Restless Leg Syndrome
Natural Remedies

Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

Poppy Seeds

5 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
  80%
1 star (1) 
  20%

Posted by Katherine (Tokyo, Japan) on 04/05/2013
★★★★★

I have tried endless things to find a solution to my RLS that I've had for over 20 years.... I came across some information on Wikipedia that poppy seeds are an effective treatment due to their codeine, morphine and paperverine (a smooth muscle relaxant) conent. I tried it and couldn't beleive how effective poppy seed tea is! I use about 60 ml of seeds (4 tablespoons) and add 200 ml of hot water and juice of a lemon and shake it then leave it for about 20 minutes.. Then I strain it and drink the liquid. I sleep right through the night for the first time in years and years. It's truly amazing.. although I am a little worried about the long term effects of the small amounts of opiods.

Replied by Karsten
(Canada)
10/12/2013
★★★★★

Cold water extraction actually works better to extract from the seeds. My doc said that that's why I used to like it so much, because it helped my rls so well. That is at such a low dose, you have nothing to worry about!

Replied by Donna
(Qld)
07/31/2015
★★★★★

I drink half a cup of poppyseed tea early in the evening. Have done for years. Health benefits for me to numerous to mention here. Staying on the subject, restless legs is a distant memory, and I have peaceful childlike sleep every night. I am in my late fifties and would like to suggest anyone over 50 try it. Quality of life improved immensely. I shall be having my evening tipple till the day I take my last breath.


Poppy Seeds
Posted by Anita (Princeton, WI) on 07/29/2009
★★★★★

I have suffered from restless legs for 15 years (since I was started on an SSRI for depression). I could not go off the antidepressant because otherwise I would become unable to work. When I took hydrocodone for a pain condition, my restless legs went away. My doctor tried me on all sorts of medications for restless legs and nothing worked. When I told her that hydrocodone worked, she said "I cannot prescribe that for restless legs or I could lose my license." So, I did some research and found out that hydrocodone, like other opiates are made from poppy seeds. Now I take 1 pound of poppy seeds (you can get from bulk food stores) and mix with 16 ounces of fruit juice. Shake well for 20 minutes. Poke small holes in the top of the fruit juice bottle and drain out the juice. Drink approximately half cup of that juice every night and you will not have restless legs. At least, it works for me. You can use the poppy seeds twice and then toss.


Potassium

1 User Review
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Posted by Udpert (AR, US) on 10/15/2014
★★★★★

Not sure if this passes for a "natural" remedy, but it's the first thing that I've known to help my particular RLS, so passing it on. Potassium Gluconate. It's sold in the vitamin/mineral section of the department or drug store, usually in 595 mg doses. I take one capsule before bed and it improves my condition. This would suggest that in my case a potassium deficiency might pertain to the RLS. Natural foods high in potassium include sweet potatoes and bananas. I also make certain not to go to bed cold (I find it advisable to keep warm, at least to start the night).


Prescription Drug Link to Rls

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Posted by Sharin (Seattle, WA) on 10/06/2008

Guess what kids, one of the major causes of RLS, is anti depressants and over the counter cold/sinus meds. muscle relaxers too. You didn't hear much about RLS until everyone and their brother was on ANTI Ds. Also, a lot of sinus medications, cold and flu meds.

I noticed this as a child, I could not take over the counter or prescribed meds because of those side effects. I decided I would rather have the symptoms of the cold or allergies than the RLS they gave me, back in the 1960s, 70s,80s, they didnt have a name for it, you hardly ever heard of it. But once the whole world got in anti depressents you starting hear about it. Even Nyquil or Benedryl does it to me, flexeril, all that stuff.

So if you have RLS, you might start looking back on when it started and what meds you introduced into your life. I'm not saying you should go off your prescribed meds, but every once in awhile the insert of a medication will now list RLS as a side effect, but not often enough. I hope this info can help someone. Just a thought.

