Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Denise (Skowhegan, Maine) on 01/14/2013
★★★★★

Here I am at 2 weeks now_? 8 oz. of doing the apple cider drink twice a day, Tonic water twice a day, then 2 regular water any other time. Bar of soap in the bed, 1 magnesium tablet per doc's recommendation, along with 1 calcium and Vit. E.

Hubby rubs my legs down with muscle ointment, Vicks or Castor Oil on the soles of the feet, and a couple times a day Hylands Homepathic tabs under the tongue. 1 banana a day. I drink my last liquid one hr before bed. Soak my feet or take a bath in Epsom salts when I remember to. The RLS is almost non-existent, just a few small twitching daily now-and upon waking not noticing any twitching. I have a prescription for sleeping but absolutely refuse to use it unless all else fails. I do believe most people can get this under control if they are diligent, consistent and mean business. I am now sleeping 7-8 hrs a night now. Haven't done that for 3 yrs. For the people that nothing has worked to alleviate this, its time for a "Ferritin" test to rule that out if you haven't had one.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Ris (Dubois, Pa) on 10/12/2012
★★★★★

For everyone who tried the bar of soap (for one night). Give it some time. I was on med. for my RLS. I heard about the soap and put two bars (1 ivory and 1 dial) under my sheets, I kept taking my meds for a week before going off of them. no problems, unless I kick the bar of soap out of the bed- I don't put them under the sheets- and don't retrieve them the next night. don't keep the wrapper on the soap and don't put it in a sock. go ohh natural.

Eliminate Benadryl

Posted by Little Wing (Marshfield, Ma) on 09/17/2012
★★★★★

I find benadryl makes my restless legs MUCH worse, as does anything like this or any of the PM medicines (Excedrin PM, Advil PM, etc.).

Eliminate Benadryl

Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 09/18/2012
★★★★★

I have found this to be true, also. NyQuil always was a problem and kept my up all night, but as I have gotten older, Benedryl and other such OTC drugs that you mention, now cause me to be drowsy but completely unable to sleep with increased RLS symptoms.

Cotton Sheets

Posted by Kate (Raleigh, Nc, United States) on 09/16/2012 6 posts

This is a very interesting post about cotton sheets for restless legs. I don't have restless legs, but I do have trouble sleeping. Although my quilt is made of a combination of cotton and linen, my sheets have polyester in them and so does my mattress cover. I'm going to start shopping for cotton sheets and a cotton mattress cover. Sleep is so important for our happiness and well-being. I believe we should make sleep our number one priority (well, actually, in addition to nutrition). Thank you, Makayla, for sharing your experience with us!

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Jay (Jerome, Idaho) on 08/12/2012

I am 41 years old and took abilify for over a year and found thats it gives you the hateful side effect of rls. I have it so bad that my arms twitch as well and I get no sleep at all. I will try this black strap molasses and see if it will help.

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??).

Quinine

Posted by Jo (Surrey, Uk) on 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.

Quinine

Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 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

Quinine

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 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.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 07/12/2012
★★★★★

This Apple Cider vinegar and honey recipe cures RLS. The recipe for it is 2 qts. of water to 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar and 1/3 cup honey. Drink 8oz. 4x/day. The vinegar and water will stop restless legs in approx. 5 to 15 mins. Every time. Take as needed.

Many other benefits to drinking ACV as well:

1 tablespoon of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in 4 ounces of purified water after a meal has been used as a natural remedy for heartburn and as a replacement for toxic heartburn medications.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar may help improve bowel irregularity, thereby removing toxins from the body at a faster rate.
Helps clear up skin conditions and blemishes giving a smoother texture and complexion.
Raw Apple Cider vinegar may also help with joint pain and stiffness.
Apple Cider Vinegar helps to break down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them. For this reason, many diets include ACV in their regimen.
On a small scale, ACV was studied by researchers at Arizona State University. The preliminary study was published in the Diabetes Care journal. It reported that ACV helps reduce levels of glucose.

Light Therapy

Posted by elisabeth (MT) on 08/03/2024

Are you talking about red lights?

