Definition
Antispasmodic plant combats spasms and convulsions
It is most often used for the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, uterine pain and pain along the urethra, but also striated muscles such as for low back pain.
Antispasmodic plants have multiple applications, depending on the systems involved:
- Digestive: colic, intestinal cramps, flatulence, bloating and dyspepsia (slow digestion)
- Reproductive: dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
- Nervous: spasmophilic anxiety and certain migraines
- Locomotor: low back pain, muscle cramps
Active ingredient(s) (even if the properties are attributed to certain active ingredients, in herbalism we try to use the plant in its totality and not each compound in isolation) in antispasmodic plants.
A large number of active principles are antispasmodic, and these are found in an even greater number of plants. According to Dr Duke’s database#ref:67#, there are 1,382 plants with at least one of the 270 antispasmodic active ingredients ((Even if we attribute properties to certain active ingredients, in herbalism we try to use the plant in its totality, not each compound in isolation.)) listed.
These active ingredients are mainly found in essential oils (coumarin, esters, ethers-oxides, phenol methyl-ethers sesquiterpenols), alkaloids, lactones and flavonoids. As we benefit from a large number of antispasmodic plants, we will exclude from this article the most toxic antispasmodic plants (belladonna, foxglove, etc.). Nevertheless, some of the plants listed are toxic if the dose is not respected or if taken in the wrong form. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that essential oils (which are often powerful antispasmodics) are often toxic if taken internally in concentrated form. The uses recommended in this article are limited to infusions and liquid concentrates.
In this text, I prefer the term antispasmodic, but spasmolytic and anticonvulsant are synonyms that could have been freely interchanged.
| Antispasmodics: |
|---|
| Yarrow#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9##ref:20# – Achillea millefolium, Sweet flag #ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Acorus calamus, Dill #ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# –Anethum graveolens, Angelica #ref:25##ref:67##ref:9##ref:20# – Angelica archangelica, Green Anise #ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Pimpinella anisum, Star Anise #ref:25##ref:67##ref:20# – Illicium verum (whose fruit is better known as star anise), Ballotte fétide#ref:25##ref:9##ref:20# – Ballota nigra, Basil#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9##ref:20# – Ocimum basilicum spp., German Chamomile #ref:25##ref:20# – Matricaria recutita, Noble Chamomile #ref:25##ref:67##ref:20# – Chamaemelum nobile, Cardamom#ref:25##ref:67# – Elettaria cardamomum, Caraway#ref:25##ref:67# – Carum carvi, Catnip#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Nepeta cataria, Poppy#ref:25##ref:20# – Papaver rhoeas, California poppy – Papaver californica, Tarragon#ref:25##ref:67# – Arthmisia dracunculus, Fumitory#ref:25##ref:20# – Fumaria officinalis, Clove#ref:25##ref:67##ref:20# – Syzygium aromticum, Feverfew#ref:25##ref:67# – Tanacetum parthnium, Grindelias#ref:25##ref:9# – Grindelia robusta, Lavender officinalis#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Lavandula angustifolia, Climbing ivy#ref:25##ref:67# – Hedera helix, Lovage(#ref:25##ref:67# – Levisticum officinale, Lobelia#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Lobelia inflata, Lemon balm(#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Melissa officinalis, Peppermint#ref:25##ref:20# – Mentha x piperita, Passion flower officinale(#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9##ref:20# – Passiflora incarnata, Pimbina (Viburnum)#ref:25#, #ref:9# – Viburnum prunifolium, Black radish#ref:25##ref:20# – Raphanus sativus, Linden#ref:25##ref:67##ref:9# – Tilia sylvestris#ref:25# |
Read the associated plant data sheet to find out about preferred systems, restrictions and possible interactions.
Antispasmodic plants and their preferred systems
An antispasmodic plant can be useful for many ailments. Knowing their preferred systems means using the most effective antispasmodic plants for a given situation.
| Plant | Digestive | Reproductive female | Respiratory | Nervous | Hepatic (migraine) | Muscular |
| Yarrow | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | |||
| Sweet Flag | ⭐⭐⭐ | |||||
| Dill | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Angelique | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |
| Green anise | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ||
| Chinese badian (star anise) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Fetid ballot | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ||||
| Basil | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| German chamomile | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||
| Chamomile, noble | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |||
| Cardamom | ⭐⭐ | |||||
| Caraway | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Catnip | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |||
| Poppy & California poppy | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ||||
| Estragon | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |||
| Fumitory | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ||
| Clove | ⭐⭐ | |||||
| Feverfew | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Grindelias | ⭐ | |||||
| Lavender officinalis | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ||
| Climbing ivy | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Lovage | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Lobelia | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |
| Lemon balm | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||
| Peppermint | ⭐ | ⭐ | ||||
| Passion flower | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |||
| Pimbina | ⭐⭐ | |||||
| Black radish | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |||
| Lime | ⭐ | ⭐ |
Antispasmodic plants: The right combinations
Problem: Colic and intestinal cramp
Antispasmodic plants, which calm the smooth musculature of the digestive tract, are the experts for colic. They can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Bitter or digestive: support digestion;
– Carminative: eliminates gas.