Replied by Jon
(Australia)
11/03/2014

Yes, that is because antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants and antiemetics reduce the amounts of iron in the brain can cause restless leg syndrome.

Supplementing with molasses or plant-source iron helps.


Quinine

4 User Reviews
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Posted by Holly (United States) on 08/09/2019
★★★★★

Soap etc didn't work for my RLS, but drinking 6-8 ounces of tonic water does work. May have read it on EC but been doing it so long I forget. I buy diet tonic water with "real quinine" listed in the ingredients. Good luck and sleep tight!


Quinine
Posted by Karen (Chicago, Il) on 05/25/2015
★★★★★

RLS: I drink tonic water with quinine. I have never found it without quinine. I like it so I sip on it all day and into the evening. If I'm not home all day, I sip on it all evening. My doctor suggested 12 oz. in the evening. That amount worked initially but sipping on it all evening is a must now. Every once in a while it will act up despite the tonic water. I don't just have the creepy crawlies that make me need to stretch my legs with no relief. I also have uncontrollable movement of one or both of my legs. I used to have it in my arms also. They would flail on their own during the night. Jerking up. Typically the left arm. When it acts up I chug the tonic water. Glass after glass. On the rare occasion it takes longer to take effect.


Quinine
Posted by Dolly (Brighton, United Kingdom) on 07/29/2012
★★★★★

This remedy was given to me by a friend and my husband has used it with highly successful results. It's quinine. He takes it by drinking a well-known brand of Tonic Water (not all tonic waters containe quinine) - but I know you can't advertise. I understand you can buy quinine so could be worth a go. (Hmm think it is a natural substance??).

Replied by Jo
(Surrey, Uk)
07/30/2012

To Dolly from Brighton. Wonder if you could advise about the quinine in the tonic water. When you refer to the well-known brand are you referring to the one that starts with the letter S and ends with the letter s? Also, can you please advise how often your husband drinks this for his restless leg syndrome and in what quantity? Many thanks.

Replied by Bess
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
07/30/2012
★★★★★

Hi Jo from Surrey - I'm not Dolly, but my Dad uses tonic water for restless leg syndrome. He uses either Schweppes or Canada Dry tonic water - 4 ounces at noon and 4 ounces about one hour before bed. You may not need as much (his is quite severe). You also may want to check out magnesium (most people are deficient in magnesium). I have RLS to a lesser extent (not as severe as Dad's) and I find that taking magnesium citrate (about 1 teaspoon in 2 or 3 ounces of water) nightly helps. I use a magnesium citrate powder called "Calm" but there are other good products available in health food stores. I find powder or liquid is better than a tablet because it gets into the bloodstream faster. Transdermal magnesium also helps (60% magnesium chloride to 40% water) rubbed into the legs before bed. It does tend to leave an oily film on the sheets though if you don't rub it in thoroughly. Good luck! Bess

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
07/30/2012

Hi Jo, I bought the Schweppes brand a couple of years ago on recommendation from my chiropractor to take tonic water. My neck and trapezius area had completely seized up so badly, I couldn't move. I bought the well- known brand and promptly drank it. I began to then have my negative reactions that I get instantly from sugar. I avoid sugar because I am sensitive to it. I looked at the ingredients and was upset that the second ingredient was corn syrup high fructose and the second sugar. I didn't take any more after that in spite of the fact that the quinine was supposed to help the muscle spasm. I have since learned there is very little quinine in this company's tonic water.

Then, about a year later, I noticed that one of my favorite health food stores here in LA was now carrying a few brands of quinine and of very high quality. The one I chose had purified water, natural bitters, handpicked quinine, lemon juice extract and organic agave as the sweetener.

