This post may contain affiliate links. I may be compensated if you make a purchase through a link on this page.
Essential Oils for Leg Cramps to Help Fight Muscle Contractions and Spasms!
Today, we are going to look at the best essential oils for leg cramps and how you can use them to relieve muscle cramps in the leg!
Leg cramps can be very painful and discomforting. There was a time I used to experience leg cramps virtually every other night.
At one stage I started to dread going to bed at night! It would start when I turned or changed my sleeping position or moved my leg. And the pain would last till morning… it certainly disrupted my sleep patternto say the least.
It doesn’t mean that I didn’t experience any leg cramps during the day, but it seemed always worse at night.
Anyways, thankfully that was a long time ago! Even though I still have cramps once in a while, I am happy to say I have discovered the usefulness of essential oils for my leg cramps.
You, like me, may find essential oils helpful for decreasing the severity or frequency of this unpleasant condition.
What Causes Leg Cramps?
Leg cramps occur when there is spasmodic contractions of a muscle in the leg. The pain can continue for hours after the spasm has stopped. Not only can leg cramps be painful, but they can disrupt your sleep pattern at night!
Leg cramps can occur in the calf, foot muscles and/or thigh.
Although its cause is often unknown, leg cramps can occur due to the following:
- Poor circulation
- Dehydration
- Too much exercise
- Deficiencies in vital minerals/vitamins such as potassium, magnesium or vitamin B
Best Essential Oils for Leg Cramps
- Sweet Marjoram
- Geranium
- Helichrysum Italicum
- Ginger
- Cypress
- Peppermint
- Black Pepper
- Lavender
- Rosemary
Safety First When Using Essential Oils
If you have never used a certain essential oil it is important to do a skin patch test prior to topically using! See my sections on topical use and other essential oil safety concerns:
- 8 Essential Oil Dangers and Risks
- How to Dilute Essential Oils for Topical Use
- Essential Oils that are Safe for Kids
- Essential Oils to Use During Pregnancy
Leg Cramp Massage Oil Blend Recipe
- 10 drops helichrysum italicum
- 4 drops black pepper
- 8 drops geranium
- 4 drops sweet marjoram
- 4 drops ginger
- 30 ml carrier oil
Direction
Pour the carrier oil into a glass bottle. Then add the essential oils and shake well! Use a small amount of the blend to massage your leg.
One great thing about this blend it, you can use it during the day or at night!
If your cramps often happen during or after exercise, use this blend to massage your legs and feet using upward strokes before exercise.
You can also use this blend to prevent recurrent cramps. Before you go to bed, massage your legs and feet in upward direction using this warm oil blend (massage your legs before the feet).
Put on warm socks. Do this every night for 2 weeks to treat reoccurring leg cramps. This works as a deprogramming process that tells your muscles to NOT cramp anymore!
Other Natural Remedies for leg Cramps
Stretching – Stretching your leg or foot may help stop the contraction and relieve pain
Massage – Massaging the affected area is always helpful
Horse Chestnut – This can be very helpful especially for cramps caused by poor circulation (Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement)
Hydration – Keep your system properly hydrated by drinking enough water. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
Eat Healthy – Eat balanced diet to ensure that your body gets all the vital nutrients that it needs to fight off diseases and maladies including cramps.
Supplementation – If you are deficient in any of the minerals/vitamins mentioned above, you can also try taking supplements to reverse the deficiency.
Go Easy with Exercise – If cramps occur during or after exercise, that means that your body is not yet handling the lactic acid in your muscles efficiently. So you have to go easy in the beginning to give your body time to adjust appropriately.
Related Reading: Essential Oils for Circulation and Improved Blood Flow
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.
Reference:
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
