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Email a friendYellow Mustard Is Slam-Dunk Against Leg Cramps
Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A June 11, 2007
Q. I suffer from leg cramps. Recently while attending a basketball game, I had to leave my seat and try to walk off a severe inner thigh cramp.
A security guard, seeing that I was grimacing in pain, approached me to see if I needed First Aid. When I said it was only leg cramps, he took me to the concession stand and suggested I try yellow mustard. I asked if I was supposed to eat it or apply it. He said it was an old-time remedy his grandmother used.
I ate the mustard. By the time I walked to the end of the concession stand and to the surprise of all who were watching me eat plain mustard, my leg cramp was gone!
I have since used this remedy repeatedly, especially in the middle of the night when my cramps seem to most often occur. It works. I don't know why, but I sure am glad it does.
A. You are not the first to share the secret of yellow mustard. Some readers keep little packets of this condiment on their nightstand to ease leg cramps.
Others have complained that mustard gives them indigestion. For those, we offer our Guide to Leg Pain with remedies such as B vitamins, magnesium, pickle juice or soap under the bottom sheet. It can be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
© 2007 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Reader Comments
I have severe toe and calf cramps severel times weekly, I have to get off my bed quickly to bend my toes forward before it finally ceases. I have tried cold water on the cramp even in winter time, I have a cake of ivory soap under my sheets. I also take 250 Mg Magnesium daily and if it helps I am glad it does.
Posted by: L. Moseley | June 15, 2007 12:07 PM
MY HUSBAND ALSO SUFFERED FROM LEG CRAMPS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, HE STARTED DRINKING TONIC WATER WITH QUININE AND IT HAS BEEN A BLESSING!
Posted by: DELMA ORTEGA | June 15, 2007 4:43 PM
I have found if you have leg cramps that curl your toes, just squeeze your lip under your nose with your fore finger and thumb......This actually helps.....It also helps Charlie Horse...
Posted by: Vala Kepnes | June 18, 2007 11:33 AM
Years ago I heard of a remedy for leg cramps that involved a silver spoon. I think the spoon had to be tapped on the bottom of the foot--or something to that effect. Does anyone recall this remedy, and how the spoon is to be used?
Posted by: suni trice | July 5, 2007 11:07 AM
I HAVE TRIED ALMOST EVERYTHING TO STOP CRAMPS. WHAT WORKS BEST FOR ME IS APPLYING "VERY HOT" WET TOWELS TO CRAMP AREA AND THEY GO AWAY WITHIN MINUTES. TRY IT. IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE TO HELP YOU, IT EVEN BETTER.
Posted by: JULIAN GRACE | July 16, 2007 12:11 PM