As the name suggests, an antispasmodic is a product that helps to fight and relieve involuntary muscle spasms, generally located in the digestive tract, and sometimes the urinary tract.
Vous savez, ces contractions intenses souvent douloureuses et souvent accompagnées d’autres symptômes : constipation, diarrhée, ballonnement et flatulences ?
Les antispasmodiques désignent dans le langage courant des médicaments prescrits ou à acheter en pharmacie sans ordonnance. Mais il est aussi possible de diminuer l’intensité de ces spasmes naturellement.
Discover these 8 natural antispasmodics, plants and essential oils, my tips for using them and reducing stomach pain and spasms.
1. Turmeric
Le curcuma possède des propriétés antispasmodiques et analgésiques grâce à sa richesse en curcumine, qui permet la relaxation des muscles lisses.
In general, this spice is reputed to aid digestion, as indicated by this study.
En favorisant la production de bile, le curcuma agit sur la constipation, et aide également à chasser les gaz.
Vous pouvez le prendre sous forme de compléments alimentaires ou en ajoutant jusqu’à une cuillère à café dans un plat. Je vous conseille de l’associer à un corps gras pour faciliter son absorption.
Notez que les tisanes de curcuma ne sont pas utiles, les composés actifs sont lipophiles et ne se mélangent pas à l’eau.
Lire aussi | Ce qu’il faut savoir pour choisir la meilleure curcumine
2. Le magnésium
Le magnésium est l’un des minéraux les plus importants du corps humain d’après cette étude. Une de ses fonctions est d’aider au fonctionnement normal du système nerveux et des muscles, et il joue un rôle important dans la contraction musculaire.
In the case of magnesium deficiency, it is possible to suffer from involuntary muscle contractions: spasms. People often link a twitching eyelid to a magnesium deficiency.
To limit the occurrence of digestive spasms, regularly supply your body with magnesium through dietary supplements or through the diet: chocolate, nuts and seeds, certain mineral waters, legumes.
Read also | Best magnesium: a pharmacist’s opinion
3. Chamomile
Studies show that German chamomile, or matricaria (Matricaria recutita), has spasmolytic properties, notably by inhibiting phosphodiesterase enzymes that have many modulatory roles.
I recommend using it as an infusion or in its essential oil form for a higher concentration of active compounds.
4. Star anise essential oil
Star anise essential oil (Illicium verum) has antispasmodic properties that make it an ally against intestinal pain, as summarized in this publication.
It is generally recommended for stomach problems and aerophagia because of its anti-inflammatory functions.
Possédant des molécules oestrogéniques végétales ressemblant à nos hormones humaines, elle est à éviter chez les personnes atteintes d’un cancer hormono-dépendant.
5. L’huile essentielle de bergamote
Bergamot is not just a citrus found in Earl Grey tea. It is also a fruit whose essential oil (Citrus Bergamia) has antispasmodic properties, studied in these studies.
Cette huile essentielle serait notamment intéressante pour soulager les patients atteints du syndrome de l’intestin irritable, en agissant particulièrement sur la constipation par son action laxative.
6. True lavender essential oil
True lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is a staple in the home aromatherapy kit, given its many diverse benefits.
Among its actions, true lavender acts on the digestive system as a natural antispasmodic. On this subject, I invite you to read this publication.
Its mechanism of action? The presence of the bioactive compound linalool acts on cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which is involved in muscle contraction.
7. Rosemary essential oil
Rosemary essential oil (rosmarinus officinalis), known for helping to fight stress and stimulate memory, also has effects on abdominal pain thanks to its antispasmodic action.
Ses composés agissent sur les récepteurs noradrénergiques, impliqués dans l’activation du système sympathique et la contraction musculaire involontaire. En agissant sur les récepteurs, les contractions intestinales sont réduites, ainsi que l’inconfort qui en découle.
8. Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint (minta piperita) is one of the best-known natural solutions to combat the symptoms of functional colopathy or irritable bowel syndrome, as I discovered in this study.
It is often recommended for abdominal pain for its antispasmodic effect, as well as for bloating and flatulence thanks to its carminative benefits.
Its mechanism of action is similar to that of true lavender.
My advice for using antispasmodic essential oils
Utiliser des huiles essentielles, c’est bien, mais encore faut-il savoir les manier. Entre les doses, les mélanges, les différentes applications, je vous explique comment se servir des fameuses HE sans risque.
Essential oils (EOs) are powerful natural products:
- Follow the manufacturers’ recommendations as well as contraindications, especially in pregnant women and children.
- Perform an allergy test on the inner elbow 24 hours before use to avoid an adverse reaction.
- You can apply them topically by combining them with a massage to the affected area, as a way to combine the useful with the pleasant (they can penetrate the epidermal layers)
- Mix 3 to 4 drops of the essential oil of your choice with carrier oils: hazelnut, macadamia, sweet almond
- You can use essential oils synergistically, by creating blends: fennel essential oil, clary sage, and chamomile, for example. Make sure the different oils are compatible with each other.
Dans le doute, demandez conseil à un professionnel de santé.
My tips for reducing your stomach pain and preventing spasms
Some other natural remedies act directly or indirectly on intestinal spasms and can help you reduce pain:
- the activated charcoal reduces aerophagia and relieves gas
- some yoga poses are known to improve digestion and reduce bloating (spinal twist, cat and cow pose, wind-relieving pose, etc.)
- the green clay poultices soothe stomach aches thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties
- the thermotherapy (hot bath or applying a hot water bottle to the abdomen) has an antispasmodic effect due to its vasodilatory properties.
Bien sûr, ne faites pas tout en même temps. Je ne suis pas certaine qu’un cataplasme d’argile verte sur le ventre, dans un bain chaud en faisant la posture du chat soit la manière la plus efficace (et sécurisée) de vous débarrasser de vos douleurs.
