Restless leg syndrome is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in your legs whenever you are in a prone position. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can affect adult women and men. Symptoms include creeping, crawling, tingling, burning, aching and jittery sensations that make you want to get up and move around for relief. The condition is caused by heredity factors, stress, pregnancy, connective tissue disorders, iron deficiency, kidney failure and peripheral neuropathy. Some herbs can alleviate RLS symptoms.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Get a diagnosis from your doctor. Discuss the feelings you are experiencing whenever you lie down. There is no definitive test for RLS. Your doctor may do blood tests and image scans to rule out other conditions. You may need to participate in a sleep study. During the study, you will be monitored for unusual leg twitching. If iron deficiency is causing your RLS you may have to take iron supplements. Medications might be necessary to calm your nerves and alleviate pain. Some medications for RLS include opioids, muscle relaxers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and sleep problems.
Valerian
Author Chanchal Cabrera writes in "Fibromyalgia: A Journey Toward Healing" that the herb valerian is an ideal treatment for restless leg syndrome. This herb offers naturally tranquilizing effects, reduces nervousness and anxiety and diminishes sleep disturbances while controlling nighttime motor activity. Consume valerian as a tea one to two hours before you go to bed. Make the tea by boiling 2 to 3 g of valerian in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Take 200 mg of valerian in capsule form four times a day to promote relaxation. Nursing and pregnant women should avoid using valerian. This herb offers sedating effects; do not drive or operative heavy machinery while using this herb. It may interact with other sedatives, antihistamines, statins and anti-fungal medications, as well as anesthesia medications.
Kava
In "Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies" author Phyllis A. Balch writes that kava is a natural remedy for restless leg syndrome. This herb induces muscular relaxation and sedates the central nervous system. It contains kavalactones such as methysticum, kawain and dihydrokawain that help diminish convulsive activity, encourage sleep and relax muscles. Consume 60 to 120 mg of kava once a day for restless leg syndrome symptoms.
Talk to your doctor before consuming kava to avoid potential damage to your liver. Kava consumption has been associated with liver injuries including cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatitis. Those with liver conditions should not consume this herb. Possible side effects include: stomach upset, restlessness, drowsiness, skin rash and dizziness. This herb is not intended for long-term use. Kava may interfere or interact with anti-convulsants, alcohol, anxiety agents, antipsychotic medications and levodopa.
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