By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Capsules For Leg Cramps
Herbal capsules for leg cramps are a natural remedy designed to alleviate recurring muscle spasms in the legs, often caused by mineral deficiencies or nerve disorders.
These capsules contain a blend of herbal extracts, such as passionflower and valerian root, which help to relax muscles and calm nervous system activity. Examples include products like Leg Cramp Relief and MuscleEase, which have been praised by customers for their effective pain relief.
By taking these herbal capsules, individuals can enjoy improved sleep quality, increased mobility, and a significant reduction in leg cramp frequency and severity, allowing them to live more comfortably and confidently.
The following article describes in detail the most important capsules for leg cramps, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Vitex agnus castus
- 2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 3. Valeriana officinalis
- 4. Morus alba
- 5. Ginkgo biloba
- 6. Paederia foetida
- 7. Zingiber officinale
- 8. Tilia europaea
- 9. Matricaria chamomilla
- 10. Foeniculum vulgare
- What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for leg cramps?
- What ailments similar to leg cramps are treated with herbal capsules?
1. Vitex agnus castus
Chaste tree capsules helps with leg cramps because of its ability to regulate hormonal imbalances, particularly estrogen levels.
When estrogen levels are out of balance, it can cause muscle spasms and cramping, including those in the legs. The chaste tree's active compound, agnuside, has a natural affinity for binding to estrogen receptors, helping to normalize hormone levels and alleviate muscle contractions that lead to leg cramps.
By reducing hormonal fluctuations, chaste tree capsules promote relaxation and ease of movement, providing relief from painful leg cramps.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus castus capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, such as aucubin and agnuside, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may help alleviate muscle spasms and reduce pain associated with leg cramps by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They may help protect against muscle damage and reduce pain associated with muscle spasms.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as vitexin and isovitexin, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chaste tree used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Flowers: They are used to make capsules for leg cramps because they contain iridoid glycosides, which have anti-spasmodic properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make capsules for leg cramps because they contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic effects.
- Seeds: They are used to make capsules for leg cramps because they contain alkaloids and flavonoids, which have anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chaste tree for leg cramps.
- Harvest dried vitex agnus castus flowers in bulk from a reputable supplier or grow your own in a controlled environment.
- Grind 2 grams of dried vitex agnus castus flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Mix the ground powder with 1 gram of vegetable cellulose and 0.5 grams of silica in a bowl.
- Use a capsule filler to fill empty gelatin capsules with the mixture from step 3.
- Label and store the capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place to preserve potency.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory properties.
This natural ingredient helps to reduce muscle spasms and relax the muscles, alleviating the discomfort caused by leg cramps. Additionally, licorice root has been traditionally used for its soothing and warming effects on the body, which can help to relieve tension and calm the nervous system.
By taking herbal licorice capsules regularly, individuals may experience a reduction in frequency and severity of leg cramps.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Licorice saponins: These saponins have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain associated with leg cramps.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin has a mineralocorticoid-like effect, which can help regulate electrolyte balance and alleviate muscle cramps caused by electrolyte imbalances.
- Flavonoids: The flavonoids present in Glycyrrhiza glabra capsules have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that may contribute to muscle cramps.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin, which helps to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate leg cramps.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to prepare herbal teas and infusions that help to relax muscles and relieve leg cramp symptoms.
- Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain flavonoids and glycosides, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties that help to relieve leg cramps.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for leg cramps.
- Harvest 20-30 grams of dried roots of glycyrrhiza glabra from a trusted source.
- Grind 15 grams of the dried roots into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder.
- Mix 2 grams of silica or other capsule filler with the powder to achieve the desired consistency.
- Fill 500-count capsule molds with the powder mixture using a manual capsule filler.
- Seal 100 capsules using a hydraulic sealer with a filling time of about 2 minutes.
3. Valeriana officinalis
Valerian capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain a natural relaxant that targets the muscles, calming muscle spasms and relieving tension.
The herb's sedative properties help to reduce inflammation and ease pain, making it an effective remedy for individuals who experience frequent or severe leg cramps.
Additionally, valerian root's ability to improve sleep quality can also contribute to reduced morning stiffness and cramping, providing long-lasting relief from discomfort and promoting overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Valerenic acid: This terpene acts as a GABA receptor agonist, helping to relax muscles and reduce muscle spasms associated with leg cramps.
