More suddenly it is there, a stabbing pain in the calves or a pulling in the stomach. These cramps bother many people today. Sometimes these cramps last for several hours or disappear as quickly as they came. As versatile as these cramps are, so are their treatment methods. Again and again the question arises, which home remedies actually help against cramps and which ones work particularly fast. In addition, alternative remedies against cramps are also in demand.
What helps against cramps?
Magnesium against cramps is available in any good pharmacy. Cramps affect more and more people. Often a distinction is made here between muscle cramps and stomach cramps. A number of home remedies are used to combat these cramps. A well known home remedy for stomach cramps is the hot water bottle. This is placed on the stomach and provides better blood circulation to the stomach. It also improves blood circulation to the intestinal area and helps the corresponding muscles to relax. The cramps are thus significantly alleviated. The best way to do this is to use so-called cherry pit pillows, which are briefly heated in the microwave at about 600 watts. If the stomach cramps are not improved by a heat pad, a doctor should be consulted immediately. This is because there is a risk that it is not simple cramps, but possibly appendicitis. Magnesium is particularly helpful against muscle cramps, e.g. in the calves. This is available in every pharmacy, mostly as tablets or building powder. But also most drugstores offer suitable dietary supplements. Before taking magnesium, however, a family doctor should always be consulted. This can check via a blood analysis whether a magnesium deficiency is actually present.
Quick help
Most home remedies only work if taken regularly. For the affected persons, however, quick help is particularly important in the case of cramps, because these are usually associated with severe pain. Cramps are usually caused by a magnesium deficiency. In addition to home remedies for cramps, there are also a large number of medications. In most cases, these are available over the counter at pharmacies and provide quick relief for cramps of any kind. Most of these have a high magnesium content to develop a rapid effect. When taking them, however, it is important to remember that this is a medication. Increased intake without medical supervision is therefore strongly discouraged. Therefore, quick help can be provided by taking so-called magnesium tablets. For most affected persons, drinking a tea can already help, especially In case of stomach cramps. In the case of muscle cramps in the legs, a towel or a washcloth that has been in the freezer beforehand is particularly useful. On the other hand, for calf cramps, simply pulling the toes towards you provides quick relief. These home remedies do not work quickly for every person. Nevertheless, the pain is greatly relieved and is also found to be a quick help by these individuals.
Alternative remedies
Teas also provide relief from cramps in the stomach area. Particularly recommended are a chamomile tea, a peppermint tea or a licorice root tea. For chamomile tea, about two teaspoons of chamomile flowers should be added to a quart of boiling water. These should be covered and steeped for a quarter of an hour and then strained. A peppermint tea or licorice root tea can also be easily made at home. To do this, simply wash some peppermint leaves and pluck them dry. Then pour hot water over them and let them steep well. Or alternatively, chop a licorice root and add it to boiling water. All types of tea should be taken several times a day to have an effective effect against cramps. Teas can also help with other muscle cramps. Here, a lemon balm tea, a peppermint tea, a lavender tea, a rosemary tea or a basil tea are particularly recommended. Especially during sports activities, you should make sure you drink enough water and keep an eye on your magnesium levels. This can be well maintained by eating nuts and dairy products. Almonds and sunflower seeds, for example, are very popular. It is also worth remembering to balance the mineral content.Drinking an apple spritzer after exercise is usually recommended. In addition, muscles should be warmed up before strenuous activity to prevent cramps.