I just wanted to pass this info on to others that might have issues regarding ingredients. Hope it helps, Lisa

Replied by Share
(Il)
03/01/2014

Hi I have had Restless Leg for at least 20 years. I have tried several types of over the years and I found Quinine worked for a short period of time. I even had a prescription for quinine capsules however as anyone who has had this illness long enough understands that something that is associated with it is called the phenomenon meaning at anytime the symptoms may reappear. These are the things I have tried and that have been prescribed

Neurontin, 1-2mg of anti psychotics, these minuscule doses worked for years so well that several doctors couldn't reason why! Mirapex, Chamomile, Valerian capsules, Passion flower, Teas, kava Kava, Melatonin Alcohol removed wines, Borion under the tongue pellets, Total blood cleanser, water, exercising, Hylands restless leg product, peppermint, cold applications soap vinegar etc....

As you might can see my restless leg symptoms are quite severe early on when I started suffering with the illness I also went to Mayo clinic after being told I might be a little batty however Mayo stated contrary to others belief it was not a fact however they could actually see the physical manifestation of the illness but however they couldn't come up with a illness they could recognize. However they did find a somewhat of a solution after a week of testing me. That was years ago and I no longer use that method because I became a herbalist .

So these are the ones I found to be helpful to a small degree Borion allergy salts pellets at one time worked like a charm. As well as another one that begins with a M however I have not seen it in a while. The teas still work however since my symptoms are flare up during the day, and the teas cause sleepiness as well as the Melatonin I choose to be without them at certain times because otherwise I couldn't function . Alcohol removed wines actually helped moved my gut around, and afterwards I would get a little relief. Ivory soap, helps a lot, but it worked better when I smoked cigarettes!! Herbal cleansers aggravated my condition severely. Mirapex worked for 10 minutes, water aggravates my symptoms, so does wheat, grape juice, chocolate, peach, and green tea. peppermint gum helps as well as keeping the sheets off my legs my legs, as well as my arms need to be cool. Riding the train causes my symptoms to flare up severely. Lastly vinegar does not work for me. Neurontin does work, however its effectiveness wears down after time.

Which brings me to the conclusion that its seems like its the brain however I believe its the heart due to the pulsating and rapid beats twitching itching and crawling sensation surrounding the rapid beats. thus I apply pressure and sure enough given the right amount of pressure and wait time that place of sensation and others are relieved; however other areas are not relieved. But if I put pressure near the third toe on the top part of the foot from the little toe all symptoms end as well sometimes if I place pressure on the skull in certain areas Folks I have Restless Leg in majority of my body, I a mostly attacked in the inner part of my legs top part where the toes end, hands, fingers, inner arms, shoulders and back. currently I am trying magnesium and God willing a withdrawal of milk products. By way the iron use to work now its doesn't . Yes, they saw my ferritin was very low.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
03/01/2014

Share, I was wondering when magnesium would come up in your post, and it did towards the end. Try Epsom Salts baths, soaking for 20 minutes at a time.

For iron, the only thing that helped get my ferritin level up to normal was Blackstrap Molasses, about a tablespoon a day.


RLS Link to Arthritis

1 User Review
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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.


Rubbing Alcohol

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Posted by Nancy (Shreveport, LA, U.S.) on 04/27/2009
★★★★★

Since I am seeing more posts about Restless Leg Syndrome, I thought I would share with all of you as a possible solution. I was telling a friend about the Earthclinic web site and she told me she once had restless leg syndrome. She said remembers how releatives used rubbing alcohol for horses legs. She thought, why not and rubbed her legs with it. The next day and to this day she has had no more symptoms. I don't have personal experience with this but I thought I would throw it into the mix to see if anyone else had tried it.


Selenium Deficiency Trigger

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Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, Fl) on 03/28/2009
★★★★★

Restless Leg Syndrome: I have a theory on this one, that this disease, RLS, exists in the animal world with a different name. WMD - White Muscle Disease.

Somebody on here with this disease will eventually get a blood test. I propose that someone with RLS tests for Selenium Deficiency.


