Herbs for Musicians

This week’s word is: anti-spasmodic.

I think the importance of this week’s word is less about the definition of the word than to understand when an anti-spasmodic herb might be helpful. When do we experience spasms?

We often associate spasms with either serious problems like epilepsy, or with slight annoying things like an eye twitching. Those spasms are obvious. But there are other ways in which our body spasms that we may not associate with the word.

Essentially, a spasm is an involuntary contraction of a muscle or hollow organ. A leg cramp is an example of a spasm. So are menstrual cramps. Abdominal pain may be due to a spasm in the stomach. Another example is a sudden urge to use the toilet.

Coughs are also a type of spasm. We may keep coughing even when we have otherwise recovered from a cold because our lungs continue to spasm – like a hiccup of the lungs. And we know that continued coughing can cause sore throats and other issues. We need something to stop the cough!

Anti-spasmodic herbs work to help relax and soothe the muscles.

I turn to anti-spasmodic herbs every month during my period because I get bad cramps. My favorite is cramp bark. It’s very interesting to me that the common name of the herb describes what it helps with! (It also helps leg cramps and other types of spasms.)

Some anti-spasmodic herbs are also powerful anti-anxiety herbs, like valerian. Not only does it help suppress muscle spasms, it also helps with “spasms” of the mind. I don’t know about, you, but to me that is what anxiety feels like. My mind will just start firing thoughts uncontrollably, and it is hard to get a grip. An anti-spasmodic herb that also has anti-anxiety properties can help with getting some traction to get past the mind chaos.

The herb pictured above, mullein, has anti-spasmodic actions and is particularly good for the lungs, especially helpful with bronchitis, asthma, and other dry coughing (no phlegm.)

Mullein can be used in a tincture or a tea. Interestingly, it can also be smoked. If using it as a tea, strain the liquid through a fine strainer to catch the hairs on the leaves, which can be irritating to some people.

You can make a tincture of mullein the same way as for marshmallow. Below is the video I made on making a marshmallow tincture.

There are many herbs with anti-spasmodic actions. Ones I have used include arnica, bacopa (also good for ADHD symptoms), calendula, chamomile, cramp bark, elecampane, hop, horehound, lavender, linden, marshmallow, motherwort, mullein, olive leaf, passionflower, raspberry leaf (another great one for menstrual cramps!), and valerian,

I have used some of the herbs above specifically for muscle or menstrual cramps. I also need to keep an eye on my blood pressure. Interestingly, many herbs that help reduce muscle spasms and anxiety also help lower blood pressure. Do you see a connection? I do!

There are other herbs, like valerian, hop, and passionflower that I do not use often but are excellent for helping to relax the whole body, making it easier to fall asleep. My husband sometimes uses a sleeping blend I made to help sleep through the night. What is great about this blend is that it does not leave you groggy in the morning!

Some herbs interact with medication or change how the body absorbs medication. Remember to do research and speak to a doctor about your particular situation before using herbs. The herbal education I provide does not substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

Herbs will not make up for a poor lifestyle. We must first take care of ourselves through a healthy lifestyle with a proper amount of sleep, nutritious food, regular exercise and avoiding harmful substances as much as possible.

Reach out to me if you have any herbal questions! Let me know if this is helpful, or if there any improvements I can make to this newsletter! And if you know someone who might benefit from this newsletter, please forward it!

Your Herbal Ally,

Heather

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