Restless Leg Syndrome
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Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

| Modified on Dec 11, 2024
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Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. While medications are available, many seek natural alternatives for relief. This article highlights effective home remedies, supplements, and herbs to help soothe RLS symptoms.

1. Supplements for Nutritional Support

Certain supplements can alleviate RLS symptoms, especially caused by nutritional deficiencies. Key supplements include:

  • Iron: Iron deficiency is a common trigger for RLS. Consider iron supplements if your levels are low, but only after consulting with a healthcare professional.
  • Magnesium: This mineral helps relax muscles and nerves, easing RLS symptoms. Magnesium citrate or glycinate supplements are often recommended.
  • Folate and Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve health, these vitamins can help reduce RLS symptoms, especially in deficient individuals.

2. Herbal Remedies

Herbs can offer significant relief for RLS sufferers due to their calming properties. Popular choices include:

  • Valerian Root: Known for its sedative effects, valerian root can improve sleep quality in people with RLS.
  • Chamomile: Often consumed as tea, chamomile can relax muscles and nerves, relieving RLS discomfort.
  • Lavender: Used in aromatherapy, lavender can help reduce stress and improve sleep, benefiting those with RLS.

3. Leg Massage and Warm Baths

  • Leg Massage: Massaging the legs with or without essential oils like lavender or peppermint can provide immediate relief.
  • Warm Baths: A warm bath before bed, especially with Epsom salts, can relax muscles and reduce RLS sensations.

4. Exercise and Stretching

Gentle, regular exercise can alleviate RLS symptoms. Focus on activities like walking, yoga, or stretching. Avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.

5. Dietary Adjustments

Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help. Focus on foods high in iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Avoid potential RLS triggers like caffeine and alcohol.

6. Good Sleep Hygiene

Establishing a regular sleep schedule and a comfortable sleeping environment is crucial. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.

7. Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress can exacerbate RLS symptoms. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can be very effective.

8. Hydration

Staying adequately hydrated is essential, as dehydration can worsen RLS symptoms.

9. Avoidance of Triggers

Understanding and avoiding personal triggers, such as certain medications, nicotine, and excessive alcohol, is key.

10. Home Remedies

  • Baking Soda: A baking soda foot soak before bedtime may help relax the muscles and nerves in the legs.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Consuming a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is thought to balance pH levels in the body, potentially easing RLS symptoms.
  • Magnesium Oil: Applying magnesium oil directly to the legs can offer direct muscle relaxation and symptom relief.

11. A Bar of Soap - #1 Remedy for RLS on Earth Clinic

The phenomenon of experiencing relief from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) symptoms with a bar of soap is intriguing and has been a topic of discussion and anecdote among those seeking alternative remedies. While there is a lack of scientific research specifically investigating this remedy, several theories attempt to explain why some individuals report positive results:

  1. Placebo Effect: The placebo effect is a powerful phenomenon where individuals experience a real improvement in their condition despite using a non-active treatment. The belief in the effectiveness of the remedy itself can trigger a mental and physical response. This psychological aspect could play a significant role in why some people report relief from RLS symptoms after using a bar of soap.
  2. Aromatherapy: Some speculate that the fragrance of certain soaps might have a relaxing effect, which could indirectly alleviate RLS symptoms. Aromatherapy has been known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, both of which could benefit individuals with RLS.
  3. Magnesium or Other Minerals: There's a theory that soap may release magnesium or other minerals, which are absorbed through the skin, providing muscle relaxation and symptom relief. However, this theory is not backed by scientific evidence, as the amount of magnesium that could be released from soap (if any) is likely too small to have a therapeutic effect.
  4. Distraction: The presence of a bar of soap near the legs might provide a tactile distraction, which could help redirect the brain's attention away from RLS symptoms. This concept is similar to how counterstimulation (like rubbing a painful area) can temporarily relieve pain.

In conclusion, while there is no concrete scientific explanation for why a bar of soap might relieve RLS symptoms, the combination of placebo effects, potential aromatherapy benefits, mineral theories, and the power of anecdote and personal belief could contribute to its perceived effectiveness. It's always recommended to approach such remedies with caution and consult with a healthcare professional, especially when dealing with chronic conditions like RLS.

