Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

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.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Edgrolvr (Nantes, France) on 05/20/2017
★★★★★

I can't believe that this works, but it does. My husband often gets restless legs at night and after checking this site and seeing the soap suggestion, I figured "why not, " especially because we had two fresh unwrapped bars of Dove soap (it happens to be shea butter scented but I don't think it matters). My husband put one bar each in a pair of ski socks (ha, lots of room for a bar of soap) and put the socks on while he reclined on the couch. He said it worked within a couple of minutes. He's now used this remedy about 5 times since then and it works every time. He leaves the socks on for about 15 minutes and even after removing them, he has no problems for the rest of the night. Bizarre.

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).

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Jennigreene (Rockport, Texas) on 05/13/2017

In my personal opinion, I think if people are desperate for a solution and they finally have one that works it should be left alone. If you are supposedly part of one of these "support groups" then, to me, you should be more attentive to the support mission of the website than the undermining of people who want to get back to nature and organics to help with their remedies. If you do not agree with what people are actually saying works for them, and yes, outside influences do play a part in RLS whether you know it or not, then the old saying should be applied "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." Especially if you feel you need to log into an ORGANIC supported site to preach about the overall effect of "modern medicine." What do we see nowadays? Every RX you take has added side effects, allergic reactions, etc. For millions upon thousands upon hundreds of years the human body has sustained itself through natural means. It is what our white blood cells and lymph nodes are hard at work doing. Natural remedies are easily absorbed by the body, compared to new medications that your body has to learn to adapt to, which does not always work. Each person is different as is their "genetic make-up." So, take the prescribed medication, then what? End up with a new side-effect if your body cannot process it correctly.Also, what is the long term medical evidence that attest to prolonged periods of these medications? I have had lymph node cancer in the past and I have found that switching to natural products, choosing a plant-based diet and taking care of myself have helped in the long run, compared to "quick fixes" have worked for me. I'm not saying that it will work for everyone but why not, at least, try it? Sugar and a lot of these "ingredients-in-food-that-we-can't-even-pronounce" have been a huge problem for all of the US. You see illnesses popping up everyday that we have not even heard of before. Think about this for a second. You're eating things that are not naturally broken down by the body, and you are surprised when you start contracting illnesses, diseases and ailments. I went to Texas A&M (Go Islanders!) to study anatomy, forensic science, entomology and microbiology and I am still surprised every day from my findings on how resilient the human body is. I know, as a person with some medical background (my mother also has a masters in Nursing and specializes in Oncology and works for Hospice), that I am the LAST person to give medical advice but what I just read in your comments warranted a rebuttal. You are getting second-hand information and, as you stated, your friend is a chemist, then he/she should have SOME idea that some of these Vitamins/Minerals (or lack thereof) do cause a problem and can actually make the illness worse. 'Iron, folate, and magnesium are thought to have the most direct impact on RLS symptoms. (Source: HealthLine, Can certain foods ease my RLS symptoms)'

I apologize for my abruptness in advance but I can't help but be a little unnerved by someone claiming to help people and they decide to take their frustration out on a community trying to work together for a common solution. No, it might not work for everyone but it's worth a shot. And I agree with Rick, maybe managing a support group(s) might not be for you.

ps. Sleep deprivation is an epidemic, but its what we put in our bodies for nourishment, hydration and ailments that cause the bigger problem. You'll find that research in those categories explain a lot. These are sources that are trusted and written by MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS that combat these problems on a day-to-day basis. Notice that SUGAR is listed in every one of these articles.

Which foods should I avoid if I have RLS?

Chocolate
Sugary sodas
Fried foods
Foods and beverages that contain caffeine may stimulate your nerves and aggravate RLS. This includes:
coffee
tea
energy drinks
chocolate

You should also limit or avoid fattening items, such as:

soda
fried foods
processed foods
foods high in sugar

A 2009 study showed people who are obese have an increased risk of RLS. This may be because obesity is linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and lower dopamine receptors. All of these conditions have the potential to cause RLS.

Iron Supplementation

The significance of low iron in causing RLS is outlined in the segment on Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Since the 1950s, it has been known that iron therapy, even without the presence of anemia has benefits for RLS symptoms. Studies have shown a strong relation between body iron stores as determined by serum ferritin and the severity of the RLS symptoms. A study has shown that in patients whose serum ferritin was < 75 µg/l, oral iron therapy (325 mg ferrous sulfate twice a day on an empty stomach) on average improved RLS symptom after 3 months.

