One word to define a great body is “muscular.” People usually spend hours at the gym and sacrifice a lot to attain the desired muscular body. What would you do if the cause of your pride becomes a source of great pain? We are talking about painful muscle cramps.

Muscle cramps can be defined as a powerful and painful contraction of a muscle that occurs suddenly and causes excruciating pain for a period of 5 to 8 minutes while it lasts.

Here are some of the popular home remedies that are known to treat muscle cramps effectively.

Epsom salt- Epsom salt has always been a favorite of the apothecary since it has healing properties. The magnesium content in Epsom salt helps our muscles relax and heal. So, prepare a bath for yourself and add two cups of Epsom salt to it. Soak yourself in the bath for 20 to 30 minutes. This would take care of the muscle cramps and you can finally be free of the pain.

The hot and cold compress- Everyone knows that a good sauna bath helps your muscles relax. So, apply heat pads to your affected area and replace it with an ice pack. You can say bon voyage to your pain in no time. However, make sure you don’t directly place the ice pack on your skin. Keep a cloth in between.

Apple Cider Vinegar- Apple Cider Vinegar is known to have a high potassium content. When the level of potassium in our body lowers, you start experiencing muscle cramps. So, add a spoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and sip away. Apple cider vinegar keeps dehydration at bay by maintaining the fluid level in our body.

Clove Oil- The anti-inflammatory properties of clove oil come in handy when you are dealing with muscle cramps. It helps in reducing swelling caused due to muscles cramps. So, heat some clove oil and gently massage it on the affected area.

Black strap molasses- If calcium or potassium deficiency is the cause of your muscle cramps, then black strap molasses are what you need. Mix one tablespoon of black strap molasses in a glass of warm milk. Your pain would be relieved soon after you consume this concoction.

Muscle cramps are inevitable but this doesn’t have to mean that it cannot be treated. Painkillers do relieve you from the pain, but is detrimental in the long run. Home remedies would be a safer option for you, since it has no side-effects.