Restless leg syndrome is a medical condition that affects millions of people. According to a SleepFoundation.org poll, 15% of adults in the United States have restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms at least a few times each week. According to the same poll, nearly half of the subjects said it took them 30 minutes or longer to fall asleep.
If you are one of the many people who have spent countless sleepless nights due to RLS, you have probably heard about the benefits of using essential oils for restless legs. But do they really work? And if so, which essential oils are the best?
Table of contents:
- What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
- Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Restless Leg Syndrome and Insomnia
- How useful are essential oils for Restless Leg Syndrome?
- Essential oils for restless legs and how to use them
- Lavender essential oil
- Jasmine essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- WOW’s Sore No More Essential Oil Blend
What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by an uncontrollable need to move your legs, usually in response to an unpleasant sensation in your legs. It usually happens in the evening or at night, when you are seated or lying down for long periods. Moving typically alleviates the unpleasant feeling.
Restless Leg Syndrome is linked to a variety of illnesses and disorders. Almost anyone can be affected by RLS, including children. RLS symptoms can appear in childhood or adulthood. However, the likelihood of having the syndrome increases considerably with age.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
There is no specific test for restless legs syndrome. Therefore, a diagnosis is made based on the symptoms reported by individuals:
- Symptoms typically involve both legs and sometimes the arms, head, or torso.
- Unpleasant sensations in the legs.
- Desire to move your legs (impulses may be minor or excruciating).
- Crawling, dragging, tugging, tingling, and throbbing.
- Movement appears to alleviate discomfort, so a person may constantly move the legs by walking back and forth, sitting, stroking the legs, stretching, or bending.
- RLS symptoms worsen in the evening, interfering with sleep.
- Periods of inactivity, such as watching a movie, driving, or sitting at a desk, may trigger the symptoms.
Restless Leg Syndrome and Insomnia
Most patients with restless legs syndrome struggle to fall asleep. According to one study, 88 per cent of people with RLS had at least one sleep-related symptom. RLS symptoms frequently emerge quickly after laying down at night. Patients kick, squirm, or massage their legs to relieve the discomfort. Some RLS sufferers feel the need to get out of bed and walk or stretch. Patients frequently report exhaustion and daytime sleepiness as a result of the sleep problems associated with RLS.
How useful are essential oils for Restless Leg Syndrome?
Do you find yourself tossing and turning in bed trying to get rid of the tugging and pulling sensation in your legs? Well, it may help to know that essential oils are popular for their antispasmodic, sedative, and soothing effects. These properties help to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Furthermore, essential oils are naturally warming and relaxants, making them ideal for treating muscle aches, pains, and spasms.
Essential oils for restless legs and how to use them
Check out these 5 essential oils for restless legs, along with instructions on how to use them to relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome!
Lavender essential oil
Soak away your pain in a hot bath to which you’ve added four drops of lavender essential oil properly diluted in a carrier oil. Lavender essential oil is an excellent muscle relaxant. It also has analgesic and antispasmodic properties - making it effective for muscle aches, pains, and spasms. Lavender oil is a peaceful, elevating, and deeply relaxing oil, which makes it an excellent essential oil for treating restless leg syndrome, as well as insomnia. To alleviate insomnia and prevent the symptoms of RLS, before bedtime, mix three drops of lavender oil with 10 ml of cold-pressed oil and use it to massage your soles.
Jasmine essential oil
Jasmine essential oil is one of the best essential oils for restless leg syndrome, being packed with analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It also stimulates blood circulation, which further assists in pain relief. Jasmine essential oil is the ideal choice for easing muscle aches and pains. Diffuse it or dilute it and use it to massage your feet. The aroma of jasmine essential oil is rich, flowery, fragrant, and sweet, making it a fantastic essential oil for relieving the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint essential oil is a natural pain reliever and muscle relaxant and doubles as a cooling agent. These inherent properties are effective for reducing muscle aches and pains. It is one of the most recommended essential oils for restless leg syndrome. In 2 cups of cold water, drop four drops of peppermint essential oil. Stir to incorporate the essential oil into the water. To absorb the mixture, dip a cotton towel into the water. Wrap the towel around your legs, focusing on the areas where the symptoms are the most severe.
Rosemary essential oil
Add two drops of rosemary essential oil diluted in a carrier oil to your late-night bath to help prevent restless legs. Rosemary essential oil is useful for muscle aches, pains, and spasms and it possesses analgesic, antispasmodic, and warming qualities. Gently massaging your legs with rosemary essential oil (diluted, of course) also helps soothe the nerves. Since rosemary is a natural warming agent, it is an excellent choice for relieving the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. However, if you are pregnant, suffer from hypertension or have epilepsy, you should avoid it.
WOW’s Sore No More Essential Oil Blend
WOW’s Sore No More Essential Oil Blend is a mix of 6 essential oils. The mix combines the properties of essential oils like eucalyptus and cinnamon. These essential oils are effective analgesics. The blend also has antispasmodic properties, making it ideal for muscle aches and pains. Moreover, it is a warming oil, which makes it perfect for restless leg syndrome pain relief.
Browse through our wide range of 100% pure essential oils and start using essential oils that help you relax, eliminate stress and enjoy a good night's sleep!
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