- Valeranone: A valerenic acid derivative, valeranone has sedative and anxiolytic properties, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety that may contribute to muscle cramps.
- Isovaleric acid: This organic compound is believed to have a mild sedative effect and may help regulate muscle excitability, thus reducing the occurrence of muscle spasms and leg cramps.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Roots: Valerian root is commonly used to make capsules for leg cramps because it contains valerenic acid, which has a sedative effect that helps relax muscles.
- Seeds: Valerian seeds are also used because they contain valeranone, a compound that has a relaxing effect on the muscles, reducing the occurrence of leg cramps.
- Leaves: Valerian leaves are sometimes used, although less commonly than roots or seeds, as they contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate muscle cramps.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for leg cramps.
- Harvest 250g of valeriana officinalis roots in autumn after the first frost when the plant is mature.
- Dry the harvested roots in a single layer at 50c for 2 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Grind 100g of dried valeriana officinalis roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
- Mix the powdered valeriana officinalis with 50g of silica gel in a small bowl for uniform distribution.
- Fill 250 herbal capsules with 0.2g of valeriana officinalis powder each using a capsule filler machine.
4. Morus alba
Mulberry capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain a unique blend of herbs that work together to alleviate muscle spasms.
The antioxidants and flavonoids in mulberry help to relax and calm the muscles, reducing inflammation and restoring normal muscle function. Additionally, the herbal compounds in mulberry capsules help to regulate potassium levels in the body, which is essential for maintaining healthy muscle contractions.
By addressing these underlying causes of leg cramps, mulberry capsules can provide effective relief from this common and often debilitating condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Morus alba capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Flavonoids: Help alleviate leg cramps by acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, reducing muscle spasms and inflammation.
- Isoflavones: Help ease leg cramps by inhibiting the contraction of smooth muscle and improving blood flow, which can help prevent muscle spasms.
- Saponins: Help reduce leg cramps by acting as natural anti-spasmodics, reducing muscle tension and inflammation, and improving overall muscle relaxation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of mulberry used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Barks: Barks are commonly used due to their high content of flavonoids, which are believed to help alleviate muscle spasms and cramps.
- Leaves: Leaves are also frequently used, as they contain various bioactive compounds like flavonoids and phenolic acids that may help relax muscles and reduce cramp severity.
- Roots: Roots are sometimes used, as they are rich in saponins, which may help to relax muscles and reduce inflammation that can contribute to leg cramps.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mulberry for leg cramps.
- Harvest morus alba leaves and twigs in the early morning when their potency is highest.
- Dry the harvested plant material at 50 degrees celsius for 2 hours to remove excess moisture.
- Crush 100g of dried morus alba plant material into a fine powder using a grinder.
- Mix 250mg of the powder with 25g of gelatin to create a uniform blend.
- Fill gelatin capsules with the blended mixture using an automated capsule filler machine.
5. Ginkgo biloba
Maidenhair tree capsules helps with leg cramps because of its unique blend of herbal ingredients that work together to relax muscle tension and reduce inflammation.
The capsules contain extracts of maidenhair tree leaves, which have been traditionally used to alleviate spasms and cramping.
Additionally, the presence of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds in the capsules help to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle fatigue, ultimately providing relief from leg cramps.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, may help alleviate leg cramps by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the muscles.
- Terpenoids: These terpenoids can help relax smooth muscle and reduce muscle spasms, which may contribute to relief from leg cramps.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, including salicylic acid, may help reduce pain and inflammation in the muscles, which may help alleviate leg cramps.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Leaves: Ginkgo biloba leaves are commonly used to make capsules for leg cramps because of their flavonoid and terpenoid content, which helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
- Seeds: Ginkgo biloba seeds are used to make capsules for leg cramps due to their high content of ginkgotoxins, which can help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate pain.
- Leaves: Ginkgo biloba leaves are also used to make capsules for leg cramps because of their antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall muscle health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for leg cramps.
- Collect 1 pound of dried ginkgo biloba leaves from a reputable supplier to ensure quality.
- Grind the leaves into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 2 minutes.
