Every year, there are more than three million cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the United States. [1]
It’s a nervous system disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. Also known as Willis-Ekdom Disease, RLS is a chronic, multifactorial, movement disorder that creates an uncomfortable sensation in the legs. [2]
Certain medications can provide relief from this annoying symptom. But they can also make you sleepy due to their highly sedative nature. In that case, you can try some essential oils for restless legs to get rid of the discomfort.
RLS causes an itchy, creepy, and crawly pain that occurs when you try to sleep or rest.
Hence, you need to continuously move your leg to get rid of that uncomfortable sensation.
Continue reading to learn about some essential oils for restless leg syndrome that you may try.
10 Essential Oils for Restless Legs Syndrome
Some essential oils for restless legs syndrome can soothe the discomfort. But, you should always ask a doctor before you go for a natural solution like essential oils.
Also, if the symptoms get worse, don’t delay seeking medical advice.
1. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is popular for relieving various types of pain. This oil has analgesic, antispasmodic, and cooling effects. These components make it perfect for soothing aches and muscle pain. [3]
The refreshing aroma of peppermint oil can uplift your mood. It can be a good option for restless legs syndrome.
How to use peppermint oil for restless legs syndrome:
- Mix 2 drops of peppermint oil, four drops of each of rosemary oil and black spruce oil, and 4 tsp of carrier oil.
- Massage the oil on your affected area.
Related: Peppermint Oil for Hair: 8 Reasons to Use
2. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil contains analgesic and antispasmodic properties. This oil can soothe aching muscles, pain, and spasms.
Lavender oil is rich in anti-inflammatory components. It can relieve joint and muscle pain. [4]
Lavender oil can relieve stress, anxiety, and fear. It also helps dilate blood vessels and ease muscle tension.
Here’s how you may use lavender oil for restless leg:
- Pour four drops of lavender oil and two drops of vetiver oil into your bathwater.
- Soak yourself in for pain relief.
Related: Lavender Essential Oil for Sleep: How Effective?
3. Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil has warming properties that help ease muscle spasms and joint pain.
This essential oil is rich in analgesic, sedative, and antispasmodic components. Therefore, it can soothe symptoms of restless legs syndrome. [5]
Marjoram oil is quite soothing and comforting. So, it can help with blood pressure, indigestion, and arthritis pain.
Learn how you can use marjoram oil for RLS:
- Add four drops of marjoram oil and two drops of vetiver oil to your warm bathwater.
- Soak yourself in and relax.
4. Vetiver Oil
Vetiver oil can ease your muscle by stimulating blood circulation. It’s rich in calming, sedative, and antispasmodic properties. Hence, it can help you sleep properly. [5]
Because of its calming nature, vetiver oil is a good choice for restless leg syndrome.
Try this vetiver oil massage blend for restless legs syndrome:
- Mix 2 drops of vetiver oil, and four drops of each of neroli and linaloe wood essential oil.
- Massage the affected area with the oil.
5. Lemongrass Oil
Lemongrass oil has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The oil is quite effective in improving blood circulation and lowering cholesterol levels. [6]
Lemongrass oil can also keep the blood vessel dilated, ensuring proper blood circulation.
A simple way to use lemongrass oil for RLS:
- Pour two drops of lemongrass oil and four drops of lavender oil into a diffuser.
- Inhale the aroma to soothe your muscle and calm yourself.
6. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is considered a natural antiseptic. Its sedative nature can promote calmness and pain relief in your body.
The oil can block leukotrienes, substances that trigger inflammatory responses. Thus, it can reduce pain and inflammation due to restless leg syndrome. [7]
Try this frankincense oil bath for restless leg syndrome:
- Fill your bathtub with warm water.
- Add two drops of frankincense oil and four drops of rose geranium oil.
- Sit in the bathtub for 15-20 minutes to soothe the pain.
7. Ginger oil
Ginger oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
This essential oil can help relieve muscle spasms and pain. It’s because the oil contains antispasmodic, analgesic, and neuralgia properties. [8]
Besides, ginger oil can soothe conditions such as arthritis, restless leg syndrome, etc.
How to use ginger oil for restless leg syndrome:
- Mix 2 drops of ginger oil, four drops of each black pepper oil, and cardamom oil with 4 tsp of carrier oil.
- Massage your affected area with the oil blend.
8. Jasmine oil
Jasmine oil contains natural antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It has been reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia for so many years. [9]
Due to its therapeutic properties, jasmine oil can reduce pain, aches, and spasms.
Learn how you may use jasmine oil for RLS:
- Add two drops of each jasmine oil and sweet orange oil to your warm bathwater.
- Soak yourself in and relax for 15-20 minutes.
9. Rosemary oil
Rosemary oil has a high level of analgesic properties. Hence, it may help relieve pain, aches, and arthritis. [10]
The oil can also improve your energy level, soothe your nervous system, and reduce mental fatigue. Due to its warming properties, rosemary oil may relieve the symptoms of RLS.
An easy rosemary oil massage blend for restless legs syndrome:
