10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Cramps

Herbal tinctures for cramps are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, flowers, and herbs that have natural pain-relieving properties.

These tinctures help alleviate menstrual cramps by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and balancing hormones. Examples of effective herbal tinctures include Cramp Bark, Ginger, and Black Haw, which can be taken internally or applied topically.

By using these tinctures, women can experience significant relief from cramping, allowing them to resume their daily activities with ease and confidence.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for cramps, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Angelica archangelica

Angelica tinctures helps with cramps because of its unique ability to relax muscle tissue and reduce spasms.

The herb's active compounds, including apiol and beta-asarone, have a calming effect on the nervous system, which in turn helps to soothe and calm cramping muscles. Additionally, angelica has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce swelling and pain associated with cramps.

By using angelica tincture, individuals can find relief from menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and other types of spasms, promoting overall comfort and well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica archangelica tinctures that help with cramps.

• Phenolic acids: These compounds, particularly ferulic acid and sinapic acid, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which help alleviate muscle cramps by reducing pain and inflammation.
• Ligustilide: This sesquiterpene lactone has a relaxing effect on smooth muscle, which helps to ease cramps by reducing muscle spasms and improving blood circulation.
• Butylphthalide: This sesquiterpene has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, which contribute to its cramp-relieving effects by reducing pain and inflammation in muscles.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of angelica used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high content of essential oils, particularly angelica root oil, which has a relaxing and anti-spasmodic effect on the muscles.
• Leaves: The leaves contain flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that help to reduce inflammation and ease cramp symptoms.
• Stems: The stems of Angelica archangelica contain volatile oils that contribute to its calming and anti-spasmodic effects, making them useful in tinctures for cramps.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic angelica for cramps.

1. Gather 100g of fresh angelica archangelica roots and leaves and clean them thoroughly with cold running water.
2. Chop the cleaned plant material into small pieces to increase the surface area for tincture extraction.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with 500ml of 95% ethanol in a clean glass jar and steep for 2 weeks.
4. Strain the liquid tincture through cheesecloth into another clean glass container to remove the plant material.
5. Label and store the tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid protected from light and heat.

2. Urtica dioica

Stinging nettle tinctures helps with cramps because of its natural ability to relax muscles, ease spasms, and reduce inflammation.

The bioactive compounds in stinging nettle, such as flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, interact with the body's hormonal system to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate cramping associated with PMS. Additionally, the tincture's anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe and calm irritated tissues, providing relief from discomfort and pain.

By promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, stinging nettle tinctures offer a natural solution for managing cramps and promoting overall well-being.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica tinctures that help with cramps.

• Flavonoids: These plant compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the inflammation and spasms associated with menstrual cramps.
• Polysaccharides: Urtica dioica lectin has been shown to have a relaxing effect on the uterus, helping to reduce cramp severity by promoting the release of prostaglandins, which contribute to uterine contractions.
• Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Leaves: They are rich in iridoid glycosides, which have been shown to have anti-spasmodic and pain-relieving properties.
• Stems: The stems contain a high concentration of urtican, a compound that has been found to have a sedative effect on smooth muscle, helping to alleviate cramps.
• Roots: The roots are a source of asparagusic acid, a compound that has been traditionally used to treat cramps and spasms due to its ability to relax smooth muscle.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for cramps.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems in late spring or early summer when plant is at its peak potency.
2. Chop the harvested urtica dioica plant material into small pieces using sharp knives or a sharp blade.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with 80 proof vodka in a 1:5 ratio by weight to make a strong tincture.
4. Steep the mixture in a dark glass container for 6 to 8 weeks in a cool dry place, shaking daily.
5. Strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, discard solids and store in a cool dark place.

3. Vaccinium macrocarpon

Highbush cranberry tinctures helps with cramps because it contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds that have been traditionally used to alleviate menstrual discomfort.

The tannins and flavonoids present in the tincture help to relax muscle spasms, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow, thereby providing relief from cramping sensations.

Additionally, highbush cranberry's antioxidant properties may also help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to pain and discomfort associated with menstrual cramps.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium macrocarpon tinctures that help with cramps.

• Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound, quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce muscle cramp severity by inhibiting the release of histamine and other mediators that contribute to cramping.
• Epicatechin: A flavonoid phenolic compound, epicatechin has vasodilatory effects, which can help to relax blood vessels and reduce muscle tension that may lead to cramping.
• Caffeic acid: A phenolic acid, caffeic acid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to reduce muscle cramp severity by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes that contribute to cramping.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of highbush cranberry used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Leaves: Used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate menstrual cramp symptoms.
• Fruits: Used for their anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce cramp severity.
• Barks: Used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, although less commonly used compared to leaves and fruits.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic highbush cranberry for cramps.

1. Harvest 1 part of the vaccinium macrocarpon fruit by hand when fully ripe and dry the fruit in a warm environment.
2. Chop the dried vaccinium macrocarpon fruit into small pieces and combine it with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass container.
3. Seal the container and allow the mixture to steep for 2 to 3 weeks in a cool dark place.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean glass container discarding the solids and discard the cheesecloth.
5. Store the herbal tincture in a cool dark place and allow it to mature for 4 weeks before using.

4. Paeonia officinalis

Pink peony tinctures helps with cramps because they contain anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to relax and soothe muscle contractions.

The herb has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual discomfort, including cramps. By taking pink peony tincture regularly, women can experience relief from debilitating cramps, allowing them to manage their symptoms naturally without resorting to pharmaceutical painkillers.

The tincture's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce swelling and ease tension in the uterus, providing lasting comfort during menstruation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Paeonia officinalis tinctures that help with cramps.

• Paenol glycosides: These compounds help alleviate cramps by relaxing smooth muscle and reducing spasms, which in turn can help relieve menstrual cramps and other types of muscle spasms.
• Isoferulic acid: Isoferulic acid exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to muscle cramps.
• Paeoniflorin: This glycoside has a sedative effect on smooth muscle, which can help calm muscle spasms and reduce cramping.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pink peony used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Roots: The roots are the primary part used due to their high concentration of paeoniflorin and paeonol, which are responsible for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are another part used, containing similar compounds to the roots, which help in reducing muscle cramps and spasms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pink peony for cramps.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh or dried paeonia officinalis roots in late summer or early fall.
2. Clean the roots with water to remove any debris and dry them thoroughly using paper bags.
3. Use a mortar and pestle to grind 1/2 cup of the dried roots into a fine powder.
4. Combine the powder with 80-proof vodka in a 1:5 ratio to create the tincture base.
5. Store the tincture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks before straining and bottling.

5. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with cramps because it has a natural ability to relax and calm the muscles, reducing spasms and tension.

The tincture's active compounds, such as valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, work directly on the muscle fibers to ease contractions, providing fast and effective relief from menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and other types of cramping pain.

Additionally, valerian's sedative properties can help reduce stress and anxiety, further contributing to its ability to alleviate cramp-related discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with cramps.

• Valerenic acid: Acts as an antagonist to the GABA receptor, which can help to reduce excitatory neurotransmitter activity and relieve muscle cramps.
• Valerenal: Exerts a sedative effect by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps to reduce muscle spasms and cramps.
• Isovaleryl valerenate: Exhibits a muscle relaxant effect by blocking the release of neurotransmitters that can cause muscle contractions, leading to the relief of cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Roots: The roots of Valeriana officinalis are primarily used to make tinctures for cramps because they contain high concentrations of valerenic acid, a key compound responsible for its sedative and anti-spasmodic properties.
• Flowers: The flowers are used due to their high content of essential oils and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant's therapeutic effects in reducing muscle cramps and spasms.
• Stems: The stems of Valeriana officinalis are utilized for their secondary metabolites, which, when extracted, exhibit anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties, helping to alleviate cramp symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for cramps.

1. Harvest the roots and rhizomes of valeriana officinalis in the spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
2. Dry the harvested roots and rhizomes in a well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
3. Chop the dried roots and rhizomes into small pieces and combine them with 80 proof vodka in a ratio of 1:2.
4. Steep the mixture in a glass container with a lid for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter and transfer it to a dark glass bottle for storage.

6. Artemisia vulgaris

Mugwort tinctures helps with cramps because it has a profound effect on the body's nervous system, specifically targeting the uterine muscles responsible for menstrual cramping.

The herb contains thymol, a compound that relaxes and soothes the muscles, reducing spasms and alleviating discomfort. Additionally, mugwort tincture's sedative properties help to calm the mind and body, further reducing stress and anxiety that can exacerbate cramps.

