Which mustard is best for muscle cramps?

Q. You frequently mention yellow mustard (as well as pickle juice) as a possible remedy for muscle cramps. Is there something about yellow mustard in particular that seems to make it work, or would brown, spicy, coarse-ground, country Dijon or honey mustard work as well?

A. There have been no scientific studies of any type of mustard to relieve muscle cramps. Hence, there is no way to judge whether Dijon mustard is better or worse than cheap yellow mustard.

We suspect that mustard works through the same mechanism as pickle juice, vinegar, cinnamon or cayenne pepper. Mustard oils contain isothiocyanates that activate transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in sensory nerves in the skin, mouth, throat and stomach (Nature, Jan. 15, 2004). Stimulating these nerves sends out a signal that overrides the inappropriate hyperactivity of nerves causing muscle cramps (Muscle & Nerve, September 2017). You can learn more about the science behind home remedies in our eGuide to Favorite Home Remedies. It is available in the Health Guide section at www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q. Today I read your column about a person with eczema. I have had total body eczema my whole life until I started taking flaxseed oil capsules. They contain linoleic acid, which people with atopic dermatitis need.

My skin has been clear on flaxseed oil. It has had no side effects, and it’s cheap.

A. Flaxseed oil does contain some linoleic acid, but it is especially rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). These are essential fatty acids that play a crucial role in skin health (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, January 2000).

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin condition that shows up as redness, itching, dryness and thickened, sensitive patches. Research in mice that have a similar skin problem shows that fermented flaxseed oil can reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms of redness, swelling and itching (Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Jan. 19, 2017).

Evening primrose oil and hempseed oil provide gamma-linolenic acid, which also appears to be helpful (Antioxidants, Aug. 14, 2018; Journal of Dermatological Treatment, April 2005).

Q. You’ve written about cinnamon as a supplement that could help control blood-sugar levels. I understood you to say that Cinnamomum cassia has more coumarin than Cinnamomum verum. Coumarin should be avoided because it might harm the liver.

The cinnamon I purchased says Cinnamomum burmannii (bark) on the label. Do you know how much coumarin this type of cinnamon has?

A. Cinnamomum burmannii is native to Indonesia. It contains many of the same compounds that provide the familiar cinnamon flavor from cassia cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) or Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). C. burmannii has anti-inflammatory activity and can help regulate blood sugar after a meal (Pharmacognosy Review, July-December 2012).

You are right that coumarin has the potential to damage the liver. Relatively high levels are found in cassia cinnamon and also in C. burmannii. Since coumarin is not water-soluble, we suggest you make tea or another type of water extract with your C. burmannii. This should provide you with the benefits and minimize the risk of harmful liver effects.