Pain
Muscle Cramps & Spasms
Sudden painful tightening of calf, foot or other muscles, often at night.
⚡ Quick & easy version · 5 min
Stretch & Warm Ginger Water
Only a few things you probably already have at home.
You need
- ◆3 slices ginger
- ◆Hot water
Steps
- Pull your toes towards you and hold 30 sec.
- Sip warm ginger water.
Peony & Licorice Decoction
You need
- ◆12 g white peony root (bai shao)
- ◆6 g honey-fried licorice (zhi gan cao)
- ◆500 ml water
How to make it
- 1
Soak herbs 20 min.
- 2
Simmer 30 min until about 250 ml is left.
- 3
Drink warm in two portions; for a few days only.
Short-term use only: licorice in larger amounts raises blood pressure.
Red Date & Black Sesame Drink
You need
- ◆5 red dates
- ◆1 tbsp black sesame, toasted & ground
- ◆250 ml warm milk or oat milk
How to make it
- 1
Simmer dates in milk 10 min.
- 2
Stir in sesame and drink in the evening.
Helpful herbs
The TCM view
Liver blood and Yin not nourishing the sinews. Classic formula: Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Peony & Licorice Decoction), just two herbs, from the Shang Han Lun (c. 200 AD).
Food tips
Eat / do
- Leafy greens, beets, dates
- Enough water and minerals
- Calf stretches before bed
Avoid
- Dehydration
- Lots of alcohol
Sources
⚠ Safety
- Licorice: avoid with high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, low potassium or diuretics, and in pregnancy.
- Cramps with swelling, redness or after a long flight: see a doctor (thrombosis).
- Not a replacement for medical care. Ask a doctor before use if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.