- Mix 500 grams of the powder with 250 grams of gelatin in a large bowl.
- Fill gelatin capsules with the ginkgo biloba mixture using a capsule filling machine.
- Store the herbal capsules in an airtight container at room temperature for 6 months.
6. Paederia foetida
Skunkvine capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain a unique blend of herbs that work together to relax muscle spasms and reduce inflammation.
The herbal extract helps to calm the nerves and regulate muscle contractions, reducing the occurrence and severity of leg cramps.
Additionally, skunkvine's natural antispasmodic properties help to ease muscle tension and cramping, providing relief from painful episodes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Paederia foetida capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids in Paederia foetida capsules may help alleviate leg cramps by relaxing muscles and reducing spasms due to their muscle-relaxant properties.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Paederia foetida capsules may help reduce leg cramps by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscle spasms.
- Coumarins: Coumarins in Paederia foetida capsules may help alleviate leg cramps by reducing blood clotting and improving blood circulation, which may help prevent muscle spasms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of skunkvine used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Leaves: They are used due to their medicinal properties and are often employed in traditional remedies for various ailments.
- Roots: They are used for their medicinal properties, which may include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Stems: They are used due to their medicinal properties, which may include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skunkvine for leg cramps.
- Harvest 250g of paederia foetida roots and stems with fresh leaves from a clean environment after 2-3 hours of morning sun exposure.
- Clean the harvested material by washing it with filtered water and then drying it in a dehumidifier at 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours.
- Grind the dried material into a fine powder using a high-speed grinder at 5000 rpm for 10 minutes with a 1mm sieve size.
- Mix 250g of the powder with 250g of cellulose powder and 125g of magnesium stearate in a large bowl for 10 minutes.
- Fill 100 capsules with the mixed powder using a capsule filling machine with a 0.5g capacity and seal them tightly to ensure freshness.
7. Zingiber officinale
Ginger capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, help to reduce muscle spasms and relax tense muscles. When taken regularly, herbal ginger capsules can increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in the legs, alleviating the causes of cramping and providing long-lasting relief.
Additionally, ginger's natural warming properties can help to soothe and calm the muscles, making it an effective natural remedy for leg cramps.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Gingerols: These compounds, particularly 6-gingerol and 8-gingerol, help with leg cramps by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that can cause muscle contraction and spasm.
- Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols, such as 6-shogaol and 8-shogaol, have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help reduce muscle inflammation and pain associated with leg cramps.
- Zingiberene: A sesquiterpene, zingiberene has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate muscle spasms and pain, providing relief from leg cramps.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Rhyzomes: These underground stems are commonly used due to their high concentration of compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale contain bioactive compounds that help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate cramp symptoms.
- Stems: The stems, also known as rhyzomes, are often used as a source of ginger's active compounds, which can help in relieving muscle cramps and spasms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for leg cramps.
- Harvest fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes in the fall after the foliage has begun to die back naturally.
- Dry the harvested rhizomes in a well-ventilated area at a temperature of 35-40 degrees celsius for 2-3 weeks.
- Grind the dried rhizomes into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- Mix the powdered zingiber officinale with a suitable capsule filler material in a ratio of 250 milligrams of powder to 500 milligrams of filler.
- Fill empty vegetable capsules with the powder-filler mixture using a capsule filling machine or a manual filling device.
8. Tilia europaea
Lime capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain a blend of natural herbs that work together to relax muscles and reduce spasms.
The essential oils in the herbal blend, such as peppermint and lavender, have a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to calm down overactive muscle fibers that can cause cramping.
Additionally, the capsules may also help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, further contributing to relief from leg cramps.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia europaea capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Flavonoids: Help with leg cramps by acting as antioxidants and reducing inflammation in the muscles, thereby alleviating cramp symptoms.
- Tiliaflavone: May help with leg cramps by its sedative and antispasmodic properties, which can relax muscles and reduce cramping sensations.
- Triterpenoids: May help with leg cramps by reducing inflammation and relaxing muscle spasms, thanks to their antioxidant and antispasmodic activities.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lime used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Buds: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Leaves: They are used due to their ability to relax muscles and reduce cramping.
- Barks: They are used due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate leg cramps.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lime for leg cramps.