Trigger Point Therapy

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Posted by Trish (Tri Cities, Washington) on 05/06/2012
★★★★★

I've had RLS for quite awhile and have started using Trigger Point Therapy for the last couple of years. I sometimes have to work at it a little while, but I eventually find the trigger Point that is causing the symptoms in that particular leg. After I have massaged it the RLS symptoms slowly go away and my leg quits twitching. I know I have found the right spot because it will trigger the twitch in my leg untill it is massaged. I seem to mostly find the trigger points are in my hips and/or lower back. You can find the books and videos online that can show you how. Hope this helps it sure has me.


Venous Insufficiency Cause

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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.

Replied by Kelly
(Seattle)
01/18/2016
★★★★★

Venous Insufficiency is indeed connected to RLS in studies. But surgery won't fix the underlying cause of venous insufficiency, which is typically from a high carbohydrate diet, and a lack of bioflavonoids.

Several nutritional compounds help with venous insufficiency and thus RLS:

Pycnogenol, Rutin and Diosmin, although Pycnogenol was found to be more effective than Diosmin.


Vitamin D

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Posted by Mia B (Slough, UK) on 06/13/2013
★★★★★

HI, I've suffered with the same restless leg syndrome (rls) for ages, and the pain was unbearable and took co codamol just to sleep for years.... doc said pain in body could be lack of vit d....

So one night last week I took 10 x 400 IU of vit d3, and 2 x 500mg tabs of magnesium and calcium... Then soaked my feet in a hot bowl of water with a cup of Epsom salts... did this every night.

I haven't taken my painkillers in over a week! ... The throbbing is still there and the joint pain and swelling... But seems to be responding to the daily vit d3 and magnesium... Although my joint pain and swelling is most definitely brought on by eating wheat! ... the rls may be a severe deficiency in calcium, magnesium and d3....

D3 ive read can be taken in therapeutic doses of 50,000 IU daily for 6 weeks then 1000 IU daily thereafter.

Replied by Mia B
(Slough)
06/14/2013
★★★★★

Sorry have to correct my last post... It's 50,000 iu a week not daily for therapeutic dose of d3... So I just split it up as daily doses... Have to admit that already there is a huge difference, hardly any throbbing at night and can fall asleep without any painkillers... And I soak my feet in Epsom water every other day... I have also started the half lemon juice with 1/2 tsp baking soda last thing at night, sometimes with a pinch of cream of tartar powder for the potassium.... So that along with the calcium and mag tabs... I think is doing the trick.... Now just have to fit in the Apple Cider Vinegar in the mornings!! .... Whatever it takes...!!!


Weighted Blanket

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Posted by Sunnydays (California ) on 08/28/2022
★★★★★

My physical therapist talked to me about trying a weighted blanket which increases serotonin levels, calms the body and calms the nervous system and for many stops restless legs syndrome. I ordered a 20 lb weighted blanket ( the weight needed is based on a persons body weight) is basically a heavy blanket that goes over the bed. While we waited for our weighted blankets arrival. I added few more cotton blankets to the bed, and it worked. The restless leg disappeared and I began having much more deeper restful sleep. Once the weighted blanket arrived, it worked just as well. I hope this helps someone.


Zinc

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Posted by D (Asheville, Nc) on 01/15/2012
★★★★★

I have food allergies and have Restless Leg Syndrome in the evening as well as at night in bed. I also have insomnia. What works for both my insomnia (even when the legs aren't restless) and for the RLS is zinc supplement before bed. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night and need to take it again. Since I take it almost everyday, I only take as much as I need and try not to take more than that.

The different kinds that work for me, are zinc chelate, monomethionine zinc, zinc gluconate, combination of zinc arginate and zinc glycinate. But two zincs that work quickest for me are in liquid form: Monoatomic zinc liquid and zinc sulphate liquid. Supposedly one has to take some copper to balance the zinc or you could get a copper deficiency. I take the other minerals and all the trace minerals as well for the same reason.



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