Q: My wife told me about the mustard cure for muscle cramps some time ago.  I thought it sounded wild, as I don’t understand how it would work.

Last week, I participated in a run/walk in Indianapolis with some old friends.  Two of them ran a half marathon.  After the race we were sitting in a bar when one guy had a massive and painful cramp in his left quad.  He is a well-trained runner, so the cramp was unusual.

Massage and stretching had no effect.  I went to the unattended bar looking for anything that might help.  I grabbed a slice of lime, not thinking it would make any difference, but willing to try whatever was at hand.  My friend sucked on the lime and said the effect was essentially immediate!  The cramp dissipated quickly.  We joked about it for the rest of the day.  I still don’t have an explanation.

A: Neuroscientists have shown that triggering special transient receptor potential channels in nerve cells can stop muscle cramps quickly (Muscle & Nerve, May 9, 2017).  This is an elegant explanation for why tasting strong flavors like pickle juice, mustard, ginger or cinnamon can be helpful.  Perhaps lime also stimulates TRP channels.

• Article by Joe and Teresa Graedon
• Copyright The Seattle Times