It is there more suddenly, a sharp pain in the calves or a pulling in the stomach. This cramps burden many people today. Sometimes these cramps last for hours or go as quickly as they came. As varied as these cramps are, their treatment methods are just as varied. The question arises again and again as to which home remedies actually help against cramps and which work particularly quickly. Alternative remedies for cramps are also in demand.
What helps against cramps?
Magnesium against cramps is available in every good pharmacy.More and more people are affected by cramps. A distinction is often 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 ensures better blood flow to the stomach. The blood flow to the intestinal area is also improved and helps the corresponding muscles to relax. The cramps are thereby significantly alleviated. So-called cherry stone pillows, which are briefly heated in the microwave at around 600 watts, are best suited here.
If the stomach cramps are not relieved by applying heat, a doctor should be consulted immediately. Because here there is a risk that it is not just simple cramps, but possibly appendicitis.
Against muscle cramps, e.g. in the calves, magnesium is particularly helpful. This is available in every pharmacy, mostly as tablets or building powder. Most drug stores also offer suitable food supplements for this. Before taking magnesium, however, a family doctor should always be consulted. This can use a blood analysis to check whether there is actually a magnesium deficiency.
Quick help
Most home remedies only work if taken regularly. For those affected, however, it is particularly important to get help quickly with cramps, because these are usually associated with severe pain. Cramps are usually caused by a lack of magnesium.
In addition to home remedies for cramps, there are also a large number of medications available. In most cases, these are available in pharmacies without a prescription and provide quick relief for cramps of any kind. Most of them have a high magnesium content in order to take effect quickly. When taking it, however, it should be remembered that this is a drug. It is therefore urgently advisable not to take it higher without medical supervision.
Therefore, quick help can be provided by taking so-called magnesium tablets. For most affected people, just drinking tea can help, especially if they have stomach cramps. For muscle cramps in the legs, a towel or a washcloth that has previously been in the freezer is particularly useful.
On the other hand, in the case of calf cramps, simply pulling the toes towards you is a quick remedy. These home remedies don't work quickly for everyone. Nevertheless, the pain is greatly alleviated and these people also find it to be a quick help.
You can find your medication here
➔ Medicines for muscle crampsAlternative remedies
Teas also provide relief from cramps in the stomach area. Chamomile tea, peppermint tea or liquorice root tea are particularly recommended. For chamomile tea, about two teaspoons of chamomile flowers should be added to a quarter liter of boiling water. These should be covered for a quarter of an hour and then sieved out. Mint tea or liquorice root tea can also be easily made at home.
Simply wash some peppermint leaves and pluck them dry. Then pour hot water over it and let it steep. Or alternatively chop a licorice root and add it to boiling water. All teas should be consumed several times a day to have an effective effect against cramps.
Teas can also help with other muscle spasms. A lemon balm tea, a mint tea, a lavender tea, a rosemary tea or a basil tea are particularly recommended. Especially during sporting activities, you should make sure you have enough water and keep an eye on your magnesium content. This can be well maintained by consuming nuts and dairy products.
Almonds and sunflower seeds are very popular. You should also think about balancing the mineral content. Drinking an apple spritzer is usually recommended after exercise. In addition, the muscles should be warmed up before strenuous activities to prevent cramps.