Antispasmodic Herbs : Relax Muscle Cramps



An antispasmodic herb suppresses spasms, and reduce muscular tension. Smooth muscles like those that line the stomach contract without conscious control, and cause spasms, cramps and abdominal pain. Some herbal antispasmodics ease muscle cramps throughout the body, others are specific to specific organs and muscle types. Many of these herbs also act on the central nervous system as well and can help relax psychological tension.


  • Herb Properties
  • Herbs Alphabetical by Common Name


    • See List Herbs by Botanical Name
  • Andrographis Andrographis, Andrographis paniculata : Creat, chuan xin lian, Kan jang, Kalmegha
    small annual shrub : Andrographis paniculata is an herb native to the Indian subcontinent and is used in Ayurveda,the ancient (before 2500 b.c.) Indian system of health care and longevity. ...
  • Asafoetida root Asafoetida root, Ferula asafoetida : devil's dung, food of the gods, hing, narthex
    : According to ayurvedic medicine, asafoetida is a valuable spice and remedy for nervous disorders, colic, bowel spasms, and for spasmodic coughing....
  • Basil Basil, Ocimum basilicum : Sweet Basil
    herb : Stellar culinary herb and aromatherapy oil. Stimulates appetite, uplifts mood. The uses of basil are limited only by your imagination....
  • Bergamot Oil Bergamot Oil, Citrus bergamia :
    Citrus tree : The fresh, citrus scent of bergamot essential oil is beneficial for anxiety and depression, and very useful as an anti-infectious agent....
  • Black Pepper Black Pepper, Piper nigrum :
    Perennial Woody Vine : Freshly ground pepper is a healthy spice, but the uses of black pepper go far beyond the kitchen in herbalism....
  • Blue Cohosh Root Blue Cohosh Root, Caulophyllum thalictroides : squaw root
    Perennial herb : Blue cohosh is generally used in combination with other herbs, often black cohosh, to treat menstrual disorders. The herb is one of the traditional herbs often used to induce labor....
  • California Poppy California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica : Gold Poppy
    Tender Perennial : The above ground parts and roots of this wildflower show promise in the treatment of insomnia without the side effects and dependency risks of sleep aids....
  • Camphor Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora :
    Evergreen Tree : When first applied camphor oil numbs and cools the peripheral nerve endings, then warms the painful area as it stimulates circulation to cold, stiff muscles and limbs....
  • Caraway Seed Caraway Seed, Carum carvi :
    herb : Caraway, source of the crunchy seeds atop dark rye bread, is also one of the best carminative herbs, acting to prevent gas and bloating. Caraway is a good remedy for colds and congestion and helps to relax the muscles that cause coughing spasms....
  • Cardamom Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum :
    : Cardamom is an incredibly rich yet light aromatic spice and essential oil. Like its close relative ginger, cardamom is well known for relief of nausea, especially morning sickness in pregnancy. ...
  • Cardamom Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum :
    : Cardamom is an incredibly rich yet light aromatic spice and essential oil. Like its close relative ginger, cardamom is well known for relief of nausea, especially morning sickness in pregnancy. ...
  • Carrot, Wild Carrot, Wild, Daucus carota L. : Wild Carrot; Queen Anne's Lace; Bird's-nest
    Perennial Herb : Domesticated carrots are not the same species as the wild carrot, commonly know as Queen Annes Lace, whose seed is the part used medicinally...
  • Catnip Catnip, Nepeta cataria : Catmint, Nep,Catnep
    Perennial herb : A harmless high for felines, and beneficial for humans, Catnip leaves contain considerable quantities of vitamins C and E, both excellent antioxidants...
  • Cayenne Pepper Cayenne Pepper, Capsicum minimum : Capsicum ,African Pepper, Chillies, Bird Pepper
    Tender perennial shrub : Capsicum, an extract from cayenne and other peppers, can dramatically reduce chronic nerve pain, and is effective against chronic pain like arthritis and neuralgia...
