Cramps

Cramps are unpleasant, often painful, sensations caused by contraction or over shortening of muscles. Cramps can be caused by cold or overexertion. Illness or poisoning can also cause cramps , particularly in the stomach, which is referred to as colic if it fits particular characteristics.

There are five basic causes of cramping: hyperflexion; inadequate oxygenation; exposure to large changes in temperature; dehydration; or low blood salt. Muscle cramps  may also be a symptom/complication of pregnancy, kidney disease, thyroid disease, hypokalemia or hypocalcemia (as conditions), restless legs syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.

Electrolyte disturbance may cause cramping  and tetany of muscles, particularly hypokalemia (a low level of potassium) and hypocalcemia (a low level of calcium). This disturbance arises as the body loses large amounts of interstitial fluid through sweat. This interstitial fluid is composed mostly of water and table salt (NaCl). The loss of osmotically active particles outside muscle cells (NaCl) leads to a disturbance of the osmotic balance and swelling of muscle cells as these contain more osmotically active particles.

This causes the calcium pump between the muscle lumen and sarcoplasmic reticulum to short circuit and the calcium ions remain bound to the tropomyosin and the muscle contraction is continued. Smooth Muscle Cramps Smooth muscle contractions lie at the heart of the cramping  (or colicky) pain of internal organs. These include the intestine, uterus, ureter (in kidney stone pain) and various others.

Menstrual Cramps: Dysmenorrhea Menstruation is also highly likely to cause cramps  of varying severity in the abdomen that may radiate to the lower back and thighs. Menstrual cramps can be treated with ibuprofen, acetaminophen or paracetamol, stretching exercises or the application of heat through such means as warm baths or heating pads. Menstrual cramps  that do not respond to self-treatment can be a symptom of endometriosis or other health problems.

Skeletal Muscle Cramps: Skeletal muscles are muscles that can be voluntarily controlled. Of the skeletal muscles, those which cramp  the most often are the calves, thighs, and arches of the foot. These cramps  are seemingly associated with strenuous activity and can be intensely painful.

Nocturnal Leg Cramps: Nocturnal leg cramps  are involuntary muscle contractions that occur in the calves, soles of the feet, or other muscles in the body during the night or (less commonly) while resting. The duration of nocturnal leg cramps  is highly variable with cramps  sometimes only lasting a few seconds and other times several minutes. Soreness in the muscles may remain for some time after the cramp  ends. These cramps  are more common in older people but may happen to anyone. They can happen quite frequently in teenagers and in some people while they are exercising at night. Nocturnal leg cramps  can be very painful especially if the person is dehydrated. The precise cause of these cramps  is unclear. Potential contributing factors are believed to include low levels of certain minerals (magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium); dehydration; and prolonged sitting. Less common causes include more serious conditions or use of drugs. Nocturnal leg cramps  may be relieved by stretching the affected leg straight out and pointing the toes upward. People report that quickly standing up and walking a few steps may also shorten the duration of a cramp . Cramps  can be prevalent during pregnancy and are often worse in the night. Using essential oils and massaging them into the legs gently from the ankle upwards towards the thigh can give some relief.

Aromatherapy Treatments:

The best essential oils to be used for this are Chamomile Roman, Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram and Rosemary. One good recipe is 2 drops Cypress essential oil, 1 drop Frankincense essential oil, Geranium essential oil and 2 drops Lavender essential oil in warm water. Bath the legs and feet in this formula for at least 30 mins.

Chamomile Roman 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

A wonderful oil which has so many valuable properties Chamomile would be a great one to always keep in and can be used in skin care, musuclar aches and pains and digestive problems.

£4.00

Chamomile Roman Pure Essential Oil - Chamaemelum Nobile

Chamomile is a great oil to use for nervous disorders. It is soothing and calming and can help where a person is irritable or nervous. It can also help with insomnia.

£10.25

Cypress Essential Oil - Cupressus Sempervirens

Cypress is a great asset for any sort of skin care. It can be used for varicose veins or haemorroids, it is great for sweating and can help with the menstrual cycle.

£3.75

Frankincense 10% Dilute Essential Oil - Boswellia Carteri

Offered here as a diluted oil Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin complexions to help with scars, wrinkles and wounds. It can help with coughs and bronchitis and is a generally calming oil for people suffering from stress.

£3.50

Frankincense Pure Essential Oil - Boswellia Carteri

This is a non-diluted version of the oil. Frankincense is wonderful for mature skin complexions to help with scars, wrinkles and wounds. It can help with coughs and bronchitis and is a generally calming oil for people suffering from stress.

£10.25

Geranium Essential Oil - Pelargonium Graveolens

Geranium is lovely floral oil which can help with a wide variety of skin conditions, poor circulation, cellulite and many menopausal problems as well as fluid retention and hormonal in-balance.

£4.05

Lavender Essential Oil - Lavandula Officinalis

Lavender has been used continuously for thousands of years and its popularity has only ever increased. If you could have no other essential oil in your house, then Lavender would be the prime choice: It has a wide range of uses and is a natural antibiotic, anti-depressant, sedative and de-toxifier.

£2.75

Marjoram Essential Oil - Origanum Marjorana

Marjoram as we might expect can help with the digestion. It is useful for bruises and chilblains. Marjoram can also have a warming effect on the mental and emotional level and can help people suffereing from grief.

£4.05

Rosemary Essential Oil - Rosemarinus Officinalis

Rosemary is believed to have a refreshing, invigorating affect on the skin and can be used for a variety of skin and hair problems. It is good for stiff and overworked muscles, Steam inhalations with Rosemary can be good for catarrh and sinusitus. Rosemary also has a strong connection with the central nervous system and can help with memory and mental clarity.

£2.75