Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

Iron

Posted by Kathi (Everett, Wa, United States) on 01/16/2012
★★★★★

I used to have RLS as well and it was caused by my severe anemia. Once I was no longer anemic, there was never an issue with RLS again! I used wheat grass powder daily to build up my blood again. Give it a try.

Homeopathy

Posted by Megan (Sydney, Australia) on 12/27/2011
★★★★★

I want to share a remedy I have found for Restless Legs Syndrome. 'Restless Legs Relief' is a homeopathic remedy found in Health food stores. I spray 4 squirts under my tongue and no restless legs anymore. What a relief, as continually having to move my legs around was stopping me sleeping. I had tried the bar of soap remedy to no avail. Hope this helps!!

Coconut Oil

Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 05/24/2012

Just to ad an update. I also found that using Kombucha tea helps a lot with my RLS. I us both the coconut oil and kombucha and very seldom have any RLS problems. As for the disclaimer that you should get medical advice from a Doctor first, every time I have been to see a Doctor they try and give me a prescription. I rarelly ever waste my time with doctors any more since all they know is drugs, they have lost contact with real cures. I am far more healthy for it, and I fell 20-30 years younger. I have been curing all my health problems without the side effects of prescribed drugs. Thank you Earth clinic.

Homeopathy

Posted by Lee (New York) on 08/09/2011
★★★★★

I have had restless leg syndrome for most of my adult life. I'd get it for a couple of nights every now and then, but now I've had it every night for over a month, it's very distruptive to sleep. I have tried many of the remedies on this site, only to get about 1 1/2 hours of relief before I'm up again. I went to the Dr. for a blood test to see if I was deficient in anything, but I'm not.

I came across a homeopathic remedy called Restful Legs by Hyland. OH, BLESSED RELIEF! I realize that different things work for different people, especially for this condition, but you might want to give it a try. They have a website you can google. I purchased it in a health food store, but it is available in chain drug stores as well according to their website. It's relatively inexpensive.... about $8.00.

Eliminate Coffee

Posted by Sabrana (Newcastle, Nsw) on 07/27/2011
★★★★★

Hi,

I just wanted to share that since giving up coffee, I don't have Restless Legs syndrome anymore. Simple.

Thanks

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/02/2011

Surveyor65, From the Doctoryourself.com website:

Just thought I'd let you know another great use for Niacin -- restless leg syndrome. My husband has never been officially diagnosed, but has a lot of trouble sleeping. This year when the work season started again, he began kicking me all night. It got so bad that I wasn't going to be able to sleep in the same room. Every few seconds, his legs would move and it was driving me up the wall. I persuaded my husband to try Niacin with Vitamin C right before bedtime. Works like a charm, in fact when he missed his vitamins the other night, I could tell within minutes. What a great solution to a problem that so many suffer with! "

"Doses vary from person to person, ranging anywhere from a low 50-100 mg to a high 500 mg".

Source: http://www.doctoryourself.com/leg.htm

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Sherri (Houston, Tx) on 01/03/2012
★☆☆☆☆

The bar of soap didn't work for me either. I try not to drink caffeine in the afternoon, and get plenty of water intake. I'll try the niacin. The best thing I've found, is "Restful Legs" a homeopathic remedy that you put under your tongue. It lets me get back to sleep in 10 minutes. If I run out, I drink a large glass of water, and that will help. But then you might wake up to go to the bathroom. It's very frustrating!

Aspirin

Posted by Zoe (Seattle, Wa) on 07/12/2012
★★★★★

Yup, aspirin works for me. I read somewhere that RLS is basically the brain mis-firing low-level pain signals. Aspirin works to block just enough of those signals that RLS goes away - other painkillers work, Tylenol is the safest to take long-term (some studies show elevated liver enzymes after a few weeks, but nothing to be alarmed about and no liver damage occurs). Aspirin has side-effects like blood-thinning if taken over the long-term. I just switch 'em off, but do talk to your doctor.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Rigger (Newtown, Ct) on 11/28/2011

I have had RLS for about 5 years, so bad that the prescription medicine doesn't even work well. There are different levels of RLS, with mine being really bad, I have tried alot of things, including a bar' of soap. For me it didn't touch it, but what has worked is a combination of magnesium glucimate (take as much as you can, until your body tells you it is enough - don't worry, you will know!) it really works! I also use a oil that is rubbed on my lower back and the area that is acting up at the time, it is called 'Night Time leg calm' from Natures Inventory. This too has been fantastic, it doesn't make it go away for good, but it allows me to rest and to sleep. I also have just discovered that my problem with RLS might be my sciatic nerve.... will keep you posted.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 03/25/2010

An explanation to the soap bar use for the restless leg syndrome.

1st a soap is alkaline. It has to be to remove oil and grease as they are acids (as in fatty acids!).

