If you are someone who struggles with restless leg syndrome or know someone who does, you’re well aware of the havoc RLS can have on sleep and the cascading negative effects that follow. RLS impacts both those struggling with it and their partners.
Beyond the lack of quality sleep, RLS left untreated can result in a host of other complications. Anxiety, depression, compulsiveness, and other mental complications have been associated with RLS.
The drug most commonly prescribed for RLS can cause a number of intense side effects. A couple of years ago I wrote an article about how one friend’s wife experienced a complete change in personality, to a scary extent. She stopped caring for the children, disappeared for days at a time, and picked up a smoking habit…very odd for a Mormon. Their lives returned to normal when they discovered the prescription to be the issue and were able to slowly wean her off of it.
Fortunately there are several natural remedies that have been shown to be very effective, without dangerous side effects. Topical application of certain herbs can calm oversensitive nerves and reduce their responsiveness to stimulation.
St. John’s wort, wild yam, and cramp bark have been used for centuries to relieve chronic tension and to relax hyper responsive nerves. Sage is an antispasmodic and rosemary increases circulation which helps to flush toxins and build stagnant muscle fibers. Peppermint and lavender also naturally relax the body.
For a natural remedy for RLS, try this. Combine a tablespoon of each of these herbs (St. John’s wort, wild yam, cramp bark, sage, rosemary, peppermint, and lavender) in a cup and add hot, not boiling, water. Apply this mixture onto the legs and leave on for 10-15 minutes before going to bed. Wipe clean with a towel. The calming properties of the mixture will be absorbed quickly, calming the nerves and allowing you to rest peacefully.
photo credit: baciloplus cc