A recent study has shown that giving oral iron more than once a day or at a dose greater than 85 mg per day does not necessary lead to a greater increase in absorbable iron. Oral iron equivalent to 65-85 mg of elemental iron will be best absorbed if given once a day. It should NOT be given with solid or liquid food/dietary supplements or with milk. It should be given on an empty stomach an hour before eating or two hours after eating along with 100-200 mg of vitamin C. An iron panel (early morning fasting blood to check iron, ferritin, TIBC, and percent iron saturation) should be done after three months to check on progress of the treatment. Oral iron should be stopped 2 days before the iron studies are done. The goal is to get the serum ferritin above 100 µg/l.

If the patient cannot tolerate the iron, or, if after three months there has been very little change in the iron stores, an iron infusion may be appropriate. Delivering iron directly into the blood by vein allows the iron to bypass the gastrointestinal tract, which can limit absorption of iron when iron is given orally. Several different formulations of iron are designed for intravenous treatment and are used for the treatment of anemia. Two formulations of iron dextran exist (Dexferrum and INFeD), with the low molecular weight (LMW) iron dextran (INFeD) demonstrating better safety profile than the older version of iron dextran, Dexferrum (Chertow et al. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2004:19, 1571). Other iron formulations currently available for intravenous use include: iron sucrose (Venofer®), iron gluconate (Ferrlicit®), ferumoxytol (Feraheme®) and ferric carboxymaltose (Ferinject®).

Two, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies using 1000 mg of ferric carboxymaltose versus placebo (subjects just received the solution with no iron in it), have shown that RLS patients who received the iron had significantly greater improvement in RLS symptoms (Allen et al. Sleep Medicine 2011: 12, 906; Cho et al. Sleep Medicine 2016:25,16). None of these patients had an anemia and some of the subjects has serum ferritin values of greater than 100 ug/l before the iron infusion. Approximately 35 percent of subjects who had received the iron treatment still remained off of all RLS medications even 6 months after the treatment. (Site Source: www.hopkinsmedicine.org)

Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health/restless-leg-syndrome-diet#foods-to-add2

http://www.healthline.com/health/restless-leg-syndrome-diet#overview1

https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/health-science/common-health-problems/allergic-reactions-to-food/

https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2016/07/5-questions-randall-stafford-advocates-a-plant-based-diet.html

https://nutritionfacts.org

aicr.org/about/advocacy/the-china-study.html

http://nutritionstudies.org/author/tcampbell/

http://www.plantbasedpharmacist.com/medical-conditions/neurological-conditions

https://www.drmcdougall.com/health/education/health-science/common-health-problems/

Aspercreme

Posted by Karen Stropki (W) on 04/21/2017
★★★★★

I have tried the bar of soap and got some relief. After reading several of these posts, I am going to use the sock idea. I used to take Klonopin for years and it completely took care of the RLS. Then it went generic and the generic did not work. However, I would like to report that I tried aspercreme pain reducing Creme. I rubbed it on my calves and got total relief. You can get this at any drug store. I am puzzled that it does work. It suggests that there is some inflammation. I have always read it was a nerve problem. Unless the nerves that are involved with the muscles are so irritable that they cause the muscles in the leg to be inflamed. However, the aspercream should not work on nerves.

I guess it is just treating a symptom of RLS and not the underlying cause. I have had RLS for 30 years so hopeful that some of these new tricks will manage the problem.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 04/17/2017

Julie,

Some with diabetes can use Blackstrap, others cannot. Perhaps you could try a small amount (1/2 teaspoon) and see how it affects your sugar.

You might be better off using a magnesium supplement and increase your foods containing potassium (like spinach.)

Magnesium oil can be sprayed onto the legs at bedtime. It absorbs right into the muscles.

~Mama to Many~

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Julie (Devon) on 04/17/2017

Can I use this as I am a diabetic?

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! :)

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Dana (Alaska) on 03/25/2017
★★★★☆

Apple Cider Vinegar for Restless Legs...

If I can feel the restlessness creeping into my legs as the evening moves on, I'll take a spoonful of ACV in water. (Of course then I have to rinse my teeth off... too much acid.) But another thing that is helpful is HEAT, in the form of a hot water bottle between my legs. This is usually enough to keep me comfortable so that I can sleep without having to get out of bed and go get the vinegar. It must be because it relaxes my muscles. I've heard other people have success with sea salt, but I haven't found it makes a difference for me, and I already get plenty of sea salt/ Himalayan salt in my diet...

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.

Examine Mineral Deficiencies

Posted by Bogdan (Canada) on 03/07/2017

Hi, in general you are v.right, your diet, supplements, this and that. My case maybe different but that does not matter. I'm doing the same but I'd say nothing works regardless. If there is something the change is non-tangible 3-5%. Hard to say working or not. Sorry to tell you that but what people are posting that works normally won't.

Regards, Bogdan

Cold Room, Potassium

Posted by Bogdan (Canada) on 03/06/2017
★★★★★

Hi, what's working for my RLS is a cold room. I've had RLS since I was a kid till now, 50+ years.

