Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your muscle spasms. According to the Spine Health website, a muscle spasm is an involuntary muscle contraction that usually involves considerable pain. Muscle spasms can also cause a temporary reduction in your joint range of motion in the affected area. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Cramp Bark
Cramp bark is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your muscle spams. According to the Botanical website, cramp bark, also known as Viburnam opulus, is a shrub native to North America that grows to a maximum height of 10 feet. Cramp bark, a member of the honeysuckle family, possesses an astringent and aromatic taste and drying tendencies. The bark of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including muscle spasms. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that cramp bark is an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory that restores balance in voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms. Cramp bark is particularly effective at relieving skeletal muscle spasms, notes Tilgner. Before taking cramp bark to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Valerian
Valerian is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your muscle spasms. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia that has been used medicinally for centuries. Valerian possesses a sweet and spicy taste and has slightly warming tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally to treat numerous health problems. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," valerian is an antispasmodic, sedative, relaxing nervine and hypotensive. Valerian, notes Smith, helps relieves muscle spasms, cramps and mild nerve pain. Valerian is also used to help reduce stress, anxiety, nervousness, agitation and irritability. Before taking valerian to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Arnica
Arnica is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your muscle spasms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, arnica, also known as Arnica montana, is a perennial plant that has been used topically for centuries by Europeans and Native Americans to help treat numerous musculoskeletal problems, including muscle aches and spasms, inflammation and flesh wounds. Arnica, a member of the aster family, has a light and flowery taste. The fresh whole plant or the flower heads are used medicinally. Tilgner states that arnica is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and topical counter-irritant that may be used internally or externally to treat ligament sprains, muscle strains and spasms, bruises, joint pain and sore muscles. Before taking arnica to help treat your muscle spasms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
