Top 15 Herbal Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a condition in which there’s a need to stop the legs feeling unpleasant sensations. These unpleasant sensations can occur in day time as well during night. It is a disorder in the nervous system that mostly affects legs but can also affect arms, knees and ankles.

It may result into discomfort in sleeping or insomnia. The symptoms of restless leg syndrome include pain, restlessness, burning, itching and aching in the muscles. Depression may also be the one of the symptoms. The causes differ from person to person and may be due to genetic reasons, iron deficiency etc. Though the disorder is not very serious it can lead to severe discomfort in sleeping.

The complicated case may cause insomnia. Emotional stress can further worsen the condition. Certain antidepressants or other medicines may result into this disorder. Massage, taking bath in warm water and gentle exercise can help in reducing the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Movement of the affected parts of body may provide a temporary relief from restless leg syndrome but for better treatment of the disorder, medications are required. Other than this, medicinal herbs can also be used that are easily available and cheap as well.

---

Top Herbal Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome

Rooibos

Prepare tea using the crushed leaves of rooibos that would be useful in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Consuming half cup of this herbal tea on daily basis would provide quick relief from restless leg syndrome. Those suffering from anaemia should not use this herb as it may reduce the level of iron absorption.

---

Valerian Root

It is one of the effective herbs for the treatment of restless leg syndrome. It is good for relaxing the muscles and providing a relaxing sleep. Black roots of this medicinal herb have calming properties and cure the restless leg syndrome well. It can be consumed in the form of capsules taken once at everyday for effective use.

---

Corydalis

Rhizomes or the parts of underground stems that are hardest are useful in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Rhizomes can also be combined with California poppy for curing the disease. It helps to calm down and provides a relaxing sleep.

---

Passionflower

The purple colored flowers of this herb have medicinal properties and are used for curing restless leg syndrome. The roots are also beneficial and can be used along with the flowers to cure the ailment. Consume herbal tea prepared from passionflower that is very effective. It provides relief and relaxes the muscles of legs. Pregnant women should avoid using this herb.

---

Hop

This medicinal herb acts as a natural sedative and is helpful in treating restless leg syndrome. The flowers are beneficial as they have medicinal properties. The herb is available in the form of supplements and can be easily available from ayurvedic stores. Daily consumption of this supplement is very effective in curing restless leg syndrome.

---

Kava

The herb relaxes the muscles and enhances sleep. Consume this herb as one dose one hour before bedtime and one dose at bedtime. If no results are seen, increase the doses to double or triple during evening time. This would definitely provide relief. One or two cups of kava kava can be consumed during dinner time that helps in relaxing the legs. It acts as a natural sleeping aid and is beneficial in relaxing the muscles. This herb is not recommended in the form of pills or capsules.

---

Gotu Kola

This herb also acts as a nerve toner and is useful for treating restless leg syndrome as it relaxes the nervous system. It reduces leg aching and heaviness by partially restoring the vein linings. It acts by reducing fatigue, tiredness and pain in the legs.

---

Ashwagandha

This medicinal herb calms down the nervous system and provides relaxation in the treatment of restless leg syndrome. It can be consumed along with gotu kola and milky oats for several times in a day. The restless leg condition would gradually reduce over time.

---

Butcher’s Broom

It is also known as winter cherry and is most commonly used in Europe. It helps in the treatment of restless leg syndrome by improving circulation and blood viscosity. The phytochemical  called ruscogenin in this herb is inhibits the enzyme called elastin and helps in stabilizing the blood vessels. The herb has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling and inflammation in veins. Consume standardized extract of this herb daily for effective recovery.

---

Horse Chestnut

The extract from the seeds of horse chestnut are used for improving vein tone and improving the flow of blood. Use only the commercially prepared extract and not the raw form as it may be toxic. Moreover, the leaves, unprocessed seeds and fruits may also be toxic. Pregnant women, children and those with kidney disorder should avoid consuming this herb.

---

Skull Cap

The American skull cap is used as relaxant but requires more research to determine the exact effectiveness of using this herb for the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Children, those with hormonal disorders and pregnant women should avoid consuming this herb.

---

Astragalus

It is also known as milk vetch and is helpful in improving circulation. It is also useful in promoting absorption of iron from food and in balancing the immune system. Since restless leg syndrome is related to iron deficiency in some of the patients, consumption of this herb may prove to be useful.

---

St. John’s Wort

The herb can be consumed as one millilitre in the form of tincture taken five to ten minutes before sleeping. It should not be used if one is taking antidepressants. It reduces the inflammation caused due to restless legs.

---

Parsley

Infusion prepared from parsley can be beneficial for the treatment of restless leg syndrome. Honey and lemon juice can be added in the infusion for sweetening it. Consuming tea prepared from parsley can be effective. Drinking this tea for three times in a day is one of the beneficial remedies for treating iron deficiency which ultimately helps in reducing restless leg syndrome. It contains vitamin C and good amount of iron.