Hot Shower, Massage

Posted by Colin (Ajax, Ontario/canada) on 01/19/2012
★★★★★

For my RLS treatment, I usually take a very warm shower, and then I massage my legs to the sole of foot bottom for about fifteen minutes and with this procedure I do get a good night rest.

Zinc

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.

Iron, Vitamin C

Posted by elisabeth (MT) on 08/02/2024

What kind of iron and how much are you taking?

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Sal (Fresno, Ca) on 12/04/2011
★★★★★

I've been struggling with RLS for the last 4 years and have found various things that have helped. At this point, after trying various things and reading a lot about it, I've concluded that RLS has to do with minerals/vitamins deficiency and mainly lack of iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium combination. I would recommend a healthy diet with the following additions that has really helped me:

1) Cream of wheat: eat this cereal, this is high in iron and calcium

2) Munch on pumpkin seeds: high in magnesium and other minerals

3) Drink mineral water for a few days

These will stop RLS. This is what I'm focusing right now and has stopped my RLS.

Other things that have helped me in the past:

1) warm water with 2 spoons of apple cider vinegar and honey before sleep

2) ivory soap has helped too

3) Cutting down on sodium if the intake is high

4) Eating banana (high in potassium)

Don't feel defeated with RLS, you can cure it over time. My RLS comes irregularly, so the body must be ok for a while and then all of a sudden, the minerals get depleted and then you need to boost the levels of these essential minerals and vitamins.

Hope this helps. Take care.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Diana (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) on 11/23/2011

What do you mean you started using coconut oil? Rubbing it on the legs or taking it orally?

Coconut Oil

Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 11/23/2011

Sorry I mean I take coconut oil, drink it, eat it, on food any way, it stops my restless legs and has been for a few months now.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Smanke (Newport News, Va) on 04/17/2013

It's been a while now and was wondering if you are still using the coconut oil for restless legs and/or how long it worked. My mom is 87 and would like to give her some hope for these final years.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 04/18/2013

Use the following for restless leg syndrome:

1. Apply on her knees solution of half teaspoon of baking soda in half glass of water..."dab"on her knees and legs on surface of the skin, two applications in three minutes of each other - to both legs. I have found that little trick when my legs (mainly my legs around my knees) begin to be irritated at night works wonders to calm the irritation.

2. Also Calcium AEP (MUST be AEP)...two tablets to counter irritable legs, especially helpful if patient is prone to insulin resistance and finally...

3. No sugar or foods with sugar like fruit juices, cereals with sugar etc. after 3:00 pm. Again, restless leg is often associated with folks who are insulin resistant or borderline.

Homeopathy

Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 08/10/2011

Have you tried quinine for restless legs available much cheaper in tonic water a lot of other benefits too.

Eliminate Coffee

Posted by Janet (Kendal, U.k) on 07/27/2011

Also if you drink a glass of tonic water that, s good for restless legs too, but it, s the quinine in the tonic that does the trick.

Eliminate Coffee

Posted by Kratomking (Sharon, Pennsylvania) on 01/07/2017
★★★★★

I've heard from many people that giving up the coffee will help cure a lot of RLS!!!

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Surveyor65 (Jefferson City, Mo, Usa) on 07/01/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I have suffered with RLS for about 20 years now and have been taking prescription medications to help for the last 10 or so. Since I HATE the idea of having to take a pill for the rest of my life, I tried searching natural remedies for RLS, and here I am. My RLS starts in my left leg, then, if I don't start moving or medicate, it will "attack" my left forearm, them my other leg, then the other arm (I usually take something before it gets to my right leg). I also have issues when just sitting at rest. I work two jobs, and my part-time gig requires a LOT of sitting (it's at a mental hospital). It will also start in on me while trying to watch TV in the evenings.

In reading the comments on the website, I decided to try the bar of soap remedy last night. NO HELP. I used a bar of Ivory soap, still wrapped, in the sheets. First below my feet, then between my knees and feet, then unwrapped the bar, shoved it in a sock and kept it between the sheets, then held it in my hand. After an hour and a half, I broke down, took my pill, and went outside to walk it off for about 30 minutes. Finally fell asleep about 2:45 AM!! UGGGGGHHHHH!!!

Thoughts, suggestions, snide remarks?

