Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

Venous Insufficiency Cause

Posted by Golditoo (New England) on 06/10/2014
★★★★★

I realize these are old posts, but I want to respond. I've had restless legs on and off for years. Lately I've discovered what's causing my current severe RLS: venous insufficiency. A couple of years ago I had some deep leg veins cauterized through a procedure that was once called "vein stripping" that was done during surgery. Today it's outpatient. The dr told me I would be back, as there were other veins that needed attention. It has been excruciating yet it doesn't strike every night. Last nite I finally got to sleep at 4 am. I tried everything. One thing that helps that I read about here, I believe, years ago, is quinine. We used to be able to buy quinine pills over the counter years ago but no longer. Thus I drink tonic water, at least a half cup. This helps me. I also discovered that my new magnesium pills were 1/3 the strength of the former pills, so I have upped that. Magnesium is important for muscle/nerve transmission. In any case, I can't wait until the summer is over so that I can get the vein procedure taken care of. I'd do it earlier but you have to wear thick black, tight support stockings 24/7. In the summer it's torture: no going to the beach in those! Good luck, everyone. Please report if you have any success with treatments.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Taylor (Zillah, Wa, United States) on 09/03/2013
★★★★★

I'm only 18 and I've recently been experiencing RLS, I'm a student in high school trying to get into college and get some scholarships, so you can see why I need every minute of sleep I can get. One Saturday night I couldn't get to sleep till 1am and I had to work the next day. I tried everything, but nothing worked until I put a bar of Irish Spring soap under my leg. It beats me how it works but it's amazing! Plus I enjoy the minty smell :)

Borax

Posted by Precisely (Mineral Hill, New Mexico, Usa) on 05/19/2013
★★★★★

Hi TrudyG and all others suffering from insomnia,

I also have opposite reactions to pharmacy drugs, OTC & Rx. Three things have helped me ENORMOUSLY, and all of them don't seem to be mentioned in this thread: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/insomnia6.html#MR_100360

First, taking a nightly capsule of organic borage oil, regular dose, an hour before bed got me deeply asleep, deeply dreaming, and very calm/confident-feeling the next day. It does take about 3 weeks for most people to have results, although I seem to recall it was more like 10 days for me. After a while I ran out and forgot to take it, only remembered while reading here.

Next, I got an inversion table. You can set it so that you start with a relatively low angle of inversion, by tying the strap underneath--say, 20-30 degrees for at least 10 minutes. That feels like plenty to me. If your heart is lower than your feet by 17 degrees, apparently the lymph glands release and clear. Other benefits I've noticed: practically no asthma, NO INSOMNIA, back pain decreased and overall well-being increased. Not to mention, better circulation.

However I am forgetful so the latest thing I take is borax. This is actually covered in depth at http://educate-yourself.org/cn/boraxconspiracy03jul12.shtml.

In my case, I was looking for help with my out-of-control restless legs syndrome, which, on the first day, diminished almost to nothing (now my Requip prescription of. 25 mg is more than sufficient, where before even 1mg spaced throughout the day barely controlled it. ).

Now I take the borax right before sleep, and I sleep deeply and w/o interruption for 8plus hrs. And I wake up feeling crisp! Also my asthma, which had me audibly wheezing prior to the borax, is slowly disappearing. It's also a fabulous detoxer, and is anti-microbial and perhaps also alkalining too.

At first I took the Borax in the morning, but after 3 weeks, it started to make me very sleepy so I switched to bedtime. It's very fast-acting--one minute I'm lying in bed wide awake, wondering when it's going to start knocking me out, and the next minute, I'm so deeply asleep I haven't even noticed I was getting sleepy, it's so immediate a response.

My friends who are also taking borax find that they have more energy. I MAY be feeling more energetic, but the stuff still knocks me out, so experiment on a laid-back, no-driving-etc-day to see how it affects you.

The other reason I was taking borax is that it balances the whole body's hormone, endocrine, and glandular system over time. I've been taking it now for at least 3 months. I've increased my dose to a tablespoon (from a teaspoon). Just last week it seemed to me that my post-menopausal dryness was no longer an issue. I intend to continue taking this forever.

Oh yes, another borax good result: my neighbor, 70 yrs old, fell off a horse and broke 2 ribs. Since he won't go to doctors, I gave him some borax. He says his ribs healed fast, and with much less pain than the other times they have broken.

