Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

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.

Epsom Salt

Posted by Jon (Australia) on 05/22/2015
★★★★★

Epsom salt has been very effective at relieving RLS!!! WOW so happy!

I have a warm epsom salt bath using 2 cups of epsom salt in the bath, every night before bed.

I also take 800mg of Magnesium Glycinate daily (400mg am, and 400mg pm).

RLS can be very painful, excruciating, and I am so happy to have found relief finally.

Thank you for this cure

Deodorant

Posted by Shi ( Onalaska, Wi) on 04/18/2015
★★★★★

The screaming crying agony I was in last night had no words. I rubbed, moved, twitched but my legs still hurt and my feet hurt. I didn't have bar soap but I tried the deodorant and it worked!!! Within seconds the agony stopped. I could sleep. I forgot to do my feet, woke up to hours later in more pain. put more on my feet and beautiful relief!!!! Thank you!!!

Low Ferritin + Folate Trigger

Posted by Sam (Miami, FL) on 04/02/2015
★★★★★

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is often thought of as an inexplicable movement of the legs at night. In fact, it is a neurological disorder characterized primarily by unpleasant sensations, particularly below the knees, that result in the movements. There are many different descriptions of the sensations, among them are: a crawling feeling; a creeping inside the calves; aches and pains in the legs; or pins and needles, a prickly feeling. These sensations are accompanied by an urge, often irresistible, to move the legs in order to provide relief from the discomfort. In other words, the distressing feelings include within them a sense that movement will alleviate them; movement usually does help. Since the restless legs condition occurs most often during inactivity, particularly at night, the best relief-getting up and walking around-disrupts sleep. But, so does the movement of the legs while in bed, which prevents easily falling asleep (or falling back to sleep after wakening). Restless legs syndrome is commonly discussed in the field of sleep disorders (1,2).

The syndrome was first mentioned by an English doctor, Thomas Willis, in 1672. In 1861, a German doctor, Theodor Wittmaack, described it as Anxietas tibiarum (literally anxiety of the lower leg muscles: the tibialis). The Swedish doctor Karl Ekbom in 1945 reported his observations in 34 persons with the condition and used the term "restless legs;" later, he observed 70 additional typical cases. Ekborn founded the department of clinical neurology of Uppsala University in 1956, continuing his studies of restless legs, which was known for some time as Ekbom's Syndrome or Wittmaack-Ekbom Syndrome. Much progress in understanding the disorder has been made recently as new study techniques have been developed.

Restless Legs Syndrome may have a genetic component (especially when onset is before age 50), and it is partly related to dopamine activity in the brain affecting function of the cerebral cortex; this is the same neurotransmitter involved in Parkinson's disease. Dopamine agonists (drugs that stimulate the dopamine receptors in the same way dopamine does) and dopamine itself (e.g., l-dopa) are often effective in treating the condition. However, studies suggest that the specific dopamine systems in the brain differ in Restless Legs Syndrome versus Parkinson's disease; the two disorders can coexist when dopamine levels are quite low.

Restless Legs Syndrome mainly occurs past age 50, and affects about 10% of those in that age group; it is particularly common in women. Poor circulation in the legs-which may result from history of smoking, diabetes, lack of exercise, and other factors-contributes to the development of the condition. Nutritional deficiency, particularly lack of bound iron, is known to exacerbate the disorder. The syndrome may also occur temporarily during late pregnancy, possibly as the result of reduced circulation in the legs and lower levels of folate (a B vitamin, B9).

Tests have suggested that serum levels of both ferretin and folate are involved in nutritional aspects of Restless Legs Syndrome (3-5). The levels of these nutrients within cells may not be relevant, nor, apparently, are levels of hemoglobin or free iron. Administration of iron and folate in deficiency cases can provide some relief and sometimes resolve the problem entirely. Folate deficiencies can result from genetic defects, low absorption, or dietary insufficiency (recommended intake for adults is 400 ?g/day). The following table displays good sources of folate (see the article Iron Deficiency Anemia for good dietary sources of iron; suggested daily iron intake is 7 mg for men; 12-16 mg for women). Some foods are rich sources of both folate and iron, especially liver (and, to a lesser extent, other meats), spinach (and, to a lesser extent, most green leafy vegetables), and several legumes (beans and peas). Fortified foods, such as breads and cereals, are also good sources of these nutrients. Folate was named for leaves (foliage) that were noted to be a significant source; the supplement form is called folic acid. Current recommendations suggest limiting intake of supplements with folic acid to 1,000 ?g (= 1 mg) per day, but the concern for high doses is eliminated when vitamin B12 is also administered.

http://www.itmonline.org/arts/restlessleg.htm

Iron

Posted by Timh (KY) on 11/04/2014 2041 posts

Jon: I think it was Robert Von Sarbacher that recommends eating much salads from Iceberg Lettuce, which we traditionally view as a low nutrient food. His research finds that this lettuce is rich in "Iron Water" & "Magnesium Water", a distinction he says is very different than natural chelated Iron or Magnesium in edible plant material.

