Who doesn't get a cramp now and then. I do ! A cramp is a painful muscular spasm which occurs most frequently in the feet and legs. My father used to get plenty and used to scream He called them ' Charlie Horses' These cramps can occur int he abdomen, arms and hands. In the hands this is sometimes called 'writer's cramp' ( not writer's block)
Some of the causes is excessive salt loss through sweating, prolonged sitting or standing, lying in an unusual position and even strenuous exercise, Those that get tingled int he hands are probably sleeping on the wrong kind of pillow, or you have some cervical ( neck) arthritis.
The muscle contractions in the legs are short lived but can be prolonged. You need to gently massage the muscle
You are most likely in the need of minerals. You should use Gatorade as this has too much sugar. You could use a children's Pedialyte formula. There are also folk or home remedies that have been used for years.
One is to apply a compress of apply cider vinegar. The other is a sip of lemon juice before bedtime for night cramps. The third is my favorite because it involves HONEY. Take 1 tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of vinegar. Place in hot water and drink. This formula distributes calcium throughout the bloodstream thus relieving cramps.
My favorite herb for cramping is so easy to remember It is crampbark. This can be taken as a tea five times / day or as a tincture or capsules. It is also good to massage the ointment of cramp bark into the area.
Let’s discuss cramp bark. It is Viburnum opulus. this bark is from the wild form of the guelder rose. It has been used for centuries to treat spasms of the colon. It also is a mild sedative and acts as a relaxant. When you buy cramp bark, it is usually sold in thin strips. It has quite a smell which you will eventually be able to tell it is cramp bark. I caution those with blood pressure issues or those on blood pressure
medications as too much cramp bark can lower your blood pressure. Recently I am starting to add Cramp Bark OR Black haw bark to my irritable bowel formulas as it helps as a spasmodic. Always consult with a health care provider. I have spoken to a pediatrician who uses cramp bark when bed wetting is associated with tension and anxiety.
The flower essence, rescue remedy is great to relieve cramps as it relieves anxiety. Lavender essential oil can be used to massage the muscle.
In traditional Chinese medicine, ( TCM ), Gan Caseo is used to stop spams.
Until tomorrow…