  • Chamomile Chamomile, Matricaria recutita : Camomile, Chamomilla, German chamomile
    Annual herb : Chamomile is an excellent remedy for any emotional disorders that involve stress, anxiety, and tension. The apple-like aroma relaxes and calms and the tea is used home remedies....
  • Chanca Piedra Chanca Piedra, Phyllanthus niruri : phyllanthus, quebra pedra, kidney stone tree
    Tropical Herbaceous Shrub : This traditional native medicine is used to treat kidney stones in both human and veterinary herbal medicine....
  • Cinnamon Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, C. cassia : Cassia Bark, Sweet cinnamon
    Evergreen Tropical Tree : Cinnamon is recommended for treating weak digestion, low appetite and stomach upsets. It has powerful antibacterial and antiviral properties and may help lower blood sugar....
  • Clary Sage Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea : Clarysage
    Perennial Herb : Clary sage oil is ideal to use on a regular basis in baths or perfumes to revitalize and rejuvenate the body and mind. It is recommended for women who are experiencing hot flashes...
  • Corydalis Corydalis, Corydalis spp : fumewort, Yan Hu So
    perennial herbaceous flowering plant : Corydalis a member of poppy family, and like many Papaverceae Corydalis is an anodyne, a central nervous system depressant, cardiotonic, and sedative. ...
  • Cramp Bark Cramp Bark, Viburnum opulus : Stagbush, sweet viburnum, guelder-rose, water elder, arrowwood
    deciduous shrub : Black haw and cramp bark act in similar ways and both have a long history of use by Native and pioneer women to prevent threaten miscarriage, relieve uterine cramps, and painful periods...
  • Cumin Cumin, Cuminum cyminum : cummin
    herbaceous annual : Cumin is aromatic, containing up to 4 percent essential oil, warm, spicy and slightly sweet. ...
  • Cypress Oil Cypress Oil, Cupressus sempervirens :
    tree : Cypress is best known for it's use in oily and over hydrated skin and is one of the essential oils often recommended for cellulite massage blends, treatment of varicose veins and wounds...
  • Dong Quai Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis : Chinese Angelica, Dang-gui
    Herbaceous perennial : Since ancient times, dang-quai has been an important herb for women. For menopausal women it addresses symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings...
  • Eucalyptus Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus globulus : Eucalyptus
    tree : Eucalyptus is one of the best known cold and congestion remedies. Eucalyptus oil is also a good pain reliever for sore muscles and arthritis pain....
  • Fennel Seed Fennel Seed, Foeniculum vulgare : Sweet Fennel, Fenkel
    : Fennel seed is a good herbal remedy for coughs, helps in weight loss, and even tempers the effects of hormonal changes in menopause...
  • Galangal Root Galangal Root, Alpinia officinarum : Galanga, lesser galangal, Blue ginger, Chinese ginger
    Tropical perennial : Galangal is a sub tropical Asian member of the Ginger family. Herbalists consider the galangal root antispasmodic and antibacterial, and recommend its use in cases of dyspepsia (upset stomach or indigestion) and l...
  • Garlic Garlic, Allium sativum : Poor Man's Treacle, Bawang, Bauang
    Monocot Perennial : Readily available and inexpensive garlic may be the first line of defense in treating high blood pressure, and dealing with common skin and fungal infections....
  • Ginger Root Ginger Root, Zingiber officinale : Luyang Dilaw
    Perennial Monocot reed : Ginger combines well with many herbs, improving taste and potency. Ginger speeds up the delivery of healthy plant chemicals into the bloodstream while adding a spicy, hot zest to your favorite dishes....
  • Grapefruit Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi :
    Evergreen subtropical tree : Grapefruit increases circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system, and may help to regulate body weight with regular use. It is also a good source of the antioxidant vitamin C....
