A muscle relaxing tea may also be used by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 1 to 2 tsp. of dried herb. Steep for five minutes, strain and cool. This tea may be consumed up to three times per day.
