Cramp Health Dictionary

Cramp: From 4 Different Sources


Sustained contraction of a muscle. Charley Horse.

Causes: oxygen starvation, lactic acid build-up. A common cause is depletion of salt from excessive sweating. Night cramps may be due to impaired blood supply or mineral deficiency: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium. Spasm takes many forms: writer’s, swimmer’s, pianist’s, harpist’s, trumpeter’s, hornplayer’s or emotional stress due to tightening of the facial muscles (German Chamomile). Athlete’s cramp from mechanical stress may be relieved by Cramp Bark as well as manipulation. Repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Cramp of the heart muscle is known as angina (Cramp Bark, Motherwort). Where due to spasm of blood vessels from atherosclerosis it may take the form of intermittent claudication (Prickly Ash bark, Cramp bark, Nettles, Vitamin E). For cramp in the back (Cramp bark, Ligvites); stomach (Fennel, Cardamoms, Turkey Rhubarb); womb (Squaw vine, Wild Yam, Cramp bark); kidney and bladder (Horsetail); muscles (Devil’s Claw).

Alternatives. Teas. Mild cases. Any one: German Chamomile, Lime flowers, Holy Thistle, Motherwort, Silverweed, Skullcap, St John’s Wort, Betony.

Combination: equal parts, Skullcap, German Chamomile, Motherwort. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 5-10 minutes. 1 cup thrice daily or as necessary.

Decoction. More severe cases. Any one: Cramp bark, Valerian, Peruvian bark, Wild Yam, Prickly Ash bark.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Cramp bark, Prickly Ash bark, Devil’s Claw, Wild Yam, Ligvites. Combination. Equal parts, Butterburr and Cramp bark. Dose: powders 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon thrice daily); Liquid extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily or as necessary.

John William Fyfe MD. “After 20 years broken sleep from leg cramps a patient found relief with 15 drops Liquid Extract Black Haw, thrice daily for 3-4 days.” This was used successfully in his practice for over 30 years.

Aromatherapy. Massage oil. 3 drops Marjoram, 3 drops Basil, in 2 teaspoons Almond or other vegetable oil. Or: Cypress oil, Mustard bath for feet.

Diet. See food sources of Calcium, Iron and Magnesium.

Supplements. Daily. B-complex 100mg; B6 100mg; Dolomite tablets (1000mg); Vitamin E (400iu); Vitamin C (2g); Calcium ascorbate (800mg); Magnesium 300mg (450mg, pregnancy). Zinc (25mg).

For cramp of pregnancy – see PREGNANCY. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
A painful spasm in a muscle caused by excessive and prolonged contraction of the muscle fibres. Cramps often occur as a result of increased muscular activity, which causes a buildup of lactic acid and other chemicals in the muscles, and small areas of musclefibre damage. Repetitive movements, such as writing (see cramp, writer’s) or sitting or lying in an awkward position may also cause cramp. Cramp may follow profuse sweating because loss of sodium salts disrupts muscle cell activity. Massaging or stretching the muscles involved may bring relief. A drug containing calcium or quinine may be given for recurrent night cramps.

Recurrent, sudden pain in a muscle that is not associated with hardness of the muscle may be caused by peripheral vascular disease. In this case, the condition should be investigated and treated by a doctor.

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
n. prolonged painful contraction of a muscle. It is sometimes caused by an imbalance of calcium and potassium in the body, but is more often a result of fatigue, imperfect posture, or stress. Spasm in the muscles making it impossible to perform a specific task but allowing the use of these muscles for any other movement is called occupational cramp. It most often affects the hand muscles for writing (writer’s cramp), a form of *dystonia.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Cramp Bark

Viburnum opulus. N.O. Caprifoliaceae.

Synonym: Guelder Rose, High Cranberry, Snowball Tree.

Habitat: Cultivated in shrubberies, etc., for decorative purposes.

Features ? Very thin bark, greyish-brown outside with corky growths (lenticels), slight longitudinal crackings, laminate, light brown internally. Fracture forms flat splinters.

