[toc]Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder, which results in sleepless nights. It is a sleeping disorder, wherein you feel a sudden itching, aching or twirling sensation in the leg, the moment you lie down to sleep or rest. There is this sudden urge to move your legs, which will not allow you to sleep. Though it can happen to anyone, a majority of people are affected from this disorder genetically.
Studies suggest that it is caused due to imbalance of dopamine, which works as a signal vis-à-vis the nerve and the brain. Though symptoms may vary from person to person, some might feel pulling, creeping, burning or aching sensation. The end result is that you have this compelling urge to move your leg, but even after walking for some time, you are still restless and unable to sleep as your condition worsens at night. Restless leg syndrome though not a serious medical condition needs to be diagnosed and treated. Given below are a few herbal remedies to treat this condition.
5 Herbal Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome
Passion Flower
Passionflower is very useful to treat medical conditions like anxiety, and sleep disorders. The flower has calming, soothing and sleep encouraging effects. It is also effective in giving respite from nervousness, high blood pressure or uneven heartbeat. It can be used as a seasoning in food and drinks and it is also available in the form of supplements. Intake of this herb regularly will certainly give you relief from RLS.
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Valerian Root
Valerian root is considered as a natural sedative. It is quite helpful for people suffering from mild to moderate insomnia. It is effective in reducing anxiety and stress. It has chemical constituents, which help in nerve relaxation. The herb is used to treat sleep disorders since 420 BC. It is available in form of dietary supplements, which do not have any harmful side effects.
Oat Straw
Oat straw aids in fighting against anxiety and is very beneficial in giving respite from RLS. It is considered a nervine herb as it helps in relaxing nerves. It aids in the strengthening of the nerves thereby assisting in getting peaceful sleep.
Studies suggest that it is useful in improving the cognitive functioning of the brain, which enhances concentration and memory in adults. The herb relaxes the person suffering from this syndrome and helps him/her to sleep better at night.
Skullcap
Skullcap is an effective herb in controlling RLS. Like valerian root, it has sedative properties, which support a peaceful sleep. It aids in reducing stress, which is considered as a major cause of RLS. It has antispasmodic properties. It can improve dopamine levels, which is necessary to reduce RLS.
Though there is no specific research, early studies suggest that skullcap can aid in maintaining healthy dopamine levels. It can be consumed in the form of supplements, which incorporate all the goodness of the herb and are reasonably safe.
Fava Beans
Fava beans belong to the pea family. As mentioned earlier, RLS is related to dopamine imbalance and fava beans are rich in L- Dopa, which aids in improving the dopamine balance in the brain. These beans are used to treat Parkinson’s disease and are considered to be effective in treating RLS too.