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.
Avoid Deodorant With Aluminum
Posted by Judy (Loveland, Co) on 08/10/2007
★★★★★
When I was pregnant, I had terrible RLS in the third trimester. After I had the baby, it got much better. Unfortunately, five years later, I had a miscarriage and seemed to have RLS again. It wasn't as severe as the first time but it kept me up at night none the less. Meanwhile, I had started using regular deoderant with the aluminum(sp) in it. I read that that is one of the contributing factors of RLS so I stopped using antiperspirent. (Of course I use something to deoderize like a mineral rock :)) My mild case of RLS is gone.
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!
Folic Acid
Posted by victoria (burkburnett, texas) on 03/27/2007
★★★★★
I had heard that for those who inherited restless leg seem to require high doses of folic acid. I've tried this and it works great. I take about 20, 800mcg's at night.
Blackstrap Molasses
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lois (Florida) on 12/29/2006
★★★★★
I started taking apple cider vinegar for the acid reflux , i took one tablespoon with a cold glass of water a day for a week and right away i notice that my legs didn't hurt at night any more, which they have been bothering me for years. i never went to the doctors about it. every night it kept me awake for hours,and i felt like crying thinking i don't want to have to go through this the rest of my life. i started taking aleve or whatever else i could think might work which i don't like taking med. aleve didn't work that good. anyway, the apple cider vinegar did work for me. i did have to quit taking it every day because i only weigh 132 pounds and the vinegar was making me lose weight so now i only do the vinegar every 3 or four days and it is still working. i'm very glad i started taking it for the acid reflux and found that my legs no longer I'm am so thankful. i have no problem going to sleep at night any more. as bad as it bothered me and now that it doesn't, i want every one that has restless legs to give it a try . oh yea i started taking it october 5th 2006. well that is a bout it good luck to any one with restless legs. i know what it is like to have restless legs ,and i hope it works for all who tries it. good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sal (Fresno, Ca, 93726) on 01/04/2010
★★★★★
Yes. Thank you so very much for posting this. It really worked for me. About an half an hour to an hour before I go to sleep, I warm up a glass of water (8 oz. or so) and add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 teaspoons of honey. (I buy the one that says unfiltered apple cider vinegar made from ripe apples - organic, pasteurized). This formula really worked for me. The taste is good and I read a lot of things about apple cider vinegar, it is supposed to be a very good thing and has been used for centuries safely. So definitely give it a try. Thank you again!!!
Kava Oil
Posted by Anon2 (Not the South) on 10/12/2024
Tannins, like in black tea, and nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and peppers may be the cause. Try an "elimination diet".
A Bar of Soap
Posted by elisabeth (Montana) on 06/05/2024
Any particular kind of soap?
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Susan (Chapin, SC) on 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.
Quinine
Posted by Holly (United States) on 08/09/2019
★★★★★
Soap etc didn't work for my RLS, but drinking 6-8 ounces of tonic water does work. May have read it on EC but been doing it so long I forget. I buy diet tonic water with "real quinine" listed in the ingredients. Good luck and sleep tight!
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...
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Julie (Devon) on 04/17/2017
Can I use this as I am a diabetic?
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sageinreno (Reno, Nv) on 04/01/2015
★★★★★
I had RLS, only it was all over my body, it started mainly in my legs and then eventually got really bad everywhere. I had never heard of the soap trick until now. However, I went on a no carb diet for a few weeks to lose a few pounds and the Body RLS completely stopped. I tested it further by introducing wheat back into my diet, it came back. Now, I eat a totally wheat free diet as much as possible, sometimes when I'm out with friends I can't follow it well, but I mostly eat at home. Within about 3 hours of me consuming bread, pasta or crackers, or pizza, cake etc...anything with wheat, it starts up again. I don't have celiac, and no one else in my family has any history of wheat sensitivity. My joints also swell up, I feel very arthritic and my energy level goes way down, that's just after ONE serving! So, just wanted to let you all know that there may be a root cause that you don't know about. It might be the modern wheat, it might be the roundup they use to dry today's wheat crops to get them to market faster, I don't know. I just know. I don't use wheat anymore and don't have the problems.
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
Iron
Posted by Timh (KY) on 11/04/2014 2048 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.
Liver (Folate)
Posted by Cate (Melbourne, Australia) on 09/29/2014
Grass-fed Liver for Restless Leg Syndrome.
I was pregnant with my now almost one year old and developed RLS in the fifth or sixth month of gestation. It was HORRIFIC. I went about three weeks without sleep, exhausted beyond words. My mood was foul, I was a mental case. I knew I'd find a cure, so spent night after night searching. Eventually I found a great site, and realised I was lacking folate. Not folic acid which is some budget man-made chemical, but genuine bio-available pure folate from clean animal sources. Being paleo helps too.
I bought some grass-fed calves liver the following morning, ate up about half a cup and slept more deeply and with the greatest relief, you will only know the bliss that accompanied that sleep if you've suffered from this evil modern curse yourself.
Grass-fed liver- beef, ox, lamb, even chicken liver in pate. Get some folate in you.
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.
Kratom Leaves
Posted by Dave (Mojave, California) on 09/08/2013
★★★★★
I used to take prescription meds for my RLS but too many bad side effects. I found out that many supplements available online such as Kratom quiet RLS 100%. It took me years of trial and error but I was curious why during a prescription I had for Tylenol 3 that had codeine, why did this quiet my RLS? It turns out that the alkaloids in Kratom mimic the alkaloids found in opiates without the drug effects. While kratom will quiet your RLS, it also gives a nice feeling of relaxation. Do your own research but I can tell you, Kratom is safe, been used by humans for hundreds of years and impossible to overdose. As you progress in learning about kratom, you'll find the same information. I usually take 8-10 capsules 1 hour before bed, works great, no after effects and flushes out of the body within 7-8 house. Only side effects I have after using kratom for RLS for years is constipation and drowsy before bed. Kratom extracts beyond 15% are a waste, stick to the powder, capsules are my favorite, plenty of legal U.S. online suppliers.
Vitamin D
Posted by Mia B (Slough) on 06/14/2013
★★★★★
Sorry have to correct my last post... It's 50,000 iu a week not daily for therapeutic dose of d3... So I just split it up as daily doses... Have to admit that already there is a huge difference, hardly any throbbing at night and can fall asleep without any painkillers... And I soak my feet in Epsom water every other day... I have also started the half lemon juice with 1/2 tsp baking soda last thing at night, sometimes with a pinch of cream of tartar powder for the potassium.... So that along with the calcium and mag tabs... I think is doing the trick.... Now just have to fit in the Apple Cider Vinegar in the mornings!! .... Whatever it takes...!!!
Borax
Posted by Susan (Chicago) on 05/20/2013
Precisely, What kind of Borax dosage did you take before bed time ? I am afraid drinking too much water before bed time. What brand borax did you use?
Borax
Posted by Carmela (Cambridge, Ma) on 05/20/2013
Thank you so much for submitting your borax remedy! I have tried borax, but don't like drinking a liter a day so your method of just 1 teaspoon at night sounds fantastic! I immediately went and prepared a bottle last night after reading your post and took my first teaspoon before bed. It relaxed me, but didn't zonk me out. I am looking forward to providing more feedback as time goes by. Thank you again!
Borax
Posted by Precisely. (Mineral Hill, New Mexico, Us) on 05/20/2013
Hi Susan from Chicago, I started with a teaspoon from the litre bottle of water and borax. I'm up to 1 tablespoon at bedtime now. To me, it tastes like very dilute apple juice, but most folks seem to think it tastes "soapy".
After the first 10 days, my response switched from bright and wide-awake to extremely sleepy. My guess is that I was having a healing crisis response, but one afternoon, I literally fell asleep standing up. Had a split-second to grab the armchair and fall down into it, instead of somewhere else. Scared the heck out of my cats, who were in the chair until I fell there, and also scared me, too. Fainting is different -- used to faint as a teen into my 20s. This was definitely falling asleep. Over the next week I asked a friend to be my 'contact buddy' and we spoke 2-3x daily, to make sure no other sudden surprises went unnoticed.
At some point we figured out that I should only take the borax at bedtime. Maybe it would be different if I sipped a pint or so that had a teaspoon in it... But for now, all's good. I do feel more energized during the daytime, as well. Interesting nutrient.
Debating whether to boost my intake, and not sure if I feel like experimenting with another daytime dose. My body feels like it wants more.
To Carmela from Cambridge, happy my idea helped!
To Leelannee from Sussex, NJ... I love your town! Those stone sidewalks, and all the old colonial buildings, plus so close to great parks and forests. I've had the same experience as you have if I miss even one dose (= bad night).
Borax
Posted by Susan (Chicgo, Chicago) on 05/21/2013
Where do you get your Borax? Is it 20 Mule?
Borax
Posted by Precisely. (Mineral Hill, New Mexico) on 05/21/2013
To Susan from Chicago: Yes, 20-Mule Team Borax.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindy J (Thurgoona, Nsw Australia) on 02/06/2013
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I found Apple Cider Vinegar for Restless Legs does work really well for me. The pain is minimal. However I have inherited a weak bladder from my father so when I have the ACV before bed, I spend the next 3 hours going to the toilet at least 5-6 times before I got to sleep and 3 times during night. ACV gets rid of toxins and my urine is now clear. So I am still having trouble sleeping, and my sleep patterns are totally messed up. I tried the soap on its own - pain all night. If I rub ACV on my legs, I am concerned about absorbtion into the body and it may still make me got to the toilet endlessly. Can I have ACV in the middle of the day and have the same effect of constant urination at night? Will it stop the pain at night if I have ACV during the day? I am wondering if Baking Soda will make me urinate alot as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Steve (Chicago, IL) on 02/07/2015
★★★★★
Apple cider vinegar is working for me as I type this. The pain/throbbing sensation (I get it mostly in my left arm, feet and ankles, and lower legs) has gone away immediately where I applied it topically. I applied it on my whole left arm, and I mean really got it nice and saturated, and it helped immediately and is still working as I typed this. I believe it is really working and not just a placebo effect because the throbbing, tingling pain sensation went to a part of my left hand where I didn't apply any.
Also, I did take an aleve, but I noticed the effect from the apple cider vinegar more, after giving the aleve plenty of time to kick in. I also just made a magnesium drink with about 200% of the RDA, and I will drink it just in case, but still, so far, no need after the apple cider vinegar. I would just as well like to "over-cure" rather leave it all up to the ACV. I will also apply the magnesium drink topically, at least a little, to get it absorbed straight to the problem area through the skin. Hope this helps. And if it doesn't, don't be a sociopath and write outrageous comments about how we are all evil for attempting to help ourselves and others. Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Charity (Faithville , Us) on 02/07/2015
That is interesting how you noted that your pain travelled to an area that had not been tingling prior to adding the treatment to the affected tingling area that was helped. I am reading a book that describes how the subconscious mind creates symptoms to distract us from emotions it deems we cannot cope with and as we get one pain under control it creates another.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsR4wydiIBI 20/20 segment of a success
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 02/08/2015
Arthur Janov discusses all this in his many books and online at his blog. Yes, for ALL these chronic conditions the cause is unresolved feelings. People end up treating a never ending string of symptoms.
Janov does offer a true cure. He calls it: PRIMAL THERAPY. Check out Janov`s website if interested....Oscar
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Prioris (Fl, US) on 02/08/2015
There is the d-limonene supplement. d-Limonene is the major component of the oil extracted from citrus rind. It supposedly removes toxins from the body.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Denise (Skowhegan, Maine) on 01/14/2013
★★★★★
Here I am at 2 weeks now_? 8 oz. of doing the apple cider drink twice a day, Tonic water twice a day, then 2 regular water any other time. Bar of soap in the bed, 1 magnesium tablet per doc's recommendation, along with 1 calcium and Vit. E.
Hubby rubs my legs down with muscle ointment, Vicks or Castor Oil on the soles of the feet, and a couple times a day Hylands Homepathic tabs under the tongue. 1 banana a day. I drink my last liquid one hr before bed. Soak my feet or take a bath in Epsom salts when I remember to. The RLS is almost non-existent, just a few small twitching daily now-and upon waking not noticing any twitching. I have a prescription for sleeping but absolutely refuse to use it unless all else fails. I do believe most people can get this under control if they are diligent, consistent and mean business. I am now sleeping 7-8 hrs a night now. Haven't done that for 3 yrs. For the people that nothing has worked to alleviate this, its time for a "Ferritin" test to rule that out if you haven't had one.
A Bar of Soap
Posted by Ris (Dubois, Pa) on 10/12/2012
★★★★★
For everyone who tried the bar of soap (for one night). Give it some time. I was on med. for my RLS. I heard about the soap and put two bars (1 ivory and 1 dial) under my sheets, I kept taking my meds for a week before going off of them. no problems, unless I kick the bar of soap out of the bed- I don't put them under the sheets- and don't retrieve them the next night. don't keep the wrapper on the soap and don't put it in a sock. go ohh natural.
Eliminate Benadryl
Posted by Little Wing (Marshfield, Ma) on 09/17/2012
★★★★★
I find benadryl makes my restless legs MUCH worse, as does anything like this or any of the PM medicines (Excedrin PM, Advil PM, etc.).
Eliminate Benadryl
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 09/18/2012
★★★★★
I have found this to be true, also. NyQuil always was a problem and kept my up all night, but as I have gotten older, Benedryl and other such OTC drugs that you mention, now cause me to be drowsy but completely unable to sleep with increased RLS symptoms.
Cotton Sheets
Posted by Kate (Raleigh, Nc, United States) on 09/16/2012 6 posts
This is a very interesting post about cotton sheets for restless legs. I don't have restless legs, but I do have trouble sleeping. Although my quilt is made of a combination of cotton and linen, my sheets have polyester in them and so does my mattress cover. I'm going to start shopping for cotton sheets and a cotton mattress cover. Sleep is so important for our happiness and well-being. I believe we should make sleep our number one priority (well, actually, in addition to nutrition). Thank you, Makayla, for sharing your experience with us!
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Jay (Jerome, Idaho) on 08/12/2012
I am 41 years old and took abilify for over a year and found thats it gives you the hateful side effect of rls. I have it so bad that my arms twitch as well and I get no sleep at all. I will try this black strap molasses and see if it will help.
