What is an Antispasmodic?

The Anti-spasmodics (synonymous with Spasmolytics) can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the muscles of the body. Many of these herbs are also Nervines & Carminatives and so will reduce both physical and psychological tension as well. The are also often found to be high in volatile oils.

How Antispasmodics Work

There are general antispasmodics that reduce muscle spasm throughout the body, and there are those that specifically work on certain organs or systems. There is much overlap between herbs as muscle tissue is generally similar throughout many areas of the body.

Herbal Examples: 

• Viburnum opulus (Cramp bark)
• Viburnum prunifolium (Black Haw) 
• Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)
• Zingiber off. (Ginger)
• Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) 
• Mentha piperita (Peppermint)
• Humulus lupulus (Hops)

• Adapted from David Hoffman’s ‘The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism”.