Dosing excerpts from midway through the link at beginning of this post:

Firstly, dissolve a lightly rounded teaspoonful (5-6 grams) of borax in 1 litre of good quality water* free of chlorine and fluoride. This is your concentrated solution. Keep the bottle out of reach of small children. (* I''m using distilled water)

Standard dose = 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of concentrate. This has 25 to 30 mg of borax and provides about 3 mg of boron. Take 1 dose per day mixed with drink or food. If that feels right then take a second dose with another meal. If there is no specific health problem or as a maintenance dose you may continue indefinitely with 1 or 2 doses daily. "

(elsewhere in my reading people taking the borax-in-water cure seem to take it for 5 days, stop for 2, then start again for 5 days, off for 2 days, and so on. )

"If you do have a problem, such as arthritis, osteoporosis and related conditions, menopause, stiffness due to advancing years, and also to improve low sex hormone production, increase intake to 3 or more spaced-out standard doses for several months or longer until you feel that your problem has sufficiently improved. Then drop back to 1 or 2 doses per day."

http://g2cforum.org/index.php/list/other-alternatives/20552-the-borax-conspiracy-how-a-mineral-vital-to-health-was-suppressed

http://g2cforum.org/index.php/list/other-alternatives/2910-big-island-dairy-farmers-fight-radiation-with-boron

BTW... Trazodone HCL does work for my insomnia. At first I had to double-dose but now I can take 1/4 pill and that will also knock me out.... But why bother when borax is much safer and helps with so many cures.
...............

Last I would like to thank Joy and Everyone about mentioning the water cure. I think adding the right salt will help w my frequent urination, thirst, and allergies. Had forgotten that histamine is a dehydration response. Beginning to wonder if I was developing diabetes. Would diabetes show up in a hair sample?

Many Blessings!

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Cocobolo (Uk) on 09/14/2016

I think you must be right about the sugar being a huge part of triggering RLS, and along with trying the soap bar (I think just because we see no scientific explanation that we understand, is not reason to throw out something that has helped so many) and bicarb treatments. Sugary food seems very bad for health, and is never really required although it is craved. I have been to EarthClinic and am fascinated. I was looking for peptic ulcer relief, and that too involves expunging refined sugar. You may not be diabetic, or have insulin pathology as one poster announces you must, (and, of course, you might! ) A lot of people, as they grow older retain more glucose in their blood as the renal threshold rises. That is a normal phenomenon.

Baking Soda

Posted by Tom (Fort Worth, Texas) on 03/16/2013
★★★★★

Baking soda does work on restless leg syndrome. I actually apply the liquid to the knees where my problem most manifests. Take a half teaspoon of Baking soda and disolve in a half glass of water. I just take my fingers and wet them with the liquid and topically apply to knees. Do this application twice to each knee or the whole leg if the entire leg is bothering you.

Next: NO sugar after 3pm. There is a direct corrolation between this syndrom and sugar consumption. No cokes, sweets of any kind after mid afternoon. No 10pm ice cream cheating!

Finally, you'll find Calcium AEP will help the condition. Google Calcium AEP Nutrition Review and you will find a great article on the wonders of AEP.

Dr Hans Niepier did amazing work on AEP 40 years ago. And AEP is very inexpensive. Don't say, Oh I get calcium in pills I already take. No we're talking about a different nutrient. AEP is a special product.

Calcium AEP is a must for MS patients. In the book "Vita Nutrients" on the section on MS treatment Calcium AEP is the key to Dr Adkins treatment protocol. When the MS patient has a flair up with acking legs, the AEP taken (3 to 5) can bring blessed relief.

Between these three, restless leg can be a thing of the past. At least it has been for me.

Magnesium

Posted by Mia B (Slough, Berkshire Uk) on 02/01/2012
★★★★★

Hi all, firstly... Terrific site! .... I have been suffering from painful feet for over 6 years, also from painful legs, especially painful after about 15 mins after getting into bed.. I originally thought that this was all the same ailment.... I must say that when I go on my low carb protein diet, the pains seem to subside within a few days... After many years, I have deducted that the joint pains in my feet, hands and knees are arthritic and are brought on by wheat.. I have yo-yo'd and proved this to myself... Within hours or days of eating wheat, my ankles and wrists swell with water retention and then my feet /joints start to ache... Negative for coeliac! ... The pain in my legs is quite separate I think and fits RLS exactly... I am glad I have found the cause... I thought I was going mad as it's very hard to describe to anyone... I have to take a co-codamol every night just to be able to sleep.

Anyway, I have read all the threads on this and as I cant get hold of the ivory soap in uk, I read the ingredients and the thread above and wondered if it was the magnesium.... And whether it had anything to do with the power being emitted or being absorbed by the body... Tonight I had a very bad case of rls and was generally tired.... I dreaded the night ahead.... I took a hot bath with epsom salts and went to bed with work to do on laptop.... My legs started to tingle after awhile but only mildly... I then put some epsom salts in a little mesh bag I had and put it under my feet and my co codamols at the ready..... That was over 2 hours ago... haven't had any pain, my legs haven't had to be moved, and I am surprised I haven't had to take my meds!!! ...