Conclusion

Managing Restless Legs Syndrome naturally involves a combination of supplements, herbal remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and home treatments. These methods can provide significant relief and improve sleep quality. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or significantly altering your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on other medications.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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A Bar of Soap

44 User Reviews
5 star (37) 
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3 star (1) 
  2%
1 star (6) 
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Posted by Marshagail (South U.S.) on 01/13/2024
 ★★★★★

I've used & recommended bar soap under the fitted sheet for many years with Xcellent results! I've also rubbed dry or slightly damp bar soap on legs & left on b4 bed along with the soap bar under the sheet for particularly bothersome cases. It Absolutely Works & people are consistently Stunned that such a simple remedy is so effective & quick-acting. Thank U EC for steering me in that direction long ago👊

Replied by elisabeth
(Montana)
06/05/2024

Any particular kind of soap?

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Kshelia (ID) on 12/23/2023
 ★★★★★

Okay.... I have been suffering with Restless Leg Syndrome for about 8 years brought on by medication I am on, (at least that's when it started). I was actually looking for a natural treatment to help my husband with something and decided to look one last time for something to help me with my legs. (Haven't really slept much/well in 8 years because of it). I scrolled through the remedies (many of which I'd tried on my own), and saw this ridiculous soap thing... I thought what could it hurt? Oh my gosh!!! I placed a bar of Dove soap beneath the bottom fitted sheet located just below my feet. The first night I had just minor restlessness in only my foot! Fell asleep pretty fast. So the second night I used my feet to inch the soap up to between my feet, basically a bit higher between my ankles... it's been about two and a half weeks now, maybe three, with no restless leg syndrome! First time in 8 years!!! I am overjoyed!

I definitely recommend trying this. I mean, what do you have to lose? I still can't believe it myself but it actually worked for me. I don't know how and though I'm curious I really don't care. All I know is I am able to finally sleep and am so very grateful to this wonderful website and all of the gracious people who care enough to share their experiences.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Lana (British Columbia) on 03/30/2021
 ★★★★★

Bar of soap for RLS

I was searching around 2 or 4 am for something to help me.. the sensations were in my legs and my hands. I realized it was intense probably because I ate a bunch of brown sugar syrup earlier [craving] So won't do that again. Grabbed a bit of cashew as I was hungry...and grabbed a bar of soap. Incredible that it worked!! I noticed some on the thread put this to "placebo" affect which I find ridiculous. My whole body was going nuts and this put an end to it immediately. Had no idea if this would work or not but pretty grateful I have a go to now. Thanks Bar Soap!! [ It was just some bulk bar I get from the bulk store..maybe primrose or something which probably makes no difference at all.]

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Angela Marie (United States San Diego, CA) on 03/29/2020
 ★★★★★

Soap worked for me too! Just put some ivory soap in the fitted sheet at the bottom of the bed and no RLS!

A Bar of Soap
Posted by legalmumbojumo (Minneapolis) on 02/19/2020
 ★☆☆☆☆

Thank you for all the advice on RLS. I ate a banana earlier b/c I was hungry. I didn't know about it helping for rls. I have a magnesium spray that I am going to try in a few mins.

The bar of soap is a total myth and ACV is not that great for you as many people seem to think. Very acidic. I think it can burn away tissues in your throat and stomach. Anyway, my rls comes and goes and lately it has been so bad that I feel it in my arms down to my fingers and my legs down to my toes. Walking helps, but it just comes back. I'm going to try the tonic water too.

Replied by Susan
(Chapin, SC)
07/20/2022

If that's the best you have got, we are in the boat-all of us-without a paddle. I have yet to try the baking soda, although I Will. I have always thought RLS was something that my body lacked, as I thought I was the only one who suffered from this! Bar of soap is not a cure. I promise.

Replied by TBizz
(Arizona)
08/11/2022
★★★★★

The bar of soap most definitely works and is not a myth! Just be sure the soap is NOT a product of Dial.

Replied by Cindy
(Illinois, USA)
12/11/2024
529 posts

Stop using liquid soap.

