Latest Shows & Articles

Subscriptions
  • Join our People's Pharmacy Page on Facebook
  • Follow JoeGraedon on Twitter
  • Follow Us
  • Free email newsletter

Yellow Mustard Eases Leg Cramps

Click thumbs up to vote yes Click thumbs down to vote no Was this information helpful? (0 votes)
What do you think? Click "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" to vote!
If you have more to say, post a comment below!

Q. We tried a treatment from your column for nighttime leg cramps. My husband used to get them frequently and would have to walk them off while in pain.

He read that taking mustard would alleviate them so he tried it. Now when he gets leg cramps at night, he takes his mustard and they go away quickly.

He keeps a few individual packets of mustard in the bedroom. He thought it was just an “old wives’ tale” but now he’s a believer.


A. We are delighted to learn that yellow mustard has helped relieve your husband’s leg cramps. A retired pharmacist told us about this remedy nearly six years ago:

“A friend of ours uses plain mustard for leg cramps. She swallows a teaspoonful of mustard to relieve the pain. This home remedy works so well for her that she carries packets of mustard wherever she goes.”

Since then we have heard from many folks who use yellow mustard to relieve leg cramps. Although there is no science, we suspect that turmeric, which gives mustard its yellow color, may have a beneficial effect.

For those who don’t like mustard in the middle of the night, our Guide to Leg Pain offers many other remedies. Many readers report success with low-sodium V-8 juice, magnesium or a bar of soap under the bottom sheet.

5 Comments

| Leave a comment

People with leg and muscle cramps should have their potassium levels tested. Klor Kon [RX] has made a world of difference for me.

user-pic

I have really bad leg cramps, and my husband had me take potassium. It works great--my leg cramps are gone in minutes.

I have had leg and foot cramps for 20 yrs. I have researched this subject on the web, and yes, I have tried magnesium, potassium, Vit. D, soap under sheet, anything that might bring me relief. I have been on Gabapentin for about six months, and the cramps are not as bad, but I still have them. Any suggestions?

I also read your article about mustard relieving foot pain. I have suffered with peripheral neuropathy for 10 years in my feet due to diabetes. Just recently I started experiencing pain in my ankles and lower legs. I take been taking Lyrica for a few years and it seemed to help up to now. After reading your article 3 weeks ago I started taking a tsp. of mustard 2-3 time daily and have quit taking my Lyrica. I have almost no pain since. Told my endocrinologist and he said if it works continue taking. There is nothing in mustard to harm me.

I HAVE A INTENTIONAL TREMOR, MY HAND SHAKES. IS THERE SOMETHING I COULD TAKE THAT WOULD HELP? THANK YOU R.EARLE

Leave a comment

Share your comments or questions with the People's Pharmacy online community. Not all comments will be posted. Advice from other visitors to this web site should not be considered a substitute for appropriate medical attention.

Check this box to be notified by email when follow-up comments are posted.