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Yellow Mustard Is Slam-Dunk Against Leg Cramps

Q. I suffer from leg cramps. Recently while attending a basketball game, I had to leave my seat and try to walk off a severe inner thigh cramp.

A security guard, seeing that I was grimacing in pain, approached me to see if I needed First Aid. When I said it was only leg cramps, he took me to the concession stand and suggested I try yellow mustard. I asked if I was supposed to eat it or apply it. He said it was an old-time remedy his grandmother used.

I ate the mustard. By the time I walked to the end of the concession stand and to the surprise of all who were watching me eat plain mustard, my leg cramp was gone!

I have since used this remedy repeatedly, especially in the middle of the night when my cramps seem to most often occur. It works. I don't know why, but I sure am glad it does.

A. You are not the first to share the secret of yellow mustard. Some readers keep little packets of this condiment on their nightstand to ease leg cramps.

Others have complained that mustard gives them indigestion. For those, we offer our Guide to Leg Pain with remedies such as B vitamins, magnesium, pickle juice or soap under the bottom sheet. It can be downloaded for $2 from the Website: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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