As a result, using mugwort tinctures has been shown to provide significant relief for women experiencing menstrual cramping, promoting a more comfortable and peaceful period experience.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia vulgaris tinctures that help with cramps.

• Thujone: Thujone is a terpene that may help with cramps by acting as an antispasmodic, relaxing muscle contractions and reducing pain.
• Caffeic acid: Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound that may help with cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing smooth muscle tissue, thereby alleviating cramp symptoms.
• Apigenin: Apigenin is a flavonoid that may help with cramps by acting as a calcium channel blocker, which can help relax muscle contractions and reduce pain.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of mugwort used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Leaves: They are used due to their high content of volatile oils, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties.
• Roots: The roots are utilized for their bitter compounds, which are thought to have a calming effect on the muscles and help to alleviate cramps.
• Flowers: Artemisia vulgaris flowers are used for their antispasmodic properties, which help to relax the muscles and reduce cramp severity.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mugwort for cramps.

1. Harvest the aerial parts of artemisia vulgaris in the early morning when the plant is at its peak potency.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a single layer at room temperature for 7 to 10 days.
3. Combine 1 part of the dried plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every day.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

7. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile tinctures helps with cramps because it has a soothing effect on the muscles, calming spasms and reducing inflammation.

The natural anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile help to ease cramping pain by relaxing tense muscle fibers and improving blood flow to affected areas.

Additionally, chamomile's calming influence can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for menstrual cramps, providing a sense of relief and comfort for individuals experiencing discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with cramps.

• Apigenin: An apigenin, a flavonoid, acts as an antispasmodic by relaxing smooth muscle cells and reducing muscle contractions, which helps alleviate menstrual cramps.
• Luteolin: Luteolin, another flavonoid, has anti-inflammatory properties, reducing prostaglandin production and subsequent smooth muscle contraction, thereby helping to ease menstrual cramps.
• Chamazulene: Chamazulene, a sesquiterpene lactone, has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which help to relax smooth muscle cells and reduce menstrual cramp severity.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Flowers: They contain apigenin and bisabolol, which have anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, helping to alleviate cramps.
• Seeds: They are rich in apigenin, a flavonoid that has a sedative effect, making them effective in soothing cramps.
• Leaves: They contain flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which have a calming effect on the body, helping to ease cramp symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for cramps.

1. Gather 1 part of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers and 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
2. Combine the dried flowers and vodka in the jar and seal it tightly to exclude air.
3. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow infusion.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
5. Transfer the tincture to a dark glass dropper bottle and label it for later use.

8. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop tinctures helps with cramps because they contain a unique blend of compounds that have a profound effect on the body's muscle tissues.

The tannins in maypop leaves help to relax and soothe tense muscles, while the alkaloids work to reduce inflammation and spasms.

As a result, maypop tincture is able to provide fast and effective relief from menstrual cramps, as well as other types of muscle cramps and spasms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with cramps.

• Harmane: Harmane is a beta-carboline alkaloid that may help alleviate cramps by inhibiting the release of pain mediators and neurotransmitters, leading to a reduction in pain perception.
• Isovitexin: Isovitexin is a flavonoid that has been shown to have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help relax smooth muscle and reduce cramping.
• Flavonoids: The flavonoids present in Passiflora incarnata may also contribute to its antispasmodic effects by inhibiting the contractility of smooth muscle and reducing the frequency and severity of cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Leaves: The leaves of Passiflora incarnata are used to make tinctures for cramps due to their high concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids that have antispasmodic properties.
• Fruits: The fruits of Passiflora incarnata are used to make tinctures for cramps as they contain a higher concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids compared to other parts, providing relief from muscle spasms.
• Roots: The roots of Passiflora incarnata are used to make tinctures for cramps due to their high content of isoquinoline alkaloids that have antispasmodic and sedative properties.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for cramps.

1. Harvest the fresh flowers of passiflora incarnata in the early morning when they are fully open for best results.
2. Clean the flowers thoroughly with distilled water to remove dirt and debris then pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Combine 1 part of the cleaned flowers with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar to create a 1:2 ratio.
4. Store the jar in a cool dark place and steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar daily to extract the medicinal properties.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle discarding the solids and label the tincture.

9. Viburnum opulus

Guelder rose tinctures helps with cramps because of its unique ability to relax muscle tissue, reducing spasms and pain.

