Cures for Stomach Cramps

Though what we think of as stomach cramps is simply the pain that is involved, what you are actually feeling is the tightening of the muscles in your stomach that occurs when your stomach is agitated by some other condition. There are a variety of over-the-counter medications that are supposed to be effective against stomach cramps, but if you have regular cramping, it is possible that you have a sensitive stomach. To cure your cramps for good, you should find ways to prevent cramps and not just relieve them.

Causes

• Possibly the most common cause of stomach cramps is gastritis, which is an irritation of the stomach lining. Cramps caused by gastritis usually occur just after eating. Other conditions that can affect the stomach and cause it to cramp include stomach infections, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, digestion issues and food poisoning.

Supplements and Herbs

• You can fight cramps by using a variety of supplements or, even better, by trying to incorporate these stomach cramp combatants into your daily diet. Calcium and magnesium contain alkaline base properties, which help relax the muscles in your stomach. By increasing your intake of calcium and magnesium, even if you experience indigestion or gastritis, the cramping should be less severe. There are some foods that are proven to aid in digestion, such as acidophilus, which is found in yogurt, gentian root and licorice. If you have cramping after every meal, try eating yogurt everyday or having a cup of licorice tea before your meal. Other herbal remedies that are useful in relieving pain once it has started and helping the stomach lining to heal include peppermint, chamomile, fennel, valerian, lemon balm, St. John's Wort, ginger, cinnamon and aloe vera. An herbal tea can be made from any of these supplements. Drinking the tea when you experience cramping will help lessen the pain.

Non-Food Remedies

• It's easier said than done, but when it comes to preventing stomach cramps, one of the best things that you can do for yourself is relax. Doctors believe that many of the conditions that lead to stomach cramping are aggravated by stress. Getting regular exercise and relieving muscle tension in the rest of your body through yoga, massage or some other means can greatly decrease instances of cramping.

  Once cramps have started though, there are a couple of oils that can help you find relief. Amica oil can be diluted and massaged onto the abdomen. Some people have found that soaking in a bath with five drops of rosemary oil in the water helps to eliminate the discomfort of stomach cramping.