Turmeric is an edible tuberous root that contains a substance called curcumin. This active component adds medicinal power to turmeric's culinary value. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory. It also stimulates the production of bile. Despite research showing turmeric's potential to heal, information publicly available does not suggest the root can help relieve leg cramping.
About Leg Cramps
Leg cramps often occur at night while you are sleeping, but they can happen at any time of the day. The cramping causes pain intense enough to wake you up. The unexpected contraction of the calf muscles creates the condition.
Why Leg Cramps Happen
Dr. Otis Brawley with the American Cancer Society and a health advisor for CNN.com says that most often leg cramps are a result of overuse of unconditioned muscles and dehydration. An inactive lifestyle is also linked to involuntary leg-muscle contractions. More serious conditions such as peripheral artery disease, characterized by a reduction in blood reaching the legs, can also cause cramps. Diabetes and Parkinson's disease, among other health problems, are other potential reasons. Consult a doctor about what may be causing your muscles to painfully contract.
Preventing Benign Cramps
After a doctor rules out serious health conditions as the cause of your leg cramps, try a change in lifestyle to relieve the problem. Drink more water daily. In addition, wear shoes with good support such as walking sneakers. Exercising and massaging the leg muscles regularly can also help. Take warm baths to relax the muscles.
Turmeric's Potential Benefits
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research shows that turmeric may ease indigestion, colitis, osteoarthritis, eye inflammation and atherosclerosis. The plant supplement is available over the counter in liquid form or capsules. Do not take turmeric to treat a health problem without talking to your doctor.
