Cramp Bark: A Wonder Ingredient for Leg Cramps – Expert Commentary
Area
Intermittent cramp sufferers Chronic cramp sufferersKey Takeaways:
- Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a traditional herbal ingredient historically used to help relieve muscle cramps and spasms.
- Its main active compounds are believed to have muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Traditional uses include menstrual cramps and general muscle spasms from activity or tension.
- Crampeze and Crampeze Forte both include cramp bark alongside magnesium and other ingredients to support muscle function.
Amit Saha, Registered Pharmacist & Head of Technical & Innovation at Crampeze provides an expert commentary exploring the myriad of benefits of cramp bark:
“Cramp bark, scientifically known as viburnum opulus, is a native plant that is traditionally used for its medicinal properties. The name “cramp bark” is derived from its historical use to relieve muscle cramps and spasms.
Key Information on Cramp Bark Benefits
- Traditional use: cramp bark has been used for centuries in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Native American and European herbalists, to alleviate various conditions such as menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, and other types of pain.
- Medicinal properties: the three primary active compounds in cramp bark are valerenic acid, salicoside, and scopoletin, all believed to have muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Menstrual cramps: one of the most common uses of cramp bark is to alleviate menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. It is thought to work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus, thereby reducing the intensity of cramps and pain during menstruation.
- Muscle spasms: cramp bark’s muscle-relaxant properties extend beyond menstrual cramps. It has been used to alleviate general muscle spasms and cramps, whether they are due to physical activity, tension, or other causes.”
Preventing Leg Cramps with Crampeze
Crampeze has created two products leveraging the properties of cramp bark, along with carefully chosen ingredients to support muscle function.
- Crampeze – Crampeze is ideal for those suffering from chronic cramps or individuals who need cramp relief. In addition to magnesium and cramp bark, all current formulations include Rutin, Vitamin B6, and Ginkgo Biloba to support blood circulation to the peripheral areas of the body (legs, hands and feet).
- Crampeze Forte – Crampeze Forte is perfect for those who suffer from occasional leg cramps. Containing magnesium and other ingredients like nicotinamide, feverfew extract, and vitamin B5, this leg cramp treatment is here to make your muscles sing with joy.
Learn more about our leg cramp relief formulations, including Crampeze, and Crampeze Forte.
FAQ
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is a herbal ingredient traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve muscle cramps, spasms and menstrual cramps. It has a long history of use by Native American and European herbalists.
Cramp bark contains compounds believed to have muscle-relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has a long tradition of use for cramps and spasms. As with many traditional herbal ingredients, robust modern clinical trial evidence specific to leg cramps is limited, so it is best considered alongside other lifestyle measures rather than a standalone cure.
Cramp bark is generally well tolerated, but as with any herbal ingredient it’s worth checking with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, particularly if you take other medications or have an underlying health condition.
Both contain magnesium and cramp bark. Crampeze also includes Rutin, Vitamin B6 and Ginkgo Biloba and is aimed at chronic cramp sufferers, while Crampeze Forte contains nicotinamide, feverfew extract and vitamin B5 and is suited to occasional or activity-related cramps.