The plant's bioactive compounds, such as salicates and flavonoids, work together to calm the nervous system and alleviate muscle contractions. As a result, guelder rose tincture can effectively relieve menstrual cramps, as well as other types of muscle cramps that occur due to hormonal fluctuations or stress.

By soothing the muscles and nerves, this natural remedy provides rapid and effective relief from discomfort and pain.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Viburnum opulus tinctures that help with cramps.

• Scopoletin: It acts as a natural antispasmodic, helping to relax muscles and alleviate cramp symptoms by blocking the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate muscle contractions.
• Viburnin: This alkaloid has sedative and antispasmodic properties, which help to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle spasms that cause cramps.
• Oleanolic acid: As a triterpenoid saponin, oleanolic acid has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which help to reduce inflammation and muscle cramps by inhibiting the release of pain-causing compounds.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of guelder rose used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Leaves: The leaves of Viburnum opulus are used to make tinctures for cramps because they contain compounds that have a relaxing effect on the uterine muscles, helping to alleviate cramping.
• Fruits: The fruits of Viburnum opulus are used to make tinctures for cramps because they contain a compound called scopoletin, which has a sedative effect and helps to reduce uterine contractions.
• Barks: The barks of Viburnum opulus are used to make tinctures for cramps because they contain compounds that have an antispasmodic effect, helping to relieve cramping and spasms in the uterus.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic guelder rose for cramps.

1. Harvest 1 part of dried viburnum opulus berries and 2 parts of fresh roots in the late summer or early fall season.
2. Dry the harvested plant material for 2-3 weeks in a warm dark place or by using a dehydrator.
3. Combine 1 part of the dried plant material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place shaking the jar every day.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

10. Angelica sinensis

Dong quai tinctures helps with cramps because it contains a unique combination of herbal compounds that work together to relax uterine muscles, reduce inflammation, and rebalance hormonal imbalances.

The antispasmodic properties of dong quai help to calm down spasms in the uterus, reducing severity and frequency of menstrual cramps. Additionally, its ability to tonify the blood and regulate menstruation helps to alleviate cramping symptoms caused by hormonal fluctuations.

As a result, many women find relief from painful periods when using dong quai tinctures as a natural remedy.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica sinensis tinctures that help with cramps.

• Coumarins: Coumarins, specifically angelixin and ligustilide, have been shown to have anti-spasmodic properties, which help relax muscles and alleviate cramps by blocking the release of neurotransmitters that stimulate muscle contraction.
• Phenylpropanoids: These phenylpropanoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that may contribute to muscle cramps, and also exhibit anti-spasmodic effects by relaxing smooth muscle.
• Coumarin-like compound: This compound has been found to have anti-spasmodic effects by blocking the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscle contraction, thereby reducing muscle cramps.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of dong quai used to make tinctures for cramps.

• Roots: The roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of ferulic acid, which is believed to help alleviate cramps and other menstrual issues.
• Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes are also widely used as they contain a similar amount of ferulic acid as the roots, which helps to soothe menstrual cramps and other symptoms associated with PMS.
• Leaves: The leaves are another commonly used part due to their high content of flavonoids and ferulic acid, which have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce cramping and discomfort during menstruation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dong quai for cramps.

1. Gather 250g of dried angelica sinensis root and 750ml of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container.
2. Combine the dried angelica sinensis root with 750ml of 80% ethanol in a clean glass container.
3. Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
4. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container.
5. Store the tincture in a clean glass bottle and label it with the date prepared and contents.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for cramps?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with cramps is often a blend of Willow Bark, Ginger, and Cramp Bark.

Willow Bark contains salicin, a natural anti-inflammatory that reduces pain and discomfort. Ginger warms the body and soothes the uterus, while Cramp Bark relaxes the uterine muscles.

Together, these tinctures work synergistically to alleviate cramp symptoms. Taking 10-20 drops of each tincture, 2-3 times a day, can provide relief from menstrual cramps and promote overall well-being.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

What ailments similar to cramps are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to cramps/tinctures.html">cramps/tinctures.html">cramps that are treated with herbal tinctures are menstrual irregularities, spasms, and muscle tension.

Tinctures of cramp bark, black haw, and passionflower have been used to ease symptoms such as uterine cramping, heavy bleeding, and anxiety-induced tremors. Additionally, tinctures like valerian and kava root have been employed to alleviate muscle spasms, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia.

These herbal remedies often provide relief without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical treatments.