Herbal Alternatives for Restless Legs

Often characterized by tingling, restlessness, numbness and overall leg discomfort, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is considered a sleep disorder. Mostly occurring at night, restless leg syndrome causes great discomfort during sleep with an almost uncontrollable urge to move the legs and keep shifting the body around. Along with lifestyle changes, herbal treatment alternatives can relieve this problem, including passionflower, valerian and skullcap.

Passion Flower

• Passionflower has been used for a long time to treat sleep problems such as insomnia, as well as helping with things like restlessness and irritability. For treating restless leg syndrome, passion flower can be used as a tincture, tea or supplement. To use the tincture for treatment, take between 30 and 60 drops twice a day, or up to every three hours. Two to four cups of passion flower tea may be consumed to ease symptoms of stress and anxiety that may lead to restless legs. For insomnia and restless legs take two capsules containing passion flower shortly before bedtime to relax.

Skullcap

• Skullcap is often referred to as "mad dog" because of its historical use in treating rabies symptoms. Skullcap has the ability to ease nervous tension along with muscle spasms and cramping. Skullcap is also used to induce sleep without being overly sedating. Its sedative, relaxing properties originate from the top portion of the plant, and can be found in teas, tinctures and supplements.

  Because it is an antispasmodic, it is quite helpful in relieving restless leg symptoms.

  Drink 3 to 6 cups a day of skullcap tea to ease symptoms. Do this for a day or two until symptoms ease, then drink only as needed. Infuse 1 teaspoon of dried skullcap leaves in one cup of boiling water, steep for 15 minutes, strain and drink.

  Take 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of skullcap tincture two to four times a day to relieve symptoms of restless legs.

  Take two capsules two to four times a day as needed for restless leg syndrome.

Valerian

• Valerian is recognized as nature's tranquilizer and has been used extensively to treat nervousness, tension and stress. It is helpful in promoting sound sleep and having anti-convulsive properties. Valerian is dried for teas or capsules and is fresh or dried in tinctures.

  Drink a few cups of valerian herbal tea before bedtime. If you suffer from bladder issues you may want to take a capsule or use a tincture instead to avoid having to go to the bathroom throughout the night.

  Take two to three capsules an hour before bedtime to treat insomnia and relieve restless legs. You may take one to two capsules two to three times a day for general nervousness and muscle tension.

  Take a tincture of 1/2 to 3/4 tsp. before retiring for the night. You may take throughout the day to relieve stress and muscle tension. Take 1/2 tsp. up to three times a day.

  A relaxing bath at the end of the day can help prepare for a restful night. Fill a bath with warm water, and add 2 cups of brewed valerian tea. Soak in the warm water to help ease symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

  Lifestyle changes like eliminating caffeine, improving diet and exercise should help with relieving restless leg syndrome along with alternative herbal treatment.

  However, use caution when taking alternative herbal remedies. Do not increase dosages over the recommended amount. If you continue to experience chronic symptoms of restless leg syndrome, consult your physician for other treatment options.