Found a/c need to cool room 20 deg and take two potassium pills. This is it. all the best.

Cotton Sheets

Posted by Grace (Seattle) on 01/31/2017
★★★★★

Polyester clothes, creates a very strong electrostatic field which affects the body which makes the body react. Polyester is the worst fabric you can wear. We purchase all organic 100% cotton sheets, blankets. We began to replace all of our clothes to cotton, wearing cotton sock is very important I can tell big difference in how I feel if I wear a cotton clothing I feel clear, light, calm I feel so much better and healthy if I wear polyester or any synthetic I feel really off and my skin body feel uneasy, uncomfortable and my legs jumpy.

Polyester is made from synthetic polymers that are made from esters of dihydric alcohol and terpthalic acid. 2. Acrylic fabrics are polycrylonitriles and may cause cancer, according to the EPA.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Cathrine (Australia) on 01/08/2017

Yes, I'm wondering if it has something to do with static electricity. Perhaps the soap neutralises the static in the sheets.

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 Joe B. (Reno, Nv) on 12/23/2016
★★★★★

I have had RLS for 30+ years. The following have worked for me, and my RLS will recur without one of these very convenient and inexpensive "cures":

1. Bar of soap in the bed by my legs...sometimes 2 bars. Brand doesn't seem to matter.

2. Massage calves with aloe vera or any type of body lotion(I prefer coconut oil). For some reason, icy hot doesn't work. Also massage small amount of lotion into lower back.

3. Carbonyl iron.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 11/08/2016

Dear Ella,

Have you tried magnesium for your rls and restless arms?

Another great remedy for it is blackstrap molasses - 1 Tablespoon in the evening. I think it has the potential to help both of your issues.

~Mama to Many~

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Elle (La) on 11/08/2016

Would it help with restless arms. I have rls but at times the arms are 10x worse.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Susu (California) on 11/03/2016
★★★★★

So true about blackstrap molasses and RLS.

Posted by Jennifer (Greenfield, WI) on 02/28/2007

I went to the health food store to ask about what I could give my 15 month-old son for constipation. They suggested 1-2 tsp. of blackstrap molasses in his bottle. I bought the bottle, came home, came to this website and discovered all different things this stuff is good for. I am 8 months pregnant. I was having a lot of trouble sleeping and developing symptoms of restless leg syndrome (common in pregnancy). I decided to give it a shot. Long story short, my son is pooping like a champ and I started sleeping through the night without any jerking limbs ON THE FIRST DAY! I ran out for one day, and I had a horrible night sleep. I am amazed and delighted.

I don't remember where I found the remedy but as long as I have a tbls a day my legs don't twitch at night. People roll their eyes when I tell them. I put 1 tbls of BSM in a cup of hot water with 1 tbls of dry milk. It tastes good that way so I don't mind drinking it.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Rick (Walking Dead Land) on 11/01/2016

You might preach to your victims that there is no cure, to keep up business at your "support" groups, but you are simply wrong. As mentioned above, magnesium deficiency is often the culprit, along with B12 and selenium. Anyone with an ounce of nutritional and/or physiology knowledge would know this. If you possess neither of those, you shouldn't be managing 'support' groups.

Compression

Posted by Ks (San Diego ) on 10/18/2016
★★★★☆

What really works for me is also compression on my legs. You must try compression stockings. They are primarily for circulation however the pressure does definitely ease the restless legs. I'm not saying it will take it completely away but help drastically. You can look them up online and try at least 30 to 40 mm of pressure. I use 40 to 50 and they work really well. They're a little difficult to get on but definitely worth it.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Maureen (East Sussex) on 10/18/2016
★★★★★

I tried Dove and it didn't work as it is a cream. So I tried something else and yes, it works. I too have suffered for many years and actually had a lie in this morning. Try it.

Dietary Changes, Magnesium

Posted by Michael (New Zealand) on 10/17/2016

Well Kim, I have consistently recommended Magnesium Chloride LIQUID for leg muscle issues on this Site and I hope this will help you. Follow the maker's directions. If it does indeed prove beneficial for you, it ought to show results VERY quickly indeed! That is the good news. Please let us know if it does help you.

Cheers, Michael

Dietary Changes, Magnesium

Posted by Kim (San Diego ) on 10/17/2016

What type of magnesium works best for RLS? I take Glycinate however some people say that may not be the best. Thank you

Dietary Changes

Posted by Karen (India) on 10/16/2016
★★★★★

I have had chronic RLS for 5 years. 5 years without sleep! I have tried everything, I thought, without success. Then, 3 weeks ago, I read a posting on a ME site, (I have ME as well) by someone that had been on a low oxalate diet for a year. He had not had RLS since starting the diet. I had just finished a whole 30 diet which made me feel terrible. I couldn't understand this as I was eating lots of spinach, carrots, nuts and beetroot.