For instance check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivory_(soap)
where it says "The Ivory soap bar (classic) had contained: sodium tallowate, sodium cocoate or sodium palm kernelate, water, sodium chloride, sodium silicate, magnesium sulfate, and fragrance.[7] The soap bar had a determined pH value: 9.5. "

Surprise, its pH is 9.5 i.e. alkaline. Also notice it has magnesium sulfate i.e. Epsom salts.

Now from http://www.progressivehealth.com/RLS-magnesium.asp
you can read
"Magnesium for RLS

If the massive amounts of body magnesium are low, you can have restless legs, cramps of the uterus and other muscles, migraines, and other problems. It is an essential mineral critical in 300 enzyme reactions in the body.

Calcium, magnesium, and potassium all have an effect on muscle contraction and relaxation. In addition, they help nerve transmission. Experts say that you can help calm your legs and get some rest by making sure that you're getting enough of all three minerals. Taking a daily dose of between 800 and 1,000 milligrams of calcium, 300 milligrams of potassium, and 500 milligrams of magnesium at bedtime may help reduce RLS symptoms.

Magnesium is important for muscles to be able to relax, while calcium helps them contract. Too little magnesium in relation to calcium (or low levels of both) can make muscles cramp more easily and may make some muscles, like the smooth muscles that wrap around big blood vessels, stay somewhat contracted.

Magnesium deficiency can make muscles go into spasms easily. When you're short on magnesium, the waste products of metabolism, such as lactic acid, are harder to flush out, so you may get tired, burning, sore muscles."

Now check https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/restless_legs.html
and see how many post refers to minerals, magnesium, blackstrap molasses.

So definitely, RLS is related with mineral deficiency. Therefore I would suggest people with RLS to consider alkalizing protocols that would include multi-mineral like BSM ...

Search about how to take magnesium. One way is externally with Epsom Salt baths. Or take a pinch of ES with a heavy meal or with a glass of water. Magnesium will help the liver and kidneys in the digestion of proteins. I am now taking about a total of between 1/2 and 1 teaspoon a day of ES with my water through the day with beverages. But one must start slowly first. I need less ES in the summer when a eat a lot of fresh veggies.

For lengthy and technical articles on minerals you can read the following:

This, http://www.acu-cell.com/acn.html , for a very lengthy article on Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D.

For muscle spasms http://www.acu-cell.com/dis-mus.html

And this, http://www.acu-cell.com/femn.html , for iron and manganese.

For good natural sources of numerous minerals you can take BSM and cold water kelp.

Alain

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/13/2009 489 posts

Hello Barbara,

I haven't checked this out personally but have read that putting a bar of ivory soap in the bed gets rid of restlessleg sysdrome. Nobody seems to know how it works but have read where several different people with restless leg syndrome says it works. One of the claimants said you don't even need to remove the wrapper from the bar of soap.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Luis (Cali, Colombia) on 07/13/2009
★★★★★

Dear Barbara:

1. A half cup of soy milk added with 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses, 1 capsule of folic acid (1000 mcgr.) and 1 table of potassium citrate (250 mgr.). Use your blender.

2. A strong alcohol massage in both legs (calf), before going to bed.

It is working to my mother, so far. No more sleeping interruptions.

To your best days.

Luis

Selenium Deficiency Trigger

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.

Horse Chestnut

Posted by Carl (Studio City, CA) on 02/22/2009
★★★★★

Horse Chestnut tabs from a health food store will relieve symptoms of RLS in some people. There is some evidence that insomnia and RLS may be secondary to folic deficiency. People with a family history of RLS may benefit from taking 5-10 mg per day of folic acid. However, those taking folic acid should make sure they are receiving at least 500-1000 mcg of vitamin B12. Also, consult a physician before using folic acid if you have epilepsy as folic acid interacts with some epilepsy medications and can trigger a seizure in some people. Obviously, from the discussion, different people benefit from different supplements and treatments. One should experiment carefully until you get it right.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Jack (Hendersonville, NC USA) on 01/11/2009
★★★★★

Took a drug every night at bedtime to ease RLS so I could get some rest. Discovered that the drug would become ineffective after 24 months and then there was no help. Desparation began to mount.

At dinner one night a friend told me about the bar of soap. He was very sheepish because he thought I would laugh. When I didn't, his wife presented me with a bar of Ivory Soap. Used it that night and threw away the drugs. That was 4 months ago. Since then, no drugs, no RLS, and lots of sleep.

I use Ivory Soap unwrapped between the sheets somewhere between the waist and knees. There may be variations that also work but I am not broke so I will not fix it.

Prescription Drug Link to Rls

Posted by Jon (Australia) on 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.