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Blanche (Iberia Parish, Louisiana) on 07/01/2011

I read somewhere that restless legs sometimes occur if you are anemic. Just a thought.

Aspirin

Posted by Tbocamp (Texas, US) on 09/26/2014
★★★★★

I take 2 low dose aspirin every night for my RLS, and that usually does the trick. There are some nights -when symptoms are really bad - that I have to get back up and take 2 to 4 more, but not very often. Soap did help some. Hot, hot baths at 3 in the morning sometimes worked, too. Aspirin has been the most reliable source of help for me. BTW - I have also found that sleeping in lightweight pajama pants, year round, helps.

Hydration

Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 02/25/2011
★★★★★

I have found that if I drink 2 - 3 glasses of water befor going to bed it stops the RLS. Also foods that start up my RLS like chocolat, junk food, and more, the 2 to 3 glasses of water stops it. At first I thought I would be up all night peeing it out but usually only about once, must have something to do with laying down. Try it if you get desperate like I did.

Hydration

Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 11/02/2011

Since I told you about water for RLS I have found that coconut oil stops the RLS. I take 2 tablespoons a day and it stops the RLS.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Kimmi (Springfield, Mo.) on 04/09/2017 12 posts

@ Rigger--i know this was an older post, but I just sent off for some of that Night Time Leg Calm. I hope it works for me!! Thanks for the tip, too. It's now 10:30 am and I never got to sleep last night, thanks to my RLS. -_- I tried quinine water (tonic water) with V8 juice (as I can't tolerate the taste of tonic water on its own) and I have a bar of soap under my sheet strategically placed between my calves (that's where my RLS hits). My tub is old and the veneer is coming off and it LOOKS horrid. Mentally, I KNOW when I wash it it's clean...but I can't get past the looks of it enough to actually bring myself to SIT in it, lol! If I could, I would add some lavender essential oil and epsom salts. (Just wish I could get past that mental block about my tub looking so nasty even when it's clean! ) I always slept SO well when I lived in places that had a decent tub to soak in. Half the time I would fall asleep in the tub...lol. And I never had RLS on the nights I did that, either.
Thank you again for the tip! :)

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.

Exercises

Posted by Faye (Odessa, TX) on 06/25/2009
★★★★★

Can say that I was diagnosed with RLS about 2 years ago. One night I was reading online and noticed that I was hurting in my lower back while sitting. I looked to see what would help that problem and found- 3 -simple exercies and when I did those I slept all night long. It seems that the lower back is related to Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). I do also believe that a lack of minerals and folic acid and Vitamin D3 are also needed but the exercises doing them 3 to 6 times a day about a minute and I sleep all night long. This works whether I take the vitamins and mineral or not as sometimes I get lazy about taking pills all the time and can go weeks before I take the supplements again. But the exercises are simple: 1-Rotate the Hips as in trying to use a Hula Hoop. 2-Twist the upper body 3-Do squats with the knees as low as possible and do all of this no more that 1 minute for all 3 exercises. Do this a minumin of 3 times or more as needed.

Exercises

Posted by Runr (Weston, Kansas) on 02/28/2013

I'm going to try these tonight. I do have issues with lower back pain. Took a nap this afternoon and RLS started. Worth a try. Thank you.

Exercises

Posted by Megan (Salt Lake City, Ut) on 07/10/2014
★★★★★

These exercises are so great and were so helpful during my last pregnancy. even though minerals helped a lot I still found that I would have bad bouts of RLS. if I did these exercises, even in the middle of the night, I found that I could go right to sleep after that. Thank you again!

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Donna (Brattleboro, VT) on 04/27/2009
★☆☆☆☆

Good Morning, I would just like to mention that I moderate 3 online supprt groups for RLS and sleep disorders. I do have SOME members (under a dozen) who swear by the soap thing. I think almost all of us have tried it at one point or another when we were desperate. Out of 1500 members, I would say that soap may work for 6 of them. I am not putting it down, but most of us need more than soap to keep the RLS at bay, and our sleep partners from getting kicked, if you have PLMD. It is most certainly a trial and error thing, treating RLS, and we just have to keep plugging away.
Thanks!

Rubbing Alcohol

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.