Restless leg syndrome (RLS) also known as
Willis-Ekbom’s disease is an odd yet serious neurological disorder which is characterized by an unstoppable urge to bring about movement of the legs. This unique feature is usually accompanied by other uncomfortable sensations that have been described as tingling, aching, twitching by some or needle-like by others. Depending on the severity of Restless leg syndrome, which occurs more in females than males, many patients find it almost impossible to sleep easily at night.
You can and must seek help of useful
herbs to relieve the peculiar sleep disorder. Here is a list of herbs which if used regularly over several weeks can prove to be more efficacious than other medications. It is, however, important for you to receive medical consultation and supervision before opting for any of the given options.
Top Herbal Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome
Passion Flower
Make use of the
rich, uniquely structured purple coloured Passion Flower for it certainly helps put the uneasy, burning sensation of Restless leg syndrome to rest. A member of the family Passifloraceae, Passiflora incarnate is a beautiful herb that brings about elevation in the level of Gamma amino butyric acid (a potent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain).
The sense of relaxation it provides to not just the affected nerves but also the muscles is one of the reasons why the herb is
recommended by several experts.Besides inducing relaxation and mild sedation, it also minimizes the frequency and duration of disturbances that kill the patient’s sleep.
To ensure both undisturbed
sleep and pain alleviation, consume at least one cup of tea prepared by incorporating and steeping approximately 2 grams of this herb in dried form an hour prior to sleeping.Do note that this herbal sleep inducer must never be used in the below mentioned conditions, namely pregnancy or in conjunction with other antidepressants.
Rooibos
The anti-spasmodic and painful inflammation relieving extract derived from the peculiar shaped leaves of Rooibos also known as
Aspalanthus linearis is another beneficial herbal option. The worked up neurons are soothed by the particular herb which consequently brings out great relief in cases of Restless leg syndrome. Those diagnosed or undergoing treatment for
iron deficiency anemia must not opt for Rooibos for it impairs the adequate assimilation of iron.
American Skullcap
To deal with the restlessness and discomfort experienced during sleep, resort to an herb commonly known as the
‘mad dog’ herb. American Skullcap, available in the form of tincture, tea or herbal supplements have properties that sedate the patient without increasing the chances of over-sedation or any other undesirable change. To notice
improvement in the painful spasms, consume minimum of two and maximum of six cups of this herbal tea in a day. If you choose to go for the herb in capsule form, make sure you have two of them in a day. Pregnant women or those with hormone related problems must choose not to use American Skullcap for it is believed to induce menstruation.
Corydalis
It is basically the yellow rhizome or the stem that grows beneath the ground which is effective in bringing about
relief in patients who complain of not getting adequate sleep due to the numbing or itchy sensation of the legs. It is advisable to consume Corydalis only under medical supervision for it sometimes turns into more of an addiction than a
remedy for some.
Horse Chestnut
Many medical practitioners hold the opinion that the frequency of
Restless leg syndrome is way more in the night hours as the flow of blood to the legs turns slightly sluggish. In order to combat the unpleasant twitching and burning sensation that urges the patient to move the legs,
try Horse chestnut. The leaves, seeds as well as the bark portion have a positive effect on the flow of blood. A word of caution- If you are currently on any medication that thins the blood, you should opt for Horse Chestnut only if your doctor approves of it.
Mucuna Pruriens
The seeds
contain a crucial ingredient which has tremendous scope to bring out relief from the symptoms dealt with in Restless leg syndrome. You must note that the seed pod is not what we are referring to; for they lead to aggravation of the itching sensation along with a severe degree of skin irritation. The seeds are
rich in levadopa, a natural member of the Dopamine family. Lack of dopamine is thought to be responsible for initiation of Restless leg syndrome and thus Mucus Pruriens is definitely a helpful herb to consider.
Butcher’s Broom
The
dried branches of the perennial bush, Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) or Sweet Broom are commonly used to treat Restless leg syndrome. It’s mechanism of action mainly
affects the blood circulation and brings down the thick viscosity of blood owing to a constituent called Ruscogenin.
Also Read
6 Home Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome How To Treat Restless Leg Syndrome 6 Natural Ways To Deal With RLS Herbal Remedies For Restless Leg Syndrome Valerian Root
If Restless leg syndrome has made it tough for you to
feel energized and stress free owing to the painful sensation that keeps you up all night, here comes a
herbal remedy. It involves steeping a teaspoon of Valerian root in boiling water so as to prepare a remedial tea. Even capsules consisting of the herb or tincture form a good option that helps receive good quality sleep in no time. With the use of this
herb rich in Valerenic acid, muscle tension also reduces significantly.Several studies recommend that a total dose of 800 mg taken over a span of eight weeks ensures appreciable improvement. Although Valerian root causes no side effects as such, expectant mothers and young children are advised against the use of this herb.
St. John’s Wort
One of the safest ways to eliminate discomfort stirred by
Restless leg syndrome is to have a hot cup of tea! Yes, but not just any tea but the one that contains one teaspoon of St.John’s Wort mixed into it.
Have two to three cups of the herbal tea and especially before bedtime to ensure undisturbed sleep.