Cereal High in Iron

Posted by Mary (Chicago, IL) on 11/29/2007
★★★★★

I use Cream of Wheat for my RLS!! My legs have always hurt plus I've had poor circulation for as long as I can remember. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore, so I researched causes and found one reason was an Iron deficiency. I then researched foods rich in Iron and came up with Cream of Wheat, 1 cup equal to 10 mg. and Total, 1 ounce equal to 18 mg. RDA is 19 mg. per day. Don't care for Total that much but love COW. Have now been taking it for 3 weeks straight, my legs are totally cured. How long did it take? Instantly. I noticed the results after the first time I took it. Even I can't believe it, it's a miracle!!!

Cereal High in Iron

Posted by Mare (Il, US) on 02/01/2015

UPDATE: It's been a long time since I posted my miracle cure of Cream of Wheat for my RLS. Just so you know, I still use it, but don't use it exclusively for my RLS, I use something else. The reason being, I found the root cause of my problem (from my doctor) is related to my diabetes, it's diabetic neuropathy. Although I still have it, it's now manageable and doesn't affect me like before. At least I know. Feel free to contact me about what I take.

Cereal High in Iron

Posted by Om (Hope, Bc CA) on 02/03/2015

If you research diabetes on EC you will be getting the truth about metformin. GreenMedInfo online will also get you the full picture.

I have no nerve pain since using high amounts of Amala (Indian vit. C) which is for years. I take it with honey, yes, honey about three times a week with or after meal with powdered Turmeric in goats milk. Nothing else needed. This is after a lot of research.

It is in the doctors handbook that allopathic medicine causes death which is then certified to be caused by "diabetes and heart failure".

These meds. cause dehydration till the heart gives out. Inform yourself and you will benefit.

Namaste, Om

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Kim (Westport, Ma) on 11/16/2007
★★★★★

Hi, there is a cure for restless leg syndrome, and it comes in the form of BLACK STRAP MOLASSES. While using BSM for I discovered that my restless leg syndrome stopped completely, as long as I use it daily. I have suffered for years with this condition, family members, my dad , brother and aunt have it so hereditary I am sure and from what I read there are plently of pills doctors will prescribe for you, but for me natural is the only way to go. I take 1 tablespoon a day of BSM, I use it to manage my female issues and PMS, and heavy bleeding, that now is cut in half, and the happy side affect to that regimine was the cure for my restless leg syndrome, which caused so much pain, and movement just to fall asleep. I have to say that this website has given me my life back in a way that is a miracle. No pills for me if I can ever help it. I look up a syndrome, or condition and more then likely I find it here and I try it and or apply it to my own life and see how it goes. So far so good. I believe that we know ourselves better then any doctor ever could. This website could be the very thing that saves your life. I mean more and more on tv to radio I see and hear more and more about restless leg syndrome and companies promoting more and more medicines for the syndrome so they can make money, if they did research like I did online they would see the cure right in front of them, it comes up in my search right away. Simple and inexspensive and it doesn't hurt the body in other ways. I get frustrated just seeing commercials trying to get people to take there drugs. Anyhow, BSM 1 tablespoon a day has cured my RLS and I am forever grateful. I do my best to promote this site to friends and family and I know they get tired of listening to me sometimes, but thats OK! The truth here for me is a miracle so passing it along is just what we're supposed to do. In the right kind of world. Thanks a million to all have written here.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Lardiver (Abbotsford, Bc Canada) on 07/02/2012
★★★★★

Blackstrap Molasses for RLS

The problem of all the sugar in BSM was a concern to me. I found that by putting BSM into Kombucha tea then let it sit for about a week, the kombucha would eat all the sugar and leave me the minerals and every thing good about BSM, plus the goodness of the kombucha. I put in kombucha tea that has already been fermented, a scoby and the amount of BSM as I would normally use sugar. Next I will try kombucha coffee made with BSM, will probably make a strong tasting coffee kombucha.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Su Su (Sacramento, Ca) on 09/10/2007
★★★★★

Blackstrap Molasses which I was taking for something else, cured my RLS. I had been drinking warm soymilk with one tablespoon of molasses every morning and when I ran out my RLS came back. I then read about a new study that said iron might cure some RLS. The day I started back on molasses, my symptoms disappeared.

Avoid Artificial Sweeteners

Posted by Glen (Valdosta, GA) on 09/09/2007
★★★★★

I heard from a friend that he didn't drink diet soda because of the RLS he experienced. I realized that when I'm on the road (truck driver) drinking diet sodas I'm fine, but when I get home all I drink is tea with splenda. Within one week I'm experiencing RLS and, as mentioned in one of your posting, herpes outbreak. I think this is pretty conclusive. The word really needs to get out about this.

