Cramps are often associated with dehydration. Drink plenty of water.
Eat plenty of food which contain potassium (such as oranges or bananas) especially after strenuous exercise. A little apple cider vinegar in water will also ease cramps.
Take a few drops of a tincture made from Cramp Bark, and rub a little of the tincture onto the affected area.
Combine 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon Cardamom and 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg. Thoroughly mix into 1 cup boiling water, over and steep for 5 minutes. Sip while warm, or take by the teaspoon.
Make a circle with your thumb and first finger and press hard using both hands over the cramped area. Works very quickly.
Drink a cup of Yarrow tea for very fast relief.
For menstrual cramping:
Drink a cup or two of Chickweed leaf tea a day to ease pain and cramping.
Eat 1/4 cup Pumpkin seeds in the few days before your period is due.
The following herbs alleviate the symptoms of cramps, leg, back, and headaches: Hops, False Unicorn, Blessed Thistle, and Blue Cohosh.
Drink a tea made from the leaves, seeds or roots of Lovage.
Drink a tea made from any of the following: Meadowsweet leaf, Motherwort leaf, Oregano leaf, Pineapple leaf, Rasperry leaf, Sage leaf, Sweet Joe Pye root, Valerian root, Vervain leaf or Wild Yam root.
Put a few slices of fresh Ginger root into a saucepan with some brown sugar. Cook over low heat, cool, and drink the liquid.
Boil 2 teaspoons dried Cramp Bark in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes. Add a little grated or powdered Ginger if desired. Drink 1-2 cups per day. A few Angelica leaves and/or Chamomile flowers may also be added.
All of these herbs can be grown in your garden - assuming your climate suits them, of course. FYI, Cramp Bark is also called Guelder Rose, Viburnum opulus.
