Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : June 13, 2015 1:48 PM IST
Muscle cramps are common during winters and most people get painful cramps during nights. Although they may last just for a few seconds, it can be quite frustrating to deal with cramps every time. But before you grab those painkillers (medications and sprays), try some easy and effective natural remedies get relief. Apart from being easily available in your home, these natural remedies for muscle cramps are quick in action and comparatively safe.
Ice-pack: You may also undo a muscle cramp with ice as it acts an effective pain reliever and an anti-inflammatory agent. All you need to do is massage the area with ice for no more than 10 minutes or until the area is bright red, which indicates that blood cells have returned to heat the cramped muscle.Read more about health benefits of ice.
Turmeric and alum: Turmeric is one of the potentantiseptic compounds which is widely used as a pain reliever, while alum is well-known for its soothing and blood thinning property. When the two are combined, they provide effective result against muscle cramp. Apply a thick past of turmeric and alum over the affected area. Do not massage the area and leave it to dry. Doing this at least twice a day for two days aid in reducing pain and swelling due to muscle cramps. Here s how to get instant relief from muscle cramps with turmeric and alum.
Warm compress: Another age-old remedy to combat muscle pain caused due to crampsis to try warm compress. This is because, heat improves superficial blood circulation and makes muscles more flexible, so some people find that heat is more soothing for muscle cramps than ice. Applying a heating pad on the affected area for not more than 10 minutes or even a warm shower or bath, might do the trick for you.
Wintergreen oil: Wintergreen oil (which is available in the market) contains a compound known as methyl salicylate, which acts as a powerful pain reliever along with stimulating blood flow. To reap its pain relieving properties, mix two teaspoon of wintergreen oil to eight teaspoons of vegetable oil (any oil will do) and massage the affected area. Do this several times a day to attain quick relief. Here are 6 tips to beat muscle cramps.
Drumstick leaves: Drumstick leaves significantly reduce pain and cramping due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from improving the flow of blood, drumstick renders a wide range of health benefits. Take a few drumstick leaves, wash and crush them to extract their juice. Now, massage the area with this juice. Alternatively you can slightly warm drumstick leaves, put them in a muslin cloth and tie this cloth around the area to relieve pain.
Salt: Easily available in any household, common salt is an amazing home remedy to get rid of muscle cramps. As lack of sodium in the body triggers muscle cramping, intake of fluids containing salt might do the trick. All you need to do is add 2-3 teaspoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt and lemon juice to a litre of water and drink this solution at intervals to get rid of cramps. You can also apply salt pack (heat a fistful of salt over a pan, put it in a cloth) over the affected for relief.
Stretching: Stretching is one of the most effective home remedy to beat muscle cramps of various parts of the body namely legs, arms, thighs, calf and palm. Do some stretching exercises for at least 5 to 10 minutes (as warm-up and cool-down periods) to combat pain. Read in detail about how to get rid of those muscle cramps for good!
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