Abdominal cramps are a fairly common disorder among adults. They may appear right after a meal, during a meeting, or in the middle of the night. Even when they are harmless, these discomforts—especially if they occur for the first time and the diagnosis is unknown—often cause concern.

They generally present as painful but temporary contractions of the muscles in the digestive system, linked to difficult digestion, minor infections, changes in intestinal transit, or moments of strong emotional tension.

There is, however, considerable variability in causes, duration, and intensity. They range from simple digestive spasms to visceral pain caused by functional colitis, and even to situations that require prompt medical evaluation. In recent years, research has begun to explore, alongside conventional therapies, the potential role of targeted natural remedies—including the use of cannabidiol (CBD)—in modulating inflammation, pain, and intestinal motility through the endocannabinoid system.

What are abdominal cramps?

Abdominal cramps are involuntary, sustained, and painful contractions of the smooth muscle fibers of the gastrointestinal tract. They involve the colon, stomach, and the muscles of the intestinal wall. Their intensity varies depending on the trigger that causes them.

Generally, a distinction is made between upper and lower abdominal cramps:

·       Upper abdominal cramps: involve the stomach and duodenum

·       Lower abdominal cramps: involve the colon, small intestine, and pelvic area, and may also be related to the menstrual cycle

Some people report abdominal cramps and diarrhea, or episodes in which the contractions are accompanied by mild fever or general discomfort, as occurs with abdominal cramps and fever typical of gastrointestinal infections. The overall picture also varies depending on individual sensitivity. Although symptoms vary, they follow common mechanisms: local irritation, alterations in intestinal motility, or a stress response.

What are the possible causes of abdominal cramps?

There are many causes and, in most cases, they are not serious. Among the most common:

·       Indigestion, very large meals, or meals rich in fats and alcohol

·       Viral or bacterial gastrointestinal infections

·       Food intolerances or sensitivities

·       Irritable bowel syndrome and other functional colitis

·       Painful menstrual cycle and certain gynecological disorders

·       Constipation and buildup of intestinal gas

·       Performance anxiety

Many patients report sudden abdominal cramps, coming in waves, with an urgent need to use the bathroom. Abdominal cramps with diarrhea after a risky meal or while traveling may be due to gastroenteritis. Abdominal cramps accompanied by nausea instead point toward involvement of the stomach. In other cases, these are natural stress-induced cramps, meaning they stem from situations in which emotional activation alters intestinal motility and sensitivity.

Regardless of the specific case, it is important to recognize warning signs. Which ones? Among the most frequent:

·       Severe abdominal cramps that do not improve

·       Abdominal cramps and fever

·       Blood in the stool

·       Pain radiating to the chest or shoulders

·       Bloating

·       Nighttime cramps

In all these situations, it is advisable to consult a qualified doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Natural remedies for abdominal cramps

When serious causes have been ruled out, it makes sense to focus on remedies for abdominal cramps related to digestion, intestinal transit, or stress. The most effective approaches combine lifestyle changes, small local strategies, and, if necessary, medications or supplements recommended by a healthcare professional. Many people look for quick solutions online, but it is the combination of daily choices that truly makes a difference.

Among the most commonly used natural remedies are a balanced diet, good hydration, relaxation techniques, local heat application, and herbal teas made with plants that have mild carminative or antispasmodic effects. If you have doubts or recurring symptoms, it is still advisable to consult your doctor, especially before taking herbal products or supplements.

Proper nutrition and hydration

A regular diet rich in soluble fiber, fruits, and vegetables helps stabilize intestinal transit and reduce excessive fermentation. It can be helpful to:

·       Eat small, frequent meals, avoiding large dinners,

·       Limit fried foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and highly processed foods,

·       Keep a food diary if intolerances are suspected,

·       Drink water throughout the day, increasing intake in case of diarrhea or heavy sweating.

In any case, before asking yourself what to take to relieve abdominal cramps, it is worth checking whether certain foods consistently appear before episodes. The doctor or dietitian are the only professionals who can decide what to take for abdominal cramps in the presence of chronic disorders or other treatments, evaluating when to use over-the-counter antispasmodic or analgesic drugs and when instead to investigate further.

Heat and relaxing massages

Applying local heat with a hot water bottle or a low-temperature heating pad can help relax muscles and reduce pain, especially in cases of lower-abdominal spasms related to the menstrual cycle or intestinal tension. A gentle circular abdominal massage, combined with slow, deep breathing, helps many people feel the episodes as less intense and break the vicious cycle between pain and anxiety.

Relaxing herbal teas and infusions

Infusions made with chamomile, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, or peppermint are traditionally used to relieve the digestive system; some studies suggest a possible benefit on intestinal motility and pain perception in people with irritable bowel syndrome, although evidence is still limited. In the case of abdominal cramps and diarrhea, any herbal remedy should always be discussed with a doctor, especially if blood in the stool, fever, or other medications are involved.

The role of CBD in abdominal cramps

When looking for something that may help manage abdominal cramps in daily life, it is easy to come across CBD. First of all, it is worth emphasizing that cannabidiol is not psychoactive and does not alter one’s state of consciousness. For this reason, it is being studied as a potential aid in certain conditions involving pain and inflammation.

Researchers’ interest arises from its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, the network of receptors and messengers the body uses to regulate pain, inflammatory responses, and intestinal movement. This network is also active along the gastrointestinal tract and helps determine how much the intestine contracts, how “reactive” it is to stimuli, and how it responds to signals from the immune system.

Experimental studies on models of intestinal inflammation highlight several recurring points. CBD appears able to:

·       Reduce excessive contractions of smooth muscle, supporting more regular motility,

·       Reduce the tendency toward spasms and irritation of the intestinal wall,

·       Modulate the local immune response, leading to lower production of certain substances that fuel chronic inflammation.

Although not yet definitive, this evidence suggests that CBD may prove to be an ally in conditions where intestinal pain and inflammation occur together. On the clinical side, some studies on people with irritable bowel syndrome have indicated that CBD-based preparations, in controlled settings, may reduce the intensity of abdominal pain and improve the perception of symptoms.

Finally, emphasis must be placed on tolerability: CBD is generally well tolerated, although not without possible unwanted effects. The literature reports drowsiness, changes in bowel habits, alterations in liver function tests, and interactions with certain medications metabolized by the liver, especially at high doses or with prolonged use. For this reason, if one is considering CBD—for example, drawing from the range of Eusphera CBD Oils—as part of a care plan for recurring abdominal pain or cramps, consulting one’s doctor is essential to understand whether it is an appropriate choice for the individual case, with which dosages and which monitoring.