  • Hemp Oil Hemp Oil, Cannabis sativa :
    Annual Herb : Perhaps the most valued property of hemp (Cannabis sativa) is its percentage of essential fatty acids, which is higher than any other plant in the world. Although Cannabis sativa is illegal in the United States because of the dried leaves intoxica...
  • Hyssop Hyssop, Hyssopus officinalis :
    Woody perennial : An aromatic and medicinal herb, Hyssop is a good expectorant and antiviral commonly used to treat respiratory conditions such as influenza, sinus infections, colds and bronchitis ...
  • Jamaican Dogwood Jamaican Dogwood, Piscidia piscipula : Florida Fishposion Tree
    : Jamaican dogwood is well known as a specific for migraine headaches and neuralgia and for treatment of insomnia caused by pain, muscle tension and stress....
  • Juniper Berries Juniper Berries, Juniperus communis :
    tree : Juniper is used as a mild diuretic to treat to treat urinary problems. Juniper detoxifies the system and helps prevent the buildup of uric acid in cases of gout and rheumatoid arthritis....
  • Lemon Balm Lemon Balm, Melissa officinalis : Melissa
    Perennial herb : Lemon balm is an aromatic mint with soothing, calming properties. Drink lemon balm tea when nerves, headaches or mild depression are preventing you from getting a good night's sleep...
  • Lemon Verbena Lemon Verbena, Aloysia citriodora : vervain
    Tender perennial woody shrub : Lemon verbena is used primarily as a culinary herb, but it also makes a delightful medicinal herb tea...
  • Lovage Lovage, Levisticum officinale :
    Herb perennial : Lovage is an old English garden herb whose use dates from the fourteenth century. ...
  • Marjoram,Sweet Marjoram,Sweet, Origanum majorana :
    perennial herb : Sweet marjoram is a fragrant culinary herb and the sweet, herbaceous essential oil is used in aromatherapy for emotional uplift and soothing nerves...
  • Mistletoe Mistletoe, Viscum coloratum, V. album : loranthus,European mistletoe, loranthus, mulberry mistletoe
    Parasitic evergreen shrub : Mistletoe extracts have been extensively studied in Europe as a supplemental treatment in cancer therapy....
  • Motherwort Motherwort, Leonurus caridica L. : Lion's tail, lion's ear
    Perennial herb : The use of motherwort is an old one, the ancient Greeks and Romans honored it for a remedy for both physical and emotional heart troubles, especially when associated with anxiety...
  • Orange Orange, Citrus sinensis, Citrus spp. : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine
    tree : Oranges are a healthy source of vitamin C and other nutrients, as well as one of the most versatile aromatherapy oils. Orange peel is used as a zest in cooking and as a tea....
  • Oregano Oregano, Origanum vulgare : Wild Marjoram
    herb : Oregano has a very ancient reputation and has been used in both the kitchen and the sickroom since the time of the ancients. Many would be surprised to learn that oregano is ranked first among the culinary herbs in antioxidant power. Many of the ...
  • Pasque Flower Pasque Flower, Pulsatilla nuttalliana : Pasque Flower, Prairie Crocus
    Perennial Wildflower : Pasque flower was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia at the time Millspaugh published his "American Medical Plants" in 1882, and was prescribed by both Eclectic physicians and homeopaths...
  • Peppermint Peppermint, Mentha piperita : Yerba Buena
    Perennial Herb : Peppermint has an antispasmodic effect that soothes stomachaches and relieves gas. Peppermint oil is cooling and analgesic, relieving heat and inflammation while it increases blood flow to the painful area....
  • Periwinkle Periwinkle, Vinca minor : lesser periwinkle, myrtle
    Shrub : The leaves, and seeds of the periwinkle contain vincamine, a precursor to the chemical vinpocetine, which is used as a medicinally to enhance memory naturally while the mind ages....
