Muscle Cramps

Causes

Muscle cramping in different parts of the body is commonly caused by a calcium and magnesium imbalance and/or a vitamin E deficiency. Anemia, arthritis, and even arteriosclerosis may result in cramping.

Most muscle cramps occur at night when resting and affect the legs, especially the calf muscles, and the feet. These kinds of cramps occur more frequently in the elderly, the young, and persons with arteriosclerosis.

The use of diuretic drugs for high blood pressure or heart disorders may also be the cause of muscle cramping. If taking one of these drugs, be sure to add potassium.

Poor circulation contributes to leg cramps. See the doctor if you have cramps during the day while active. This may be a sign of impaired circulation.
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Nutrients

Calcium, 1,500 mg. per day.

Magnesium, 750 mg. per day (use magnesium chelate: people with a milk intolerance should not take the magnesium lactate).

Vitamin E, 400-1,000 IU (start with 400 and increase dosage slowly), improves circulation.

Potassium, 99 mg. per day, is needed for proper calcium and magnesium metabolism.

Silicon, taken as directed on the label, aids in calcium absorption.

Vitamin B complex with extra niacin and thiamine, 100 mg. per day, improves circulation and cellular function.

Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 3,000 mg. per day, improves circulation.

Vitamin D, 400 IU per day, is needed for calcium absorption.

Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg. per day, improves heart function and circulation; also, lowers blood pressure.

Lecithin, taken as directed on the label, reduces cholesterol.

Vitamin A, 25,000 IU daily (may be included in a multivitamin and mineral complex).

Zinc, 50 mg. per day, is needed for absorption of calcium and action of B vitamins.
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Herbs

• Alfalfa
• Arnica
• Aspen, quaking
• Balsam fir
• Birch, black or sweet
• Chamomile
• Chaparral
• Clover, yellow sweet
• Cloves
• Cohosh, black
• Corydalis, golden
• Dong quai
• Elderberry extract
• Eucalyptus
• Fennel seeds
• Ginkgo biloba extract
• Heart’s ease
• Horsetail grass
• Indigo, wild
• Ivy
• Lavender
• Passionflower
• Pine, white
• Pipsissewa
• Saffron, meadow
• Silica
• Skullcap
• Thuja
• Valerian
• Willow bark
• Wintergreen
• Witch hazel
• Yellow dock
• Yerba santa

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Recommendations

Eat alfalfa, brewer’s yeast, plenty of chlorophyll, cornmeal, kelp, and green leafy vegetables.

Massage the muscles after using heat to relieve pain. Do not massage if there has been an injury or sprain, especially when there is swelling.

Suspect claudication (impaired circulation) if cramping occurs after walking and is relieved when you stop.
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Bibliography

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020

The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print)

The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

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