It's all hormones and pH. Things like liquid soap and shampoo can screw you up terribly and are so easily avoided, liquid soap doesn't even make any sense. Yet, many people bathe in it everyday. On their skin. Their largest organ.

Makes sleeping with a bar of soap down around your feet make sense. Of course, actually USING bar soap would make more sense but...people don't make much sense in an of themselves, these days.

It's why soap is supposed to be aged. The French Castile blocks I'm using now are over 10 years old. Or, rather, I've HAD them over 10 years. They were already properly aged when I got them. Quite luxurious. And that's utility soap. Not fancy hormone-wrecking soap so, they're kinda big to sleep with, LOL! But I suppose one could rub them on one's feet if one had to - like for leg cramps or PMS or something - if one has been out and about and stuck with nothing but liquid soap for some reason.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Athena (New Jersey) on 06/08/2019
 ★★★★★

SOAP -

I had an incident last night ..my legs just wouldn't stop moving. I've had RLS in the past. So, last night while in bed trying to sleep I just could not get to sleep because of my legs ... how horrible this thing is. Well around 4:15 a.m. I got up and came to my computer,,,opened Earth Clinic, looked up RLS and saw how so many people were getting unbelievable results with SOAP ??? So, I opened a new bar of Dove,, put it under the sheets by my feet,,,and.....dozed off in no time. Just cannot believe what a miracle with such a simple, clean, solution - oh dear Mother Nature how we love you. Everyone has cancer in this country (including me) because they have destroyed and contaminated You all for money!!! God bless you all and sleep well.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Bob (Denver, Co) on 09/30/2018
 ★★★★★

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! A small piece of soap in each sock ended the restless leg almost immediately. Did not help me get back to sleep, but what a wonderful cure for the restless legs!

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Mbk (Amherst, Ny) on 05/15/2018
 ★★★★★

I am a neuroscientist and I suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome. I've racked my brain trying to figure out why it works, but it does. About 6 months ago my wife started putting 3 bars of Irish Spring soap under the sheets next to my legs and my RLS has subsided about 90% (Ivory sop didn't work). I think the effect may be olfactory - the soap has to be strong smelling), but I haven't tested it (putting the soap next to my head instead of my legs). I am the world's biggest skeptic and I'm flabbergasted, but really, it works.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Joe Balke (La Palma, Me) on 02/05/2018
 ★★★★★

Restless leg sufferer for 35 years. For the past five years I have had complete and total success with one or more of the following:

1. Bar of soap under the sheets in bed.

2. Rub the bar of soap on your legs, just gently stroke the bar on the legs a couple of times.

3. Aloe Vera on the legs. Sometimes this might take up to 3 applications.

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.

Replied by Tracey
(Texas)
03/12/2018
★★★★★

OMG thank you! I seriously never thought to put it in my sock while I'm relaxing. It worked in seconds!

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 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!!

Replied by Maureen
(East Sussex)
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.

Replied by Rlsheadache
(Houston)
11/22/2017

I just read your message about the soap n saw how it bothers him & me massaging n cooling his feet. So I put a new bar of Irish spring n now it's been about 10 mins he is not moving anymore! Thank you on soap idea

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Arleen (Stanton, CA) on 08/17/2014
 ★★★★★

The earliest I can remember having Restless Leg Syndrome is at 20. I didn't know it than. I now 36 and have found that diet has helped control the RLS. For me, egg yolk and various dairy products spark my RLS symptoms. I also discovered that taking baths or showers with lots of soap prior to retiring to my bed helped reduce my RLS. I use my husbands soap Dove for men or Zest or Irish Spring. All work. When I place a bar in my bath water and let it dissolve and stay there for 20 minutes I get better results. I also found that deodorant Secret clinical strength works when I rub it on my leg. I am sharing this because I have researched many ways to overcome this excruciating discomfort. It is not a joke to me and I can only hope that my sharing can provide someone else with some relief. I too believe that no one persons body chemistry is the same but we have to stick together to find ways to live the best quality of life that we deserve.

Replied by Jean
(California, US)
08/26/2014

I have had Restless Leg Syndrome for about 50 years and went to hosp for surg just lately. Guess what I needed IV Magnesium.

I have had rls since my first pregnancy a lot of years ago. It is definitely not funny and has kept me awake and miserable for over 50 years. I am trying the baking soda now and will try other non drugs also. Say a prayer!

Replied by Mmsg
(Europe)
08/26/2014

Jean, why baking soda if you need magnesium?

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Marcia (Lenexa, KS) on 08/10/2014
 ★★★★★

Hello From Lenexa Kansas!! I have been having a terrible time with this restless leg thing. I was so uncomfortable and it was already 2:30 am and so tired from not sleeping the night before for this same reason. I was beside myself and then I remembered this web site. I got out of bed and turned on the PC to look for it. I was relieved just knowing I found the site! LOL

I had read somewhere that it was a magnesium deficiency that caused this problem and even though the magnesium tabs would stop it the other side effect of the magnesium is profuse diarrhea. It (diarrhea) stops in about 24 hours when you realize that it's you who is causing the dilemma.

Anyway....I drank that baking soda and water thing and added apple cider vinegar and that didn't seem to work for very long. So here it is 4:30 am and I am frustrated beyond words. I go back to the PC....and thought about the soap testimonies for a moment. I had read the wonderful "yea's" for the soap. I thought it sounded to good to be true....but what the heck....I had nothing to lose but sleep....right?

I got up laughingly from my chair. Grabbed a fragment of a gold colored bar of Dial soap. I broke off a couple small pieces. (I didn't like the idea of soap lying in my bed with me) I put those pieces under my toes and put a light weight sock on. Did this to both feet.

I was soooo shocked that with in minutes it was as if nothing had ever happened and that whole thing was just an absurd nightmare! Boy O Boy!

I was a happy happy girl (age 58 - tee hee hee) because I could relax and just fall right off to sleep. I woke later in the morning and had to look to make sure I actually did this. LOL What a silly but powerful remedy!

Thank you Thank you Thank you for all of the wonderful testimonies!

Replied by Grace
(NH, US)
09/27/2014
★★★★★

I suffered with RLS for 12 years, for many of them I googled remedies and found that soap did work - well recently I googled and I found that not enough magnesium was the culprit! Well I have been eating foods and making shakes with all fresh veggies and fruit, nuts, seeds with high magnesium levels and this has CURED the problem. Good luck

Replied by Wendy
(Maida Vale, W.a.)
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.

Replied by Chris
(Mpls)
05/26/2016

Did the acupuncture help with the RLS?

Replied by Elle
(La)
11/08/2016

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

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
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~

Replied by Stained Glass Gal
(Oregon)
09/11/2017

Restless Arms. I have that also and I haven't heard it mentioned before. Must be rare or less common that the legs. I'm going to try the soap.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Lockamy (Salemburg, Nc) on 06/03/2014
 ★★★★★

New to Restless Leg Syndrome, but this morning I was so in need of relief. I came across this site. Grabbed a bar of ivory soap still in wrapper, placed between knees and on seconds the pain, tingling went from my thighs to my knees. It stayed there but it wasn't as bad as my full leg pain. I was asleep in minutes of doing this. I'm amazed! A bar of soap stood between me and some sleep, usually my husband needs the soap. lol, blessed it be.

Replied by Rls Plagued
(Oregon, US)
08/26/2014
★★★★★

Plagued with severe Restless Leg Syndrome. Tried many things. Bar Irish spring soap. One between knees and some pieces in socks under toes. Haha was shocked and so excited when I got sleep and at how fast it went away! Thank you all for your input and sorry to all of those who haven't yet found something that works for you. Good luck to those of you. Everyone should at least try soap. Doesn't hurt and so glad now that I was desperate enough to try it. Had to be, when nothing else worked ya know. Who woulda thought Irish spring soap. I was happier than I had been in a long time. And so excited. Sleep deprivation from rls is no joke. And helps also knowing that people out there understand exactly what it feels like. Support leads to coping mechanisms, often sometimes solutions and often sometimes good friends who actually get it. Thanks guys! :)

Replied by Pam E.
(SouthWestern California)
11/15/2023
151 posts

Removing the wrapper will likely allow the energies in the soap to be much more effective ...


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