Potassium

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).

Liver (Folate)

Posted by Prioris (Fl, US) on 09/29/2014

I currently take magnesium for restless leg syndrome. It resolves the situation.

I take an activated form B complex containing

Folate (as Quatrefolic [6S]-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid equivalent to 800 mcg of [6S]-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic acid, glucosamine salt) 400 mcg

This is suppose to be bio available.

Did you try this before trying liver. Also how much Folate would you estimate you are consuming.

Liver (Folate)

Posted by Jon (Australia) on 11/03/2014
★★★★★

Liver is very high in IRON.

The high iron content is probably why eating liver gave relief.

There is 23mg of Iron in just 100g of liver!

Liver (Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Lamb, Beef)

Iron in 100g	4oz Serving (113g)	1 ounce (28g)
23mg (129% DV)	26mg (146% DV)	7mg (36% DV

My favourite source of iron is Black-strap Molasses. It contains bio-available iron.

Aloe Vera

Posted by Joe (Southern California, US) on 08/26/2014
★★★★★

Suffered with Restless Leg Syndrome from the age of 25-35. Then tried Nature's Way- Silent Night. Worked for a few years. Then onto IRON CARBONITE. Once that stopped working, I was really stuck.

Then I heard of the soap on this site. Soap worked for me, for several years. It was amazing. But then, little by little the restlessness came back.

Recently, just out of the blue, I decided to rub ALOA VERA from the bottle on my calves just before I go to sleep. I would say a teaspoon and a half covers both calves.

I do feel the sensation initially, but the RLS is much duller than is typical. Then, the sensation just fades completely away.

I am hoping between the Aloe and the soap I will have beaten this thing.

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.

Avoid Grains

Posted by Dr. Flora Mason Van Orden (Triangle, Va) on 05/05/2014
★★★★★

Restless Leg Syndrome:

Something that has helped my patients/students is to understand that all grains have a calcium-magnesium ratio that throws the natural balance totally out of whack when they eat processed grains. The ratio should be 2-1, but when grains are thrown in (which we do not need to eat, but which are addictive; read "Grain Damage" by Dr. Doug Graham), there is a backwards ratio of 1-9, way too much magnesium, and then leg cramps, restless leg syndrome, foot cramps, etc. begin. Once a person leaves out grains, even whole, organic, wonderful things start happening! Brain fog disappears, for one. Mental ups and downs stabilize. And especially, the leg cramps disappear! Try it! If I eat even one slice, I'm in trouble. It may have something to do with the gluten, because when I sprout the grain and make Essene bread out of it, this doesn't happen. Not the store-bought bread by that name: they actually ADD gluten, which defeats the purpose of spouting it.

Alkaline Diet

Posted by Nath (Paris (france)) on 05/05/2014
★★★★★

An alkaline diet for RLS works like magic. I have it for more than 29 years. Every day. Legs and arms sometimes. After several years of Ropinirole I am now on Pramipexol. I already gave up chocolat, cafe, tea, sugar, industrial food, alcool, etc. This avoids very big crisis but does not more.

A week ago I tried the alkaline diet (allowing fish or chicken or eggs at lunch but mixed with lots of alkaline ingredients and 90% alkaline for diner). The first day I tried, I coudn't believe myself. No more pain, no more syndrome. I encourage anyone to try!

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

Posted by Jessica (Moore, Oklahoma) on 11/10/2013
★★★★★

The only thing that I have found will stop my rls at night is if I pull oil. Each morning, I pull oil with coconut oil and at night, my legs are calm or relaxed. It is amazing! I don't dare miss a day!

Kratom Leaves

Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 09/09/2013

Re your restless leg syndrome:

RLS is caused by sugar. Well how about 97 percent of RLS is sugar related. Three things helped me.

1. Use of Calcium AEP.... it's the AEP part, not the Calcium that does the trick.

2. Use of baking soda; dissolve a teaspoon of BS into a cup of water and dab onto knees and legs; do this eight or ten times. The alkaline will help neutralize the acid coming from the sugar.

3. The best solution is to get off the poison sugar. Addicted? The hypothalamas must be re directed to cease using sugar by instead using good oils... Olive oil (ev). When you've gotten off the poison you'll find all kinds of metabolic issues cease.

Kratom Leaves

Posted by Lrogers13 (Atlanta, Ga) on 07/17/2015

I know this is two years old, but it's very broad sweeping to say that RLS is caused by sugar. I have been on a ketogenic diet the majority of the past ten years, which means I eat no sugar or refined carbohydrates, and I can assure you that my RLS is always significantly worse when I'm "on plan" than when I eat carbs - including sugar. I stick with the ketogenic diet because of the other amazing health benefits it helps me achieve, but it gets tough sometimes when I can't even work at my desk because of "the wiggles". I have RLS 24/7 in both legs, both arms, and often in my back. There are many, many causes of (and treatments for) RLS.