I will continue every night to see what worked... The hot bath or epsom salt bag... But definitely seems to be the magnesium... The rls seems to have eased and the throbbing pain is gone.. But joints are still a bit stiff in the hands but that's the wheat and grains at work!!

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by James (Burlington, VT) on 04/27/2009

I've seen support groups on the net that are actually fronts for pharmaceutical and other special interest groups. So if you signed up for one of these groups, you'd see that they are actually promoting a medication for restless leg syndrome and giving negative press to effective and much cheaper home remedies. Why else would someone want to beat the whole Not a Cure drum here?

RLS Link to Arthritis

Posted by Prioris (ME) on 07/15/2023
★★★★★

But among arthritis patients, restless leg syndrome is much more common: Research published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that restless leg syndrome occurred in about 28 percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and about 24 percent of patient with osteoarthritis — more than double the prevalence of RLS in the general population.

I had RLS for over 40 years and this is what I have concluded:

I have concluded most RLS is related to arthritis.

Arthritis is a systemic infection.

The first remedy that worked to mitigate it was MAGNESIUM.

After that stopped working, ANTIOXIDANTS worked a little.

This meant the infection was getting worse.

I developed RA over 10 years ago. I cured it in one month with BORAX.

I developed osteoarthritis. I had to resort to MINOCYCLINE.

I use bromelain to address any biofilm and resistance issues.

It was only after using the minocycline antibiotic that I noticed the connection.

If you don't have arthritis now, you will likely develop it as you age.

I would try an ionic boron solution to see if that helps you.

or minocycline (you need a quality one).

Hope this helps someone.

Mustard

Posted by Julie J. (Phoenix, AZ) on 05/08/2020
★★★★★

A teaspoon or 2 of yellow mustard helps my RLS. Something about the turmeric helps!!

Baking Soda

Posted by Betty (De) on 06/06/2017
★★★★★

RLS - I tried the baking soda and water remedy about ten minutes ago boy my leg feels great also a bar of dial soap in a sock oh feels better. Thanks for the remedy.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Littlewing (Boston) on 05/16/2017
★★★★★

One other thing some people may want to avoid is milk, not sure if all dairy. I remember when I was 12 (I'm 51 now, have had restless legs since I was little) I was having headaches, and the doctor thought it may be an allergy and I remember he told my mom to take milk out of my diet for a month to see what happened. It didn't help my headaches but I remember clearly to this day that my restless legs went away. Came back of course when I started back on milk. The only thing that helps me now, food related, is to AVOID REFINED SUGAR completely. It takes a few weeks to kick in (no pun intended).

Borax

Posted by Beth (San Diego, Ca) on 09/25/2016
★★★★★

Just wanted to comment on the stiffness someone mentioned in an RLS post. I read recently about a remedy that has really worked well for me. I was experiencing stiffness upon waking so much so that I was hobbling around in the mornings. It also effected me when I would get up from sitting down. My fingers would swell an be stiff as well. I read about boron deficiency and how stiffness was one side effect of it. The remedy: Borax. Seems borax is a mineral that was marketed for its cleaning properties. I did as directed and added a heaping tsp of borax to a quart of water. I then took 4 tablespoons of this mixture and added it to my iced tea, although any beverage would work. After a couple of days I noticed an huge difference. I have been taking it for about 3 weeks now and feel SO much better. The stiffness in my fingers is all but gone and I am not in pain upon waking or getting up from a sitting position.

Baking Soda

Posted by Yvie Fern (Lancashire ) on 05/06/2016
★★★★★

RLS - I'v suffered with in my legs and recently started in arms so I tried this bicarbonate of soda. It worked a treat. I usually wake up in the night. First time I've tried this. Best night sleep. I thank you for this. xx

Baking Soda

Posted by Cynthia (NS) on 07/16/2024
★★★★★

I found a blog from an MS patient with restless legs. He suggested making a slurry with baking soda and water and coating your legs. It is by far the best remedy. No more opioids to sleep. Lots of boxes of baking soda later, and I stand by this.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Pam E. (SouthWestern California) on 11/15/2023 171 posts

Removing the wrapper will likely allow the energies in the soap to be much more effective ...

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Pam (Clinton, Nj) on 06/04/2013
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I have been using a bar of soap successfully for RLS for some time now but recently, it seems to have lost its efficacy. At first, I thought it was because I was using a handmade bar of natural soap in place of the packaged soap from the market. But even going back to the Ivory didn't help. I will try the niacin and vitamin C.

Iron

Posted by Lorica (New Albany, Indiana) on 06/04/2013
★★★★★

A few nights ago I discovered I couldn't sleep due to restless leg syndrome. Looked it up on the net. Some said take iron. I realized I had not been taking the iron I use to supplement since I eat very little meat. It had gotten lost in the shuffle with my other supplements - didn't replace it when it ran out. Well, I kinda megadosed on the iron. The next night, no more problems. Once before I had problems with low iron, dizziness, and supplementing made the dizziness go away, though my blood tests said I was fine. I prefer to be my own diagnostician when possible and go by symptoms. You can't always count on those blood tests when they say you are fine. I've discovered that in several ways. Plus a doctor I used to have, decades in practice, told me that today's blood tests call "average" normal. But he said 30 years ago people were healthier and "average" really was normal. So, be sure you are at optimal, not just normal/average levels in iron and other things.