Part used ? Bark.

Action: Antispasmodic, nervine.

As the name indicates, in cramp and other involuntary spasmodic muscular contractions. The decoction of 1 ounce to 1 pint of water (simmered from 1 1/2 pints) is administered in 1-2 tablespoon doses.... cramp bark

Heat Cramps

Painful cramps in the muscles occurring in workers, such as stokers, who labour in hot conditions. The cramps are the result of loss of salt in the sweat, and can be cured by giving the sufferer salty water to drink. (See also HEAT STROKE.)... heat cramps

Cramp Bark Tea Benefits

Cramp Bark is one of the wonder herbs, best suited for women’s needs. The Cramp Bark tea is one of the most effective methods for preventing and easing menstrual problems, as well as other female related issues. It has long been recognized for its antispasmodic, astringent and sedative properties. About Cramp Bark Tea Native to Europe and Africa, Cramp Bark has been introduced to North America and it grows in a wide range of zones. The plant takes its name from the ability to ease cramping. Also called Viburnum opulus or guilder rose, it is a very pretty shrub, blooming with white flowers. The ripe red berries are rich in vitamin C, but are poisonous if uncooked. The fruit is edible in small quantities and has a very acidic taste; it can be used to make jelly. It is however very mildly toxic, and may cause vomiting or diarrhea if eaten in large amounts. Barks represent the raw material for making herbal products. The flowers can be used as well in a decoction for external use. Cramp Bark tea is a uterine sedative, aiding in menstrual cramps, afterbirth and postpartum pains. It helps to prevent a miscarriage, as well as internal hemorrhagin. The following are some of the active constituents of cramp bark tea: hydroquinones, coumarins, tannins, scopoletin, and resins. Brew Cramp Bark Tea Cramp bark tea is a muscle and nerve relaxant. If you want to prevent cramps, drink 2 cups of cramp bark tea daily, starting a week before your period will begin. Prepare the tea by steeping a teaspoon of the herb or a teabag in a cup of boiled water for about 7 minutes. Strain, add a sweetener and enjoy it. Benefits of Cramp Bark Tea Apart from aiding in the female problems, many herb experts consider cramp bark tea as the best remedy for muscle pains and body aches associated with movement. Cramp bark tea may help relieve pain from cramps, especially in the leg or neck. It may also help uterine cramps or period pains. It may help in facilitating an easy labor to women giving birth by building up the uterine muscles. Cramp bark tea may help relax tense muscles especially if applied topically as a skin ointment or lotion. Cramp bark tea may lower blood pressure. This tea may be used in the treatment of asthma. This kind of tea is very helpful in relieving constipation, colic or irritable bowel syndrome. Cramp bark tea may help fight arthritis. Cramp bark tea may offer relief from tension headaches. Side effects of Cramp Bark Tea Apparently, there aren’t any known side effects or drug interactions for cramp bark tea, nor are there any documented reports of toxic reactions to the herb. However, not many studies on this plant have been conducted and, consequently, some precautions must be taken, especially because the fruits are potentially toxic. In spite of its many benefits for women, do not take this tea if you suspect you are pregnant. Cramp bark tea is very healthy and if your physician approves it, you can safely drink up to three cups a day.... cramp bark tea benefits

Writer’s Cramp

A SPASM which affects certain muscles when a person is writing, and which may not occur when the same muscles are employed in other acts. Similar symptoms are observed in the case of musicians (guitar, clarinet and piano in particular), typists, word-processor and computer operators and artists.... writer’s cramp

Menstrual Cramp

Cramp in the womb. See: DYSMENORRHOEA. ... menstrual cramp

Musician’s Cramp

Overuse syndrome.

Occupational tenosynovitis. Pain in hands, limbs, shoulders, neck.

Treatment. Radical rest, avoiding turning door handles, taps, writing, housework.

Teas, decoctions: St John’s Wort, Ginseng, Valerian, Alfalfa, Oats.

Tablets/capsules. Cramp bark. Valerian. St John’s Wort, Ginseng, Black Cohosh.

Formula. Cramp bark 1; Ginseng 1; Ginger half. Dose: Liquid Extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Powders: half a teaspoon. Thrice daily.

Topical. Arnica cream or lotion.

Supplements. Vitamins B6, C, E. Calcium, Dolomite, Magnesium. ... musician’s cramp

Cramp, Writer’s

Painful spasm in the muscles of the hand caused by repetitive movements, which makes writing or typing impossible.... cramp, writer’s

Writer’s Cramp

See cramp, writer’s.... writer’s cramp

Tea For Cramps

Cramps are described as a strong abdominal pain that is due to a series of causes, starting with menstruation, menopause and ending with liver and kidney failure. Also, exercising too much can lead to muscular pains and painful muscular contractions. Generally, practitioners around the world recommend a pause and a number of traditional pain killers. But, since cramps is a temporary condition, alternative medicine fans vote for an herbal treatment. How a Tea for Cramps Works Basically, a Tea for Cramps’ main goal is to distress your entire body, not just the cramps, inducing a state of calmness to the affected areas. The main thing about these teas is that they can trigger a natural positive reaction from your body that will release endorphins, making you feel a lot better. Don’t use a massage for cramps under no circumstance! Cramps are caused by deep structures and massage will only give you a vomiting sensation. Efficient Tea for Cramps When choosing a Tea for Cramps, you must keep in mind the fact that it has to be both efficient and safe (you don’t want to aggravate your state or cause new problems thanks to this tea). If you don’t know which teas are appropriate for your condition, here’s a list to guide you: - Chamomile Tea – well known thanks to its anti inflammatory and astringent properties, this particular Tea for Cramps is also a great healer when it comes to many other disorders, such as nausea, stress, anxiety, menstrual and menopausal symptoms and even diabetes. It has a pleasant taste and a nice fragrance and it can easily become a daily habit since it’s one hundred percent safe. However, don’t drink more than 6 cups per day in order to avoid diarrhea. - Wild Yam Tea – it is very effective in treating pre and postmenstrual syndromes and it is responsible for your body’s positive response. Its action is very effective and rapid, but you must not take more than two cups per day in order to avoid other health complications. - Corn Silk Tea – can ameliorate any kind of localized pain, provide that you don’t forget this is a medical treatment and it could cause negative reactions. Since this Tea for Cramps is a powerful diuretic, make sure you do not exceed the number of cups recommended per day (this way, you will avoid diarrhea or uterine infections). - Raspberry Leaf Tea – also used to treat menstrual and menopausal pains, this tea is well known for its ability to treat infertility and other conditions of the female reproductive system. Thanks to its vitamin C level, Raspberry Leaf Tea can also treat auto-immune deficiencies, such as anemia, colds, or flu. Tea for Cramps Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, do not exceed the number of cups recommended per day and always ask your doctor’s advice before starting any herbal treatment. Do not take a Tea for Cramps if you are pregnant, on anti-coagulants or blood thinners. These teas may cause miscarriage due to their strong diuretic and purgative properties. If you have the medical approval and you feel like trying an herbal remedy this time, choose a Tea for Cramps that fits you best and enjoy its natural benefits!... tea for cramps

Cramp, Anal

 Spasmodic pain in the anal muscles, mostly suffered by sports-persons after running. Pain may last 10 minutes before dispersing as a deep dull ache. Worse by constipation. Check for anal fissure, which is a small tear in the skin. Readily disperses after taking a pinch of Cayenne or Ginger in honey. Those subject, should open their bowels before a run or at onset of pain.

Powders. Formula. Cramp bark 2; Stone root 1; Cayenne quarter. Dose: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon in hot water) once or more daily.

Tinctures. Formula. Cramp bark 2; Stone root 1; Horseradish quarter. Dose: one 5ml teaspoon in hot water as necessary.

Tinctures. Alternative Formula. Equal parts: Tincture Peruvian bark and Stone root. Dose: one to two 5ml teaspoons in hot water as necessary.

Supplements. Magnesium, Calcium. ... cramp, anal




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