Today’s recipe is an extremely useful herbal home remedy to have in your medicine cabinet. Learn how to make a cramp bark tincture for muscle aches, cramps & spasms. This tincture is also useful as a overall muscle relaxant.
Originally published 1/17/2017. Updated 6/11/2022.
As someone who has had back problems for years, this is an herbal remedy I rely on quiet often. I consider it a staple in my home apothecary. I turn to this remedy most often after I’ve thrown out my back (usually during gardening season!) when my muscles are all tight and tense and spasming. A trip to the chiropractor is usually in order but even then, it can take several days sometimes to regain my full mobility and usually my sleep is disrupted as well. It is during these times that I turn to Cramp Bark Tincture. I usually take it internally by the dropperful but it can also be rubbed into the muscles as well. It immediately relaxes those tight muscles and gives you some relief.
Cramp Bark to Relieve Muscle Cramps
Cramp bark is an antispasmodic herb. It’s primary use is to relieve cramps and other conditions caused by an over-contraction of muscles.
What is interesting about cramp bark is that not only does it relax the muscles in the back, neck and extremities but it is also helpful for menstrual cramps, intestinal cramps, and pain and cramping of the bladder (such as with a bladder infection.)
Cramp bark is one of the star players in our cramp bark tincture and it can be used both internally and externally.
Valerian Root to Relax Muscles
Another herb we’ll be using in our tincture is valerian root. Probably most well known for it’s sedative qualities, valerian root is a relaxant and can relieve anxiety. It relaxes over-contracted muscles and relieves tension and muscle spasms. It has a calming effect on the body, something you will most likely feel within minutes of taking the tincture. Be advised, valerian root may increase the effects of some sedatives.
Chamomile for Tense Muscles
The final herb in our tincture is chamomile. Chamomile is certainly a well known herb with so many uses! Chamomile is a relaxing nervine (it nourishes and strengthens the nervous system) and it relaxes both the mind AND the muscles. I love that!
Chamomile can decrease pain caused by tense muscles or cramping and is very useful for relieving menstrual cramps and digestive cramping. Chamomile is generally considered safe for everyone; however, some people with sensitivities to the Asteraceae (aster family) may also be sensitive to chamomile.
Cramp Bark Tincture for Muscle Aches, Cramps & Spasms
Cramp Bark Tincture for Muscle Aches, Cramps & Spasms
An herbal remedy to ease muscle aches, cramps and spasms. It is also helpful as overall muscle relaxant, especially helpful at bedtime.
Equipment
- 1 glass jar with lid
- 1 1-2 oz amber tincture bottle with dropper
- 1 amber tincture bottle for storing extra tincture (no dropper)
- 1 fine mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 part dried cramp bark
- 1 part dried valerian root
- 3/4 part dried chamomile flowers
- 80-100 proof vodka or apple cider vinegar or food grade vegetable glycerin
Instructions
- Choose an appropriate size jar for the amount of tincture you will be making. You want to fill your jar 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full of the dried herbs.
- Fill your clean glass jar 1/2 to 3/4 of the way full of the herbs.
- Pour enough vodka (or apple cider vinegar or glycerin) over the herbs to completely cover them and fill the jar. Seal your jar with a tight fitting lid.
- Let the herbs infuse out of direct sunlight for 4-6 weeks. Shake your jar often, every day if possible.
- After 4-6 weeks, strain the herbs from the liquid. Fill a small tincture bottle for daily use and a glass spray bottle (if desired for using as a muscle rub) and pour the remaining tincture in a clean glass amber jar. Label and date your tincture. Store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Apple cider vinegar will cause your metal caps to rust. If using apple cider vinegar in your tincture, use either a plastic lid or place a piece of plastic wrap between the jar and the metal lid.
Recipe by Jennifer Prentice @ www.myhealthyhomemadelife.com.
Complete recipe and instructions can be found at www.myhealthyhomemadelife.com/recipe/cramp-bark-tincture-muscle-aches-cramps/
Dosage:
A standard dosage is 1 tsp or dropperful of the tincture mixed with a small amount of water or juice up to 2-3 times a day.
The tincture can also be used externally. If using it as a muscle rub, no need to dilute the tincture. I find it easier to apply using a small glass spray bottle.
Enjoy!
–Jen
Looking for more home remedies? We have lots here on the blog.
You might find some of these recipes helpful:
How to Make Delicious Licorice Tea (Adaptogen Tea Blend for the Adrenals)
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and more!
Resources:
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH
Rosalee de la Forȇt. http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/
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