Poppy Seeds

Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/05/2013

My people perish for lack of knowledge. Thank you for your informative post. I did not know these things. My compassion goes out to you as a former addict to many substances. Most people try this and try that, sugar, coffee, salt, tobacco, herbs, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Whatever..... trying to feel better and that is how it all begins.

I love the flowers of the poppy and also enjoy poppyseed lemon treats. I haven't gotten into it much since it is usually a treat that is overly sugary with fats, like a doughnut. For me doughnuts are poison.

I commend you for the post and the bravery to hang it out there.... Blessings JOY

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Johanna (Canberra, Australia) on 09/08/2015

I have been reading all the comments above and believe me RLS is very debilitating, I have had this problem since 1963, I have tried everything and I can tell you magnesium is not the problem or the cure, neither is sugar.

I have been placed on a medication called Sifrol and this really does help( it is used for Parkinson disease ) and it works but it must be taken every day at the same time other wise my legs start up again.

If you want to try, you will need to speak with your medical practitioner.

Good Luck

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Alison (Uk) on 08/22/2018

@Dave from Fountain Inn: I'm relieved to read about the impact of sugar. My restless legs and arms drive me insane during full moon (and the lead up to it).... I tried magnesium and soap but both made this worse. I try to keep sugar intake down, but have recently been a bit lax. So am now going to be very strict about this, and see what happens. Thanks for the reminder!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Linda (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/04/2016
★★★★★

Last Night was HORRIBLE!! I read your post and applied unfiltered apple cider vinegar to my legs and in about 5 minutes, I went to sleep. Thank you so much for having the love to share.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Jennie B. (Sarasota, Fl) on 03/20/2017

Yes, PLEASE, PLEASE have your Ferritin tested. You would be surprised at how people and doctors are uneducated as to the effects of iron overload. It is a hereditary disorder with simple treatment! Restless legs syndrome is a warning...be diligent in finding solution.

Avoid Sugar

Posted by Michele (Los Angeles, California) on 04/13/2024
★★★★★

After decades, I finally found the solution to no longer have these sensations in my legs and to be able to sleep: eliminating sugar.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 08/12/2012

Hi Jay, I had really bad RLS for a few years. Eventually, the pain that would surge through my legs during the night would not go away and I dealt with continual pain that would radiate down my legs constantly.

I know this sounds drastic, and it is, but I went raw and did green juicing everyday. Hoping to detox and find my body's health again. It only took about a week for the pain to completely disappear after changing my diet this way! After I began to slowly add in soups, then meat again. That Christmas holiday a family member made her spinach cheese pie and I couldn't resist though I'd completely eliminated dairy when I went raw. Within about 30 minutes the excruciating pain was back! Of course, I saw the correlation immediately.

Well, I stayed off dairy for about a year and then began making kefir from raw milk since I'd read that could help with people who reacted to dairy. It is now about 2 years later and I can eat dairy again without my body reacting. Anyway, I tell you all this because I think it has to do with toxicity in our body. I believe if you clean up your diet and detox it will disappear. I know how awful it is to live with this so, it may be something to consider. The BSM may not be enough. Wishing you the best, Lisa

Magnesium

Posted by Terri (Spooner, Wi) on 06/10/2012
★★★★★

Amazing! I have been soaking my feet in a 50/50 magnesium flake to water ratio for seven days. On the second night my legs got restless during the middle of the night, though not in the evening as they always had as well. I have had this for YEARS!! I can't believe that all I had to do was soak the bottoms of my feet for half an hour. (Magnesium supplements did not have this effect.)

Niacin

Posted by Anne (Seattle, Wa) on 05/23/2012
★★★★★

I have used 500mg of Niacin twice a day for years to fight insomnia and RLS. When I ran out of Niacin for a week my insomnia and RLS returned with a vengence. I dug through my cupboards, found some and was asleep 30 minutes later.

Niacin deficiency is pinpointed as the culprit in many neurological issues by Dr Hoffer including ADHD There is rumors of a toxicity issue with long term high doses but many people have taken up to 3000mg daily long term.

Aspirin

Posted by Tammy (Ashland, Mo) on 04/19/2011
★★★★★

I have also found that aspirin cures RLS. My dad is a doctor and he said this really works. Obviously some doctors know what is going on! I also get used to the aspirin and have to take as little as possible for it to work all the time. Try it, it works! Ibprofen does not work as well for me.