Shakuyakukanzoto for cramps
- H.Kitaoka
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 17

The relationship between cramps and Shakuyakukanzoto
"Body cramps" refers to a sudden, powerful muscle contraction accompanied by intense pain. Also known as "charging" or "muscle spasms," these cramps tend to occur in the calves, but can also occur in the soles of the feet, thighs, fingers, and neck. They are particularly common among the elderly, those exercising, pregnant women, and those prone to dehydration. Cramps can be caused by muscle fatigue, poor circulation, electrolyte imbalance, or exposure to cold, and there may be a variety of underlying conditions.
A typical herbal medicine used to alleviate and prevent these cramping symptoms is Shakuyakukanzoto. Shakuyakukanzoto is a simple prescription consisting of only two herbs, peony and licorice, but it is known for its extremely high effectiveness and immediate effect.
Pharmacology and mechanism of action of Shakuyakukanzoto
The active ingredients in Shakuyakukanzoto mainly act as follows:
peony: It has analgesic and antispasmodic effects, and works to relieve muscle tension. In particular, the paeoniflorin contained in peony is said to suppress excessive muscle tension.
Licorice: It supports the effects of peony root and also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle spasm-relieving effects. It also contains glycyrrhizinic acid, which has been reported to suppress nerve excitation.
The synergistic effect of these two herbal medicines is expected to quickly relieve sudden muscle cramps and pain. Shakuyaku-kanzo-to is particularly renowned for its immediate effect on cramps that occur during exercise and sudden calf cramps at night.
Clinical use cases
Shakuyakukanzoto is used in the following situations:
Recurring leg cramps at night (common in elderly people)
Muscle cramps during sports
Calf cramps during pregnancy
Muscle cramps that occur during dialysis
Muscle tension and spasticity associated with neurological disorders
These symptoms can be expected to be alleviated by taking the medicine as needed (when symptoms appear) or as a preventative measure, such as before going to bed.
Effects and precautions
The greatest feature of Shakuyaku-kanzo-to is its immediate effect. Many patients find that their pain is relieved within 15 to 30 minutes of taking the medicine. However, licorice carries the risk of a side effect called "pseudoaldosteronism," so caution is advised with long-term or high-dose use. Pseudoaldosteronism is a syndrome in which low potassium levels in the body cause high blood pressure, edema, and muscle weakness. Particular care is required in elderly patients and those with impaired renal function.
Also, if Shakuyakukanzoto has little effect, you should consider the possibility of an underlying illness such as electrolyte imbalance, peripheral neuropathy, circulatory disorders, or lumbar disease. If you experience frequent muscle cramps, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Use in combination with everyday life measures
Shakuyakukanzoto is an effective treatment, but improving the following lifestyle habits is also important as a fundamental measure.
Replenish with plenty of fluids and electrolytes (especially magnesium and potassium)
Moderate stretching exercise
Measures against cold (keeping your feet warm while sleeping, etc.)
Avoiding excessive muscle strain
Combining these with the use of Shakuyakukanzoto can help reduce the frequency and severity of cramping symptoms.
summary
The unpleasant symptoms of muscle cramps can significantly disrupt daily life. Shakuyaku-kanzo-to is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used since ancient times and is an excellent treatment option for muscle cramps, offering fast-acting results and safety. However, caution is required when using it depending on your constitution and underlying medical conditions, so it is important to avoid self-diagnosed regular use and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if necessary. Taking it in combination with a review of your daily lifestyle habits can help prevent and improve cramp symptoms.



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