Everyone experiences stomach pains and belly cramps in their lifetime, but some people unfortunately endure these symptoms more than others. It could be something we ate, that time of the month or something else. Even regular stress can trigger feelings of abdominal pain, and let’s be real, we live in a pretty stressful and demanding time.

Enter antispasmodic herbs: your secret weapon to combat those crippling symptoms. To put it simply, antispasmodic herbs are nature's pain and cramp relievers. When a muscle spasm occurs, the smooth muscle involuntarily contracts causing pain and discomfort. Antispasmodic herbs help to relax the smooth muscle, reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. 

The active compounds found in antispasmodic herbs can vary, but many contain essential oils or other aromatic compounds that are believed to be responsible for their therapeutic effects. Some of the most commonly used antispasmodic herbs include peppermint, ginger and lemon balm.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular herb that is regularly used for its antispasmodic properties. It is known to help relieve spasms in the digestive tract, which makes it an effective treatment for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders. Peppermint can also help to relieve menstrual cramps and muscle pain.

The essential oils in Peppermint have been the focus of much scientific research. Clinical studies have shown that peppermint oil is successful in treating functional digestive symptoms, such as abdominal bloating, pain, cramping and flatulence.

Ginger

Ginger is a popular spice that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that can reduce inflammation and pain, as well as antispasmodic properties that can help to alleviate muscle spasms. This makes it an ideal herb for treating conditions such as menstrual cramps and digestive problems.

Lemon Balm

Native to the Mediterranean, Lemon balm has been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions. Its antispasmodic properties can help to alleviate cramps and spasms in the digestive tract, as well as promote relaxation and relieve anxiety. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with IBS, as stress and anxiety can exacerbate symptoms.