I read the post about the Low oxalate diet, and he had listed the food that I had been eating, and ate a lot of before the diet. I straight away went to the low oxalate info page and read everything. Straight away stopped eating high oxalate food, but so not to start my body 'dumping', ate medium to low oxalate food. I have experienced only slight twitching, more annoying than anything, with three nights of just an awareness feeling in my legs. With pretty much three full nights of sleep. For me this is miraculous! I have by the side of my bed oils, magnesium, homeopathic remedies and creams. The only thing I have used since starting the diet is an essential oil for nerves, and I have only used it a few times.

I highly recommend this diet. Read all that you can, start slowly and persevere! There are many conditions that a low oxalate diet helps.

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.

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.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Rw (Bluefield, Va) on 08/12/2016

It's possible that there is some type of energy in the soap that transfers to the legs. Radiation was always present but it took Marie Curie to discover it. Bacteria were there before we had microscopes to see them. Just because we can't explain something, doesn't mean its effect isn't real.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Sonia (Cohutta) on 07/30/2016
★★★★★

Soap absolutely works, my husband has suffered with RLS for years, I read about soap and thought I'd give it a try without his knowledge to avoid the placebo effect. That was almost four weeks ago and he has not had an episode since. He filled his prescription for Requip on 7/8/16 and hasn't taken the first pill. He's NEVER gone this long, in fact he was taking a pill EVERY night. First I placed one bar of dial under the fitted sheet at the foot of the bed, the soap was YEARS old so after two days I added a fresh bar of Dove with it...they're both still there and working like magic. I was very skeptical and assumed it would NOT work but to my surprise it work even better than the Requip!!! So don't count this one out....it truly works and believe me I'm just as surprised as you are!!! I finally told him about it and he too was skeptical but it's still working so we're going with it!!!! There's a lot more to these old wives tales than we know or understand!!

Butcher's Broom

Posted by Laurie (Seattle) on 07/16/2016
★★★★★

Butcher's Broom helps with restless leg syndrome. Used to work in a vitamin store and customers loved it. Take the tincture or capsules twice a day.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Andrea (Westminster, Ca) on 06/17/2016

Mark Ky.

Espresso = coffee, which = (beans) legumes. Guess what you get with a concentrated serving of legumes? Magnesium. Looks like you just might need magnesium supplementation in your diet, but preferably without the caffeine of espresso, so you don't keep waking up.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Chris (Mpls) on 05/26/2016

Did the acupuncture help with the RLS?

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

Keeping Legs Cool

Posted by Doug (Vancouver, Wa) on 04/10/2016
★★★★★

Thank you for this website. It has proven to be very helpful.

My particular situation concerning Restless Leg Syndrome has been getting steadily worse as I have aged. (I am a 65 year old male in relatively good health)

My Dr. checked my magnesium and that was at the upper end, but still in the acceptable parameters. He suggested Benadryl and/or melatonin to help me get to sleep. These both made me sleepy, but with the RLS raging, I could never relax enough to fall off to sleep.

I tried cutting out all sugar after a certain time of day but that didn't help either. I also put a bar of Ivory soap between the sheets, to no avail.

One night recently, as I lay on top of the covers listening to music and playing games on my tablet, waiting to get sleepy, it occurred to me that my legs had not yet started to spasm. This was curious, so I made a point to stay out from underneath the covers and wait for them to start. They never did!

What I deduced was that when under the covers, (which for me included an electric blanket because I don't like getting into a cold bed! ) my legs would heat up and the spasms would start. As long as I was on top of the covers wearing a pair of sweats, if need be, they stayed cool enough and spasm-free.

Later on, after I get up to use the bathroom and return to bed, I get under the covers to finish out the night, with no spasms. I also have stopped using the electric blanket.

I don't understand it, nor can I explain it, but I can tell you honestly I have not had a case of RLS while getting to sleep ever since I have being doing this, and it is going on a month now!

I hope that this in not something that is restricted to my situation, and that other people can find relief, as I have.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Wendy (Maida Vale, W.a.) on 03/25/2016

I have used magnets to help me, they do work, I have also had my pharmacist make me up a cream, consisting of sorbelene and menthol (stops it drying out your skin.)

I have recently used Acupuncture, and a course of 7 weeks was advised then a maintanace of 1 month . This has given me a great relief, I do take 1/2 of 0.125 every night, but haven't had to increase, but have been told I have to stop taaking sifrol as my sodium level is too low.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Karen (Usa) on 02/08/2016

I too believe we can overcome with the mind. It is important to line the mind up to receive the healings.

Venous Insufficiency Cause

Posted by Kelly (Seattle) on 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.

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.