Health Care

Here are the top 10 home remedies for muscle cramps.

1. Cold Compress

After the initial heat treatment or after the pain has improved, use a cold compress on the sore muscles to provide complete relief from a muscle cramp.

The cold temperature will numb the pain, reduce inflammation and allow the affected muscle to relax. Plus, once the cramp is gone, a cold compress will help reduce soreness by constricting the blood vessels.

Wrap a handful of ice cubes in a thin towel and put it on the affected area for about 15 minutes at a time. Repeat every two hours for one to two days.
Another option is to take a cold shower as needed to relax sore muscles.
2. Epsom Salt

Epsom salt can also be used to treat muscle cramps. The magnesium in Epsom salt promotes muscle relaxation and healing.

Fill your bathtub with warm water.
Add two cups of Epsom salt and stir it thoroughly.
Soak in this bath for 20 minutes.
Usually, taking this bath once will take care of the problem. However, if required you can repeat this remedy the next day.
Note: Epsom salt must not be used by those suffering from heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Being high in potassium, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps relieve muscle cramps. Low potassium is one of the common causes of frequent muscle cramps. Plus, there are several nutrients in apple cider vinegar that help control the fluid balance in the body, thus preventing dehydration.

Mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water. Drink this tonic once daily to prevent muscle cramps.
To prevent nocturnal leg cramps, you can mix one teaspoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey and one tablespoon of calcium lactate in one-half glass of warm water. Drink this solution daily at night, about half an hour before going to bed.
4. Yellow Mustard

Interestingly, yellow mustard, too, has been used to treat muscle cramps within minutes. The possible reason could be that it contains acetic acid that promotes production of acetylcholine in the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that prompts muscles to work. This will relieve pain and soreness.

Simply take one teaspoon of yellow mustard. You can follow it by warm milk.

5. Clove Oil

Clove oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce muscle cramp inflammation and swelling. Plus, the anesthetic property of clove oil will help alleviate pain.

Slightly warm some clove oil.
Rub it on the affected area.
Using firm strokes, massage the area for five minutes.
If required, repeat the process again.
6. Black Strap Molasses

If your muscle cramp is linked to calcium and potassium deficiency, then black strap molasses is a great remedy for you. It is a good source of calcium and potassium, and thus it can help to maintain strong muscles and prevent cramps.

Mix one tablespoon of black strap molasses in a glass of warm water or milk.
Drink this mixture and within minutes you will get relief from the pain.
If required, you can drink this solution once more.
You can also drink this solution on a regular basis to prevent deficiency of potassium and calcium in your body.