  • Pleurisy Root Pleurisy Root, Asclepias tuberosa : Butterfly-weed. Swallow-wort, Tuber root, Wind root, Colic root, Orange Milkweed
    Perennial herb : Known popularly as pleurisy root, from its medicinal use against a wide range of respiratory and lung conditions, specifically pleurisy...
  • Red Clover Red Clover, Trifolium pratense :
    Perennial Herb : Red Clover of most interest in menopause and in the prevention of breast cancer because of its strong concentration of natural plant estrogen...
  • Rose Rose, Rosa spp :
    Perennial : Rose petals suitable for medicinal purposes are deeply rose-colored and fragrant....
  • Rosemary Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis :
    Woody perennial herb : Amazing, versatile rosemary is valued by cooks, herbalists, aromatherapists, and gardeners alike. Rosemary oil combats mental fatigue, increasing concentration and memory...
  • Rue Rue, Ruta graveolens L. : Herb of Grace
    Perennial Shrub : One of the oldest and garden plants cultivated for medicinal use, rue was valued as a country simple for its ability to ward off toxins and pests. The use of rue as a medicinal herb has declined in modern times due to it's toxicity ...
  • Sandalwood Oil Sandalwood Oil, Santalum album :
    tree : Sandalwood oil is one of the few fragrances equally popular among men and women. Its uplifting scent is often used to treat depression....
  • Skullcap Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora : Virginian skull cap, mad-dog skull cap, scullcap
    hardy perennial herb : The plant has been used for centuries by herbalists as an effective nerve tonic and sedative. Its common uses include relief of nervous tension, anxiety and nerve pain....
  • Sweet Woodruff Sweet Woodruff, Galium odoratum : Wild Baby's Breath
    Perennial herb : Sweet woodruff teas are anti-inflammatory, diuretic and gently sedating. ...
  • Tarragon Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus :
    Perennial Herb : Tarragon is a culinary star in French cuisine and best used fresh....
  • Tea Tea, Camellia sinensis : Green Tea, Black tea
    Evergreen Shrub : Black tea, Oolong/Wu long tea and green and white teas are all from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The health benefits of tea are mainly credited to the catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, or (EGCG). Plant ...
  • Thyme Thyme, Thymus vulgaris : Common Thyme, Wild Thyme
    Woody Perennial Herb : Thyme is one of the best herbs to use as a cough and cold remedy, addressing all your cold symptoms in a holistic way. Thyme acts to clear the lungs of congestion...
  • Valerian root Valerian root, Valeriana officinalis :
    Perennial Herb : The Greeks used valerian roots to help them fall asleep, and that use holds up under scientific scrutiny today. For insomnia and nervous anxiety ...
  • Vervain Vervain, Verbena hastata, V. officinalis : Blue Vervain, Wild Hyssop, Simpler's Joy, Herb of the cross
    Perennial Herb : Vervain is useful in many diseases as a pain reliever and natural tranquilizer, an expectorant used to treat chronic bronchitis, and an anti-rheumatic used to relive joint pain....
  • White Peony root White Peony root, Paeonia albiflora : Bai Shao Yao, Peony root, and Chinese Peony
    herbaceous perennial : The white peony is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. Peony root is the part valued in Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as abnormal menses, night sweats, abdominal pain, sores and injuries....
  • Wild lettuce Wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa : Bitter lettuce, Opium Lettuce
    Biennial herb : Wild lettuce contains a sedative milky latex that can induce opium like sensations. Wild lettuce is a valuable remedy for insomnia and muscular arthritis....
  • Wild Yam Root Wild Yam Root, Dioscorea villosa : Colic root, rheumatism root
    Perennial Vine : Wild yam root is a potent source of diosgenin that was used in the manufacture of the first oral contraceptives...
  • Yarrow Yarrow, Achillea millefolium : Milfoil, Old Man's Pepper, Nosebleed
    Perennial herb : Yarrow is one of the best-known herbal remedies for fevers and bleeding. The chemical makeup of yarrow is complex, containing many active medicinal compounds ...