Spasms: Can herbs help?

Spasms are contractions of muscles that can affect any part of the body. When muscles tighten and refuse to relax, it can lead to pain, stiffness, or discomfort.

There are many kinds of spasms that you can experience. Spasms can occur in your muscles, internal organs and even blood vessels.

Muscle spasms are the most common. They appear as cramps in the legs, back, or neck and are often caused by dehydration, fatigue, or mineral deficiencies.

Smooth muscle spasms affect organs such as the stomach or intestines. These show up as cramps, abdominal colic, or irritable bowel discomfort.

Occasionally, blood vessels can experience spasms in conditions such as Raynaud’s phenomenon or coronary artery spasms.

So how can herbs come to your rescue?

Antispasmodic herbs work by soothing the muscles and improving circulation, helping the body to release tension naturally.

Peppermint, for instance, relaxes the digestive tract and eases bloating or cramps.

Chamomile calms the nervous system and softens abdominal pain while promoting better sleep. Fennel supports digestion and reduces colic.

Cramp bark and black cohosh are traditionally used to ease menstrual and uterine spasms.

Ginger helps with nausea, stomach cramps. Fennel helps with bloating, colic and digestion. Valerian helps with muscle tension. Lemon balm helps with nervous tension.

So why don't we use these more often?

The first reason is that we have medication, which is designed to be quick and effective. When it comes to delayed verus quick acting outcomes nature’s cure can never compete with the product from an R&D lab.

Second, we tend to use these herbs casually. Drinking “herb water” is fashionable, regardless of whether we need it or not.

The body can adjust quickly and reduce sensitivity, making these herbs less effective.

Often, we simply lack the awarness or knowledge of how to use them.

But herbs, used well, can be your best bet when it comes to spasms.

Disclaimer: One of you wrote to me yesterday saying that fasting without water can be dangerous, especially if done without medical supervision. You are right. Thank you for pointing this out.

Generally speaking, always consult an expert or write back and ask me questions in case you are trying to incorporate these ideas in your lives. Your situation can be unique and everything I say here may not apply directly to you.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain