Restless Leg Syndrome
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Effective Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome Relief

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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Weighted Blanket
Posted by Sunnydays (California ) on 08/28/2022
 ★★★★★

My physical therapist talked to me about trying a weighted blanket which increases serotonin levels, calms the body and calms the nervous system and for many stops restless legs syndrome. I ordered a 20 lb weighted blanket ( the weight needed is based on a persons body weight) is basically a heavy blanket that goes over the bed. While we waited for our weighted blankets arrival. I added few more cotton blankets to the bed, and it worked. The restless leg disappeared and I began having much more deeper restful sleep. Once the weighted blanket arrived, it worked just as well. I hope this helps someone.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Tracey (Texas) on 03/12/2018
 ★★★★★

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

Baking Soda
Posted by Little Wing (Boston, Ma) on 06/10/2013
 ★★★★★

The best thing I have found for my RLS (have had it for over 30 years) is a glass of water with baking soda at night. Works 9/10 times and has saved my sanity. I also find that any kind of antihistamine or nyquil or tylenolPM type meds make my legs crazy.

Poppy Seeds
Posted by Noddy Hophead (Australia) on 05/04/2013
 ★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Editor's Choice

Be careful with poppy seed tea. It is as addictive as any of the more demonised opiates (diamorphine ["heroin"] for instance) but you are consuming a wide array of the opium poppy's dozens of alkaloids (morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverine and many, many more). In certain individuals and dosages, poppy tea is a comforting, functional, relieving natural medicine - but it is as physically addictive as any other pharmaceutical or illicit opiate. Should you fall into habitual use of this "tea" (or wash, as I prefer to call it - the opiates are on the coating of the seed) you'll be addicted to that full spectrum of opiate alkaloids. The implications of the alkaloid profile are two-fold; the body metabolises broad-spectrum opiates much slower than purified morphine, codeine or opioid drugs that generally contain a single substance. This gives poppy tea a very long half-life in many people, meaning addicts (of which I am one, for the record) - can take it once a day, or even wait longer than a day for re-dosing before withdrawal symptoms become apparent. The downside of this is that upon ceasing the use of poppy tea, the withdrawal experience (which for most addicts includes intense Restless Leg syndrome; hence the slang term "kicking" a habit, which I believe to be a direct reference to this phenomenon) can also be extremely prolonged.... Leaving you back - or maybe worse off - than when you started.

While poppy seed tea can be a godsend for some people, it must be emphasised that there is a great potential for addiction, that it is nearly impossible to know how potent your seeds are, batch to batch from the same store. Because of this, quitting is complicated as taper need to be precise. I became addicted to these seeds for their narcotic properties almost 8 years ago. I am in the process of finding a way to shake my addiction with as little discomfort as possible. I am not saying "don't use poppy seeds", I am just urging caution. Mild as they may seem, they can lead to serious narcotic addictions. People may ridicule the idea of a poppy seed addiction, but for myself and plenty of other people, it is no laughing matter!

If you are going to use poppy seeds for RLS, please be aware that even taking some every 2-3 days can lead to physical dependence. It stays in your system for a very long time. You will then - if you miss that crucial daily dose or cease taking poppy tea - find your restless legs are dramatically worse, as the post-acute withdrawal symptoms from opium can drag on for months at a time. And opiate withdrawal RLS is not your average restless leg syndrome - it can be agonising. I would recommend using this remedy no more than once a week, if you choose to try it. Keep your doses as low as possible, as opium can be a very euphoric, misleading drug that can easily lull one into a false sense of security, and start dosing daily as I did.

I apologise for the negative post, but I really feel people need to know some of the consequences of this treatment, as it lead me from the spice isle through a wide range of "hard drugs", injecting street heroin and wasting a lot of time, money and effort in trying to stay "well", rather than sick from opium withdrawals. I am now seeking to turn my life around - I've always eaten well and lived a healthy lifestyle, but drug addiction does not discriminate! Please be careful with these seeds; I wasn't - even though I knew the risks - and now face a tough battle to rid myself of them.

Diagnosing RLS vs PLMD
Posted by John (Australia) on 09/30/2020
 ★★★★★

*Important note*;

RLS should not be confused with "Period Limb Movement Disorder"…

'RLS' vs. 'Period Limb Movement Disorder'…

  • In RLS, there are NO involuntary movements/spasms. RLS involves uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move the limbs… all movement with RLS is voluntary.
  • In PLMD, there are involuntary spasms, twitching and involuntary movements.

They are two completely different conditions…

  • RLS is a nerve condition.
  • PLMD is a muscle condition.
  • Opiates, like morphine, help RLS but does not help PLMD.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, like Diclofenac, help PLMD but do not help RLS.

Baking Soda
Posted by Ms (Wa) on 08/23/2018
 ★★★★★

I'm a very active person and would get restless legs regularly or, when doing yoga intensely, restless arms. Rubbing apple cider vinegar worked like magic for me, so I would keep it by the bed. It would immediately stop the restlessness. After changing jobs and being on my feet all day I started getting the restless legs coming down from my lower back. This time a hot water bottle on my lower back did the trick for a while, also rubbing Amol (a rubbing solution made in Poland), but I had days when these remedies didn't work.

So I desperately searched Earth Clinic (which I always do when in need for remedies) and found baking soda. AND THAT DID THE TRICK THIS TIME!

Thank you guys and thank you so much Earth Clinic for bringing so much relief, clarity, and sanity into our stressful and demanding lives.

Fish Oil
Posted by Matriarch (Clinton, Nj ) on 03/30/2018
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Restless leg syndrome was the bane of my existence until one day I was talking to a friend who is a PhD in pharmacy and she offhandedly said, "Restless legs? Take fish oil." Just like that my problem was solved. I take 2400 mg. of fish oil before bed and haven't had a problem in months. Truly a miracle as I had tried literally everything else I heard of to solve this problem. I hope this helps others have a good night's sleep.

Mustard
Posted by Debbie (Salem, Va) on 08/17/2017
 ★★★★★

Mustard for Restless Legs

Eat a spoonful of mustard before bed! It's working for me so far! It's like a miracle cure!

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 Rlsheadache (Houston) on 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 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.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by TBizz (Arizona) on 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.

Dietary Changes
Posted by Linda (Eugene, Oregon) on 02/19/2018
 ★★★★★

I've had restless legs for years and I've tried all the remedies mentioned here in EC. Many of them worked for a while and then stopped so I'd switch to another only to experience the same disappointment. Quite by accident I learned that eliminating sugar from my diet completely eliminated those darned restless legs. And by sugar I mean “blatant” sugar! I'm talking about stuff like cake, pie, cookies, syrups, candy, and anything that is loaded with it. I don't obsess over it or scrutinize every label, but so far this approach is working like magic. I hope this helps someone.

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.

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.

Baking Soda
Posted by Len (Brandon, Mb) on 11/30/2015
 ★★★★★

I have suffered from RLS for about 15 years.Nearly every day whether trying to sleep, reading, watching tv, whatever.In all this time I have hardly had ONE decent nights sleep.

I tried the soap remedy and it worked for only a short while, so I needed something else.

I wondered why the soap worked at all.Was it because it's alkaline? If so then wouldn't baking soda also work?

I wrapped some baking soda in a tea towel and set it by my legs and immediately felt a surge in circulation.About two weeks and it's still working.

I would be interested to know if this works for anyone else.

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Jean (California, US) on 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!

A Bar of Soap
Posted by Dave (Fountain Inn, Sc) on 06/04/2013

Hello Pam, Try a half teaspoon of baking soda in a quarter glass of water... Dissolved of course. Now put a teaspoon in your hand and rub on knees and legs. Apply twice.

If restlessness still persists, get all sugar out of your system. Especially no sugar after five pm. Sugar in anything if you are borderline could present as restless leg or other extremities pain.

Baking Soda
Posted by Dq (Lore City, Ohio) on 10/03/2012
 ★★★★★

I was on the hunt to see what I had on hand and what worked... Good news, the baking soda mix worked little before the 20 mins (17mins), as of right now 26 mins I still feel the ease of the pains going away. Thank you all for sharing.

This helps alot for the RLS (ressless legs syndrome)
1. glass of water (warm) 8oz.
2. 1/4 tsb baking soda (sodium bicarbonate 100%)
3. Stir it for 30 seconds
4. Drink it all down
5. write the start time down and wait for ease of pains to go away (feeling easement at 17mins)

Thank you everyone.

Baking Soda
Posted by Beryl Ann (Washington, DC) on 10/08/2008
 ★★★★★

First and foremost, I truly "appreciate and thank all of you that are responsible for having and providing this web site, which I have to confess that I became of aware of, within the past couple of days, and as a result of me having felt so overwhelmed, plagued by/with, and was unable to understand what had been happening to me, in terms of all of the discomfort, loss of sleep, irritation and other factors associated with the Lazy Leg Syndrome (rls) in my own case.

As a result, being unable to sleep/rest, feeling very irritated and more, I found myself in dire need of getting some sleep, although I had been/was, once again at this time, unable to sleep, which for me had been the case for numerous days and/or nights now.

Thus, for days, weeks and finally a couple of months now (...and yes, I'd gone to my doctor, including a couple others, explained my rls symptoms, even had some x-rays done, but to no avail), I found myself very sleep deprived, which for me, had really begun to take its toll in some ugly ways, as I became more short tempered with family members, other people, felt tired all the time and a host of other things that I knew had begun to make me a very unlikeable person to be around: I didn't even want to be around me at the time!!!

So, it was out of deep frustration, and feeling as if I would, any day or time now, come to a breaking point/brink of having losing it, because of my lack of being able to get some real rest and sleep during the night, which had begun to, I believe, bother me from an emotional, mental and physical stand point. I needed sleep!!!

Anyway, once again I'd given up my efforts to try and rest/sleep on a particular night, despite the fact that I had gone to bed early, around 8:30 p.m., and according to the clock in my bedroom, the time was already 3:30 a.m.

By the way, on that night, like many others, all I had done while in my bed, for the most part, was toss and turn along with experiencing lots of discomfort, pain, groaning and moaning that was directly associated with the rls that felt as if it was going to never stop, but would, instead continue to get worse.

So, I was up again, sitting at the computer and surfing the web trying my best to not disturb others of my family members, all of whom appeared to, during this time, be into a deep, restful and peaceful sleep, unlike myself.

But, at last I found myself actually smiling while reading your web page, and having come upon a portion related to the ailment of, as well as some of the remedies for rls. Before long I became very interested in all of the information I had read about, as well as absorbed, concerning rls and the use of baking soda to help cure and/or remedy some of the discomfort associated with rls. True, I was extremely non-trusting and found myself unable to believe that most, if any of the remedies/things mentioned on the page I found myself reading would help my rls in any way at all.

Still, there was information dated 08/07/07 from Pat who said he/she resides in Frederiksburg, Virginia, and that he/she suffered with rls and had, as a result, used 1/4 tsp of baking soda in a cup of water, and within 20 minutes her/his legs became calm and he/she was able to sleep!

I do not know if I will ever really know just what made me believe that this same thing, once I got me some baking soda and took it, as described by Pat, that I too would feel some relief, and might actually experience the joy of getting some rest and sleep, but I did believe what Pat had been kind enough to share with me and other readers of that information on your web page, and a result, that very night I found a brand new box of baking soda (I often buy baking soda to use for its many uses, and had recently purchased at least three boxes of it), took some of it, although reluctantly; but actually fell into a deep and restful sleep for the first time in a very long while.
"Thank you so much Pat." I really am grateful to you for helping me out in the matter of the use of baking soda to help ease and/or cure symptoms of rls. You have certainly won my approval, and I am so grateful to you, I might even vote for you as the new President for the USA in the up and coming Presidential election.
Sincerely, Thank you, again, and ever so much for helping me get some relief and sleep in dealing with my episodes of rls by using the 1/4 tsp of baking soda remedy, as described by you in your letter to this web site.

Greateful

Peppermint Oil
Posted by brad (Ontario) on 10/23/2023
 ★★★★★

I rub some peppermint oil on my legs and massage it in for a few minutes when I'm experiencing restless leg syndrome (urge to move feet and legs, uncomfortable sensations, pain and soreness) which can interfere with sleep as well.

I make the oil myself with any matter of carrier oil (olive, etc) some drops of peppermint, wintergreen and birch as they contain natural salicate acid similar to aspirin to neutralize pain. I also add some drops of frankencense to bring on relaxation and alleviate anxiety.

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!


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