Most plants taken directly internally should be avoided in infants, but mothers can use antispasmodic and galactological plants. It is also possible to make a poultice (slightly warm) with infused plants, which is held on the stomach.
In adults, colic may be the symptom of another problem: gastroenteritis, chronic constipation, appendicitis, kidney stones, pancreatitis, diverticulitis, ulcers, gallstones… Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Problem: Dysmenorrhea – painful periods
When our periods are painful, we use antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic plants to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and reduce pain. Depending on the case, plants with the following properties may be combined:
– Anticoagulant: reduces blood clots;
– Sedative: relaxes and calms an irritated person.
Problem: Spasmophilic anxiety
Anxiolytic plants are the specialists. They can be used in combination with plants with the following properties:
– calming and sedative: bring calm, induce sleep;
– antispasmodic: reduce tremors.
These plants are suggested for mild symptoms and prevention.
In Quebec, your herbalist should refer you to the doctor who is responsible for anxiety disorders.
Issue: Migraine
Anti-migraine plants are the specialists. Depending on the cause of the migraine, they are often used with analgesic and calming plants such as white willow(Salix alba), meadowsweet(Filipendula ulmaria) and Californian poppy(Eschscholzia ‘californica’).
Other plants can eliminate the problem at source:
– Luteotropes: synthesize progesterone (catamenial migraines, premenstrual syndrome, premenopause), e.g. alchemilla(Alchemilla vulgaris) and vitex(Vitex agnus-castus).
– Antispasmodics, hepatic and cholagogue: reduce migraines caused by gallbladder spasms (in the case of hepatobiliary migraines, e.g. milk thistle(Silybum marianum), green anise(Pimpinella anisum) and black radish(Raphanus sativus var. niger).
– Blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, vasodilators, hypotensives; can reduce pressure in the cranium.
– Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): a great specialist in preventing and reducing the occurrence and intensity of migraines. This plant works as a totum. It can be taken with fumitory(Fumaria officinalis), lemon balm(Melissa officinalis) or ginger(Zingiber officinal). Mint essential oil applied to the forehead and temples can also bring relief.
– Migraines can be a symptom of serious causes. See a doctor to identify the cause.
Problem: Lumbago – back pain
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic plants relax muscles and reduce pain. They are assisted by plants with the following properties:
–Venous and lymphatic tonics: decongest the area;
–Mineralizing: nourish the entire locomotor system, both nervous and skeletal.
Of course, there are osteopaths, chiropractors, massage therapists and physiotherapists who will be of indispensable help with this kind of problem.
Issue: Flatulence and bloating
Carminative plants are the great experts in flatulence and bloating disorders. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Antiputrid: cleanse the digestive tract in the event of poor fermentation;
– Bitter or digestive, aromatic: support digestion;
– Antispasmodic: calms the smooth musculature of the digestive tract;
– Choleretic and cholagogic: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine.
Useful plants: wormwood, dill, angelica, green anise, tarragon, mint, parsley, rosemary, savory, sage, thyme.
Note: sometimes, eating more slowly, chewing well and not working while eating are enough to solve the problem. If you have a recurring problem, you may want to check for lactose intolerance,
Issue: Slow digestion (dyspepsia)
For difficult digestion, digestive or bitter plants are the specialists. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Carminative: eliminates gas;
– Antispasmodic: calms the smooth musculature of the digestive tract;
– Aromatic: stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa;
– Choleretics and cholagogues: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine.
Use of antispasmodic plants
A good hot herbal tea in itself has a relaxing aspect that is not to be overlooked in cases of spasm. Herbal teas are effective in extracting essential oils, flavonoids and water-soluble minerals. To ensure you benefit from the essential oils, take the following precautions:
Here are some antispasmodic herbs that will be effective in infusion: Achillee millefeuille (SF), Dill (GR), Green anise (FR), Star anise (FR), Basil (FE, SF), German chamomile (FL), Noble chamomile (FL), Cardamom (GR), Caraway (GR), Catnip (FE, SF), Poppy (petals), California poppy (petals), Tarragon (aerial part), Fumitory (SF), Clove (nail), Chamomile (aerial part), Lavender (FL), Lovage (GR), Lemon balm (FE, SF), Peppermint (FE), Passion flower (aerial part), Black radish.
Here are the antispasmodic plants that will be effective in decoction: Sweet Flag(Rhizome), Angelica (RA)
Here are the plants whose decoctions will be useful as a compress for the muscular system: Climbing ivy (FE), Linden (FL)
FE=leaf; FL=flower; GR=seed; RA=root; SF=flowering top
Recommended solvents
For antispasmodic plants, the choice of solvents can be difficult. Not only do you have to check which active ingredients you want to extract, but also which ones you don’t want to extract. Alcohol is a good solvent for antispasmodic active ingredients, but should be avoided for certain plants with undesirable lactones or alkaloids.
Here are the right solvents to take advantage of essential oils in carminative plants:
For more information on solvent processing:
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.