Alkaline Diet

Posted by Susan (Westlake Village) on 08/26/2013
★★★★★

I've just been experimenting with the Alkaline Diet and I was surprised to see many alkaline substances on your home remedies list for restless leg. I do believe topical applications can affect the body, but was surprised to see the alkaline soap and baking soda paste. Can you add an alkaline diet option? It's made a huge difference in my rls and I'm really looking forward to getting off ropinerole for good :)

Vitamin D

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.

Baking Soda

Posted by Tecumsehmo (Baltimore) on 10/06/2017

Antihistamines are known to exacerbate rls.

Magnesium

Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/09/2013
★★★★★

Magnesium Oil is even better than Coconut Oil for restless legs. Apply the magnesium oil to your legs before bed. Magnesium oil is available at most healthfood stores.

Poppy Seeds

Posted by Julie (Florida) on 06/05/2023

This post explains how unlike beer the risk is with poppyseed. It's one thing to be ignorant, it's another to read and not comprehend--worse yet to brush aside --for others--an important caution.

This post did not describe a slippery slope but--in detail, and with humility-- a very well concealed pit.

it is precisely NOT like with beer making one "a raging alcoholic homeless and roaming the streets with cheap wine in a brown paper bag"

The scenario--as explained is the OPPOSITE of highly unlikely.

They explain how, with poppyseed--UNLIKE most everything else-APPARENT moderation MAY NOT AT ALL be what it seems.

I, personally, am super grateful for the bravery and detail of this contributor, and I hope no others will be discouraged from explaining their stories here.

Poppy Seeds

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.

A Bar of Soap

Posted by Carolyn (Fort Myers Fl) on 10/17/2013

I have been a sufferer of severe RLS for almost 10 years and have tried almost everything that is homiopathic and nothing has EVER worked. I also find it frustrationg when people say, try this, this worked for me... I HAVE tried. If you think about it, how is a bar of soap supposed to help nerves?? And magnesium isn't the solution either... Been taking it for a long time and nothing. Only thing that has worked is medication from my Dr.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Timh (KY) on 02/09/2015 2041 posts

Thanks for the tip Oscar, and it is good to hear from you again as I have been wondering how you'r doing lately.

I'll second the observations and studies proving the psychological element of many diseases. From old school, classical thinking, or particularly eastern religions, detachment is regarded as essential in a healthy mind. Without the power of detachment many people internalize pain or painful events which get tucked away in the unconscious and manifest as unresolved issues, hang-ups, phobias, etc.

When I was a child, my family was on vacation at Pine Mnt in eastern Ky. One afternoon a was tailing a group of other kids hiking down the mnt, when suddenly I was swarmed by yellowjacket bees. I totally "freaked out" and ran back up the mnt with my (fortunately long sleeve sweater) covered in bees and sustaining several stings but fortunately not too many to make it an emergency situation. I even had a minor out-of-body experience (OBE) as I forwarded or leaped up the mnt in time or "out-of-time" in non-linear event. I didn't understand what happened exactly and looking back on it months or yrs latter seemed like a surreal event.

Anyway, someone helped me out of the infested shirt and I returned to my family and got stable in an hr or so. But that event stayed with me for several yrs and resurfaced (flashback) every time I heard & saw a "buzzing bee" (panic attack). Given enough positive or virtuous elements in my upbringing, and with a little personal effort, I overcame that traumatic event in my early teens.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by James (Portsmouth, Hampshire ) on 01/14/2013

Restless legs syndrome... put legs up on a wall for 10 to 20 minutes a day or more. You will find this will alleviate the symptoms if you can try this.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Sailorsue (Wny, Ny) on 01/18/2013

I have been taking magnesium supplements both in am and pm and do not have them anymore; it's been just over 2 years now.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Lucio (Lages, Santa Catarina / Brazil) on 01/13/2013
★★★★★

If you suffer with RLS [restless leg syndrome] don't drink any kind of liquid at least 4 hours before bed nor eat any food with sodium.

I use to put frozen pulp fruits and honey in a blender and eat or drink 5 hours before bed. It works for me.

Liquid reflux and sodium are like poison for RLS suffers.

Magnesium

Posted by Cate (Melbourne, Australia) on 09/21/2012
★★★★★

When I was pregnant with my first son I was still exercising like a maniac in the pool. My legs were so restless I was up 3/4 of the night stretching them out beside the bed. My husband couldn't stand the interruptions and even slept next door. At the time I took a synthetic supplement of magnesium, postassium, sodium and one other, forgotten which. It had heaps of sweetness so was of negligible use.

Three or four years later I'm on a 'primal' (aka paleo/ancestral/caveman) diet which has been a MASSIVE boon to my whole body and mind, the legs are fine, no problem there at all now.

I do also have a pretty serious magnesium (and vitamin C) bath every week. I look forward to it after a full-on week because I sleep like a baby, my body is so thoroughly relaxed.

I use organic vege, meats, fruit and coconut oil/good fats. I soak my nuts and seeds in brine till they start to ferment, and the magnesium is mag. Chloride, 450grams, and very pure. I've also used cheaper epsom salts which are fine too.

Power to ya. : )