Severe cramps can occur in different muscles of your body and can cause excruciating pain, even if they only last a short time. A typical muscle cramp feels like a sudden sharp spasm or contraction. Another type of cramp can accompany menstruation and involves uterine muscle contractions, causing a throbbing pain in your lower abdomen and lower back. Gastrointestinal cramps can occur in your stomach or intestines. Herbs may help relieve severe cramps naturally. Consult your health care practitioner before starting herbal treatment for severe cramps.
Herbal Actions
Herbs to relieve severe cramps work on your muscles in a variety of ways. Antispasmodic herbs work on your autonomic nervous system to relax your muscles and ease muscle cramps and spasms. Carminative herbs relieve severe gastrointestinal colic, or cramping in your stomach and intestines. Nervine herbs are helpful for severe cramps related to menstrual problems. These herbs contain potent chemicals and are not for everyday use, but may work well when your cramps are severe. Check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs for severe cramps.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a European perennial with a long history as a nervine, antispasmodic and carminative herb. The roots and rhizomes are rich in valpotriates, which interact with benzodiazepine and GABA receptors in your brain, producing a potent sedative and muscle-relaxing effect. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, states that valerian's main uses are to relieve muscle cramps, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. Do not combine this herb with other sedatives.
Kava
Kava, or Piper methysticum, is an evergreen shrub native to Polynesia. Traditional healers use the rhizomes and roots to treat insomnia, anxiety and stress. The plant is rich in potent chemicals called kavalactones. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink explain that these chemicals bind to dopamine and GABA receptors in your brain, producing a muscle-relaxing and tranquilizing effect. Herbalist David Hoffmann notes that kava is an antispasmodic herb useful for skeletal muscle spasms and tension. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant or combine it with other sedatives or sleeping medicine.
Cramp Bark
Cramp bark, or Viburnum opulus, is a deciduous shrub with white flowers and red berries. Herbalists use the bark to treat menstrual cramps, stomach cramps and muscle spasms. The active ingredient is scopoletin, which is a powerful spasmolytic and uterine muscle sedative. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend combining cramp bark with valerian or kava to increase its efficacy. Do not use cramp bark if you are pregnant.
References
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