Avoid Deodorant With Aluminum

Posted by Beth (Vista, Ca, Usa) on 03/18/2010

You can make your own deodorant:

5 tbsp. Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder (or Corn Starch)
1/4 cup Baking Soda
5 drops Tea Tree Oil
Optional: Jasmine Oil or any Good smelling Essential Oil

Mix the powdered ingredients together
Add the Tea Tree Oil to Coconut Oil (and Essential Oil Fragrance) and stir

Drizzle into powdered mixture until it forms a ball sort of like play dough consistency.

I store mine in a small jar. Cleaned out pimento or small artichoke jar works well.

Apply with fingers.

Hope it helps!

Magnesium

Posted by Amanda (Orem, Ut) on 03/20/2007
★★★★★

I have had restless leg syndrome for years. One day a lady suggested magnesium to me. Now I take magnesium at night and find it helps my legs relax and I can get to sleep. My mother also has restless leg syndrome and has been taking medications for it but has had a lot of side effects. I told her about magnesium and now she only needs half the medication that she used to to get to sleep. Hopefully this helps other people.

Magnesium

Posted by Leena Medina (Anaheim, Ca) on 12/02/2010
★★★★☆

I read all the comments made on controling restless leg... I want to add that I read the book, RLS cured forever and the author suggestion an elimination diet of all forms of dairy products (casinate, whey, milk, non-dairy creamer, etc). My RLS has improved 98%... I believe I was experiencing an allergy to dairy products due to a mineral deficiency my body is experiencing. I feel much better but it has been difficult at times when I crave donuts or products that contain dairy. However, it is worth not having RLS. I also want to add that I recently had a baby and I give him formula (I must be highly sensive to exposure... Throw-up.. Spills.. etc. ) so I believe this is why I still get some RLS. Anyway, I am going to try the vitamins, vinegar/water, blackstrap molasses and ivory soap. Thank you for all the info.

Iron and Potassium

Posted by Linda (Orlando, FL) on 02/23/2007
★★★★★

I have taken potassium supplements for many years (plus iron and calcium) to control my RLS symptoms. It took me a while to find the right balance of supplements, but my RLS rarely keeps me from falling asleep. It still bothers me on long car trips or in a long movie if I'm tired.

I had a sleep study done a couple of years ago, and the doctor remarked at how much leg movement I have in my sleep (even with taking the supplements). He indicated that RLS is associated with low iron. So, I increased my iron a little, and the symptoms improved. I know, however, that the potassium helps because if I run out of it my legs are "dancing" within a couple of days.

Iron and Potassium

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

Of course, it goes without saying to check with your doc before starting ANY supplements. It is not actually low iron that can cause RLS, but low Ferritin stores. I have not seen anyone mention this.You have to ask for the Ferritin test, not just an iron test. It all depends on how your brain assimilates the iron, and stores it. Your iron level is another whole test. and, that would be why Molassess helps because of all the iron in it. Remember one "cure" that works for one person, will be troublesome for the next one. using the word cure with RLS is a misnomer, as there is no cure. Like there is no cure for diabetes. You can control the symptoms at times for RLS, but not cure it.

Diosmin

Posted by Prioris (ME) on 09/04/2026
★★★★★

I noticed Diosmin isn't listed anywhere here. It is a bioflavonoid that comes from Vitamin C. For those looking for a solution for RLS, it may be worth a try.

Diosmin is used to fix problems in the lower legs, like blood pooling, pumps related to veins and vein problems in general. It has worked wonders for these problems.

So I have been taking Diosmin for a while for various things. At some point in recent weeks, I stopped taking it. I notice my RLS acting up more.

There may be a connection here. I notice Life Extension has it listed but not here. Just take two or three capsules once a day and see ifit responds.

LIFE EXTENSION

What Natural Interventions May Be Beneficial for Restless Leg Syndrome?

Iron. Iron deficiency or altered brain iron metabolism have been linked to RLS; supplementation is often recommended for RLS patients who have been tested and shown to be deficient. Iron supplementation has been shown to significantly improve symptoms in iron-deficient RLS patients.
Folate. Low levels of folate may play a role in RLS, especially in pregnant women. Pregnant women with lower folate levels were more likely to develop RLS than women who took vitamins during pregnancy.
Magnesium. Low magnesium levels can cause excitability of neurons; magnesium supplements are often used to prevent abnormal activity in the nervous system. A case study indicated magnesium may improve symptoms and sleep problems associated with RLS.
Diosmin. Diosmin is a natural flavone derivative often used for supporting venous function. Since venous disorders have been linked with RLS, diosmin is a promising possible treatment.
Green coffee extract. Diabetes and pre-diabetes are known risk factors for RLS. Green coffee extract may help maintain healthy glucose levels.
Valerian root. Valerian, an herbal sedative, is often used as a sleep aid. In a clinical trial, supplementation with valerian resulted in improvements in RLS symptoms and less daytime sleepiness.
Other natural interventions that may help relieve RLS symptoms include D-ribose and vitamins C and E.