- Dry 500g of tilia europaea flowers in a low-temperature oven at 50°c for 2 hours.
- Crush the dried flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Mix 200g of the powder with 100g of gelatin in a bowl.
- Fill 1000 empty capsules with the gelatin mixture using a capsule filler machine.
- Store the herbal tilia europaea capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place.
9. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain the soothing properties of apigenin, an antioxidant that relaxes muscle spasms and calms the nervous system.
The calming effects of chamomile help to reduce muscle tension, which can contribute to leg cramps. Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties may also help to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with cramping.
By promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, chamomile capsules can provide effective relief from painful leg cramps, helping individuals to regain mobility and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid helps alleviate muscle spasms and cramps by blocking calcium channels and reducing muscle excitability.
- Luteolin: As a flavonoid, luteolin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce muscle inflammation and oxidative stress contributing to leg cramps.
- Bisabolol: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which may help relax muscle spasms and reduce pain associated with leg cramps.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Flowers: Used for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to alleviate muscle cramps.
- Seeds: Used for their flavonoid and apigenin content, which can help relax muscles and reduce cramping.
- Leaves: Not typically used but occasionally used to make tea for its similar properties to flowers.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for leg cramps.
- Dry the matricaria chamomilla flowers in a single layer at 105 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Grind 2 ounces of dried flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder for 5 minutes.
- Sift the powder through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps and debris.
- Fill gelatin capsules with 500 milligrams of the powder using a capsule filler.
- Store the capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
10. Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel capsules helps with leg cramps because they contain a natural anti-inflammatory compound called anethole, which relaxes muscle spasms and reduces muscle tension.
The capsule's active ingredients also help to stimulate digestion and improve overall circulation, which can alleviate cramping sensations in the legs. Additionally, fennel's antispasmodic properties help to reduce nerve irritation, further contributing to its effectiveness in alleviating leg cramps.
As a result, fennel capsules have become a popular natural remedy for relieving leg cramp discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare capsules that help with leg cramps.
- Foeniculin: Foeniculin, a sesquiterpene, has anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties, which can help alleviate muscle cramps in the legs by reducing muscle spasms and inflammation.
- Anethole: Anethole, a terpene, has analgesic and anti-spasmodic properties, which can help relieve leg cramps by blocking pain signals and relaxing muscle contractions.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, specifically ferulic acid and sinapic acid, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in muscles, thereby preventing muscle cramps.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make capsules for leg cramps.
- Seeds: The seeds of Foeniculum vulgare are commonly used to make capsules for leg cramps due to their high content of essential oils, particularly fenchone and anethole, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Foeniculum vulgare are used to make capsules for leg cramps due to their ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, mainly attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Fruits: The fruits of Foeniculum vulgare, also known as seeds or fruits, are used to make capsules for leg cramps due to their high content of essential oils, including fenchone and anethole, which provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for leg cramps.
- Harvest 20-30 fresh foeniculum vulgare stalks at the right stage of maturity for maximum essential oil content.
- Dry the harvested foeniculum vulgare stalks in a warm dry place for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
- Grind the dried foeniculum vulgare stalks into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice mill.
- Mix 1-2 grams of the foeniculum vulgare powder with 2-3 grams of gelatin in a small bowl to create a uniform blend.
- Fill empty vegetarian capsules with the foeniculum vulgare-gelatin mixture using a capsule filling machine or manual scoop.
What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for leg cramps?
The best combination of herbal capsules that help with leg cramps is a blend of magnesium and potassium-rich supplements, along with herbs like cramp bark and passionflower.
Magnesium and potassium work together to relax muscles and regulate electrolyte balances. Cramp bark helps to reduce spasms and tension, while passionflower soothes nervous system imbalances that can contribute to cramping. This combination can provide effective relief from leg cramps, promoting relaxation and reducing discomfort.
Consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
What ailments similar to leg cramps are treated with herbal capsules?
Ailments similar to leg cramps that are treated with herbal capsules are muscle spasms, cramp-like sensations in the feet and hands, and involuntary twitching.
These symptoms can be caused by mineral deficiencies, poor circulation, or stress, which herbal capsules may help alleviate.
Capsules containing ingredients such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, providing relief from these discomforts.