How to Treat Night Cramps Naturally

If you are among the many people who suffer from night cramps, then you already know how tiring it is to stay up because of the unceasing pain, especially when you have to wake up in the morning and go to work.

There is no exact cause for night cramps, but scientists believe they might be connected to poor diet and mental stress. The only thing that the doctor can do is prescribe pain killers, but due to their side effects, they do more harm than good. A healthy diet and regular exercise might help, but they are long-term options.

So what can you do when the excruciating pain in the legs (or another part of the body) wakes you up in the middle of the night? Fortunately, there are some natural remedies that can relieve pain.

• Bananas

Some experts have reached the conclusion that night cramps might be caused by the lack of potassium and bananas are packed with it. Try eating 1-2 bananas per day, which will not only help you get rid of the annoying night cramps but also help digestion and overall health.

Other fruits and vegetables that contain potassium are oranges, nectarines, grapefruit, grapes, apricots, dates, raisins, broccoli and cabbage.

• Tonic Water

No matter how strange it sounds, tonic water can help with your night cramps. It contains high levels of quinine which relieves pain. So you’d better keep a bottle of tonic water by your bed. You never know when you might need it.

• Simple Exercise

Although regular physical activity helps in the long term, there are some exercises that you can do to stop cramps immediately. Lie down on your back, bring one knee to your chest and grab the foot in an upright position. Then pull it towards your chin and repeat in quick successions.

• Taking A Bath

A nice hot bath not only helps you relax physically and mentally, but it also relieves pain. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil and take a long bath. You will see that the frequency of night cramps will drop or even disappear.

• Raw Honey and Apple Cider Vinegar

Both apple cider vinegar and raw honey have healing properties. They are widely used in natural remedies for a variety of ailments and medical diseases. They are also effective in treating night cramps. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one spoon of honey and drink this mixture every night before going to bed. This remedy will stop the night cramps and offer lasting relief.

• Applying Heat

By applying heat to the painful area, you will get rid of the pain. Use a bottle of hot water or a heating pad and keep it on the affected area. You will feel instant relief.

So next time you get another painful contraction of the muscle don’t go immediately to the bottle with pain killers. Try some of these natural remedies and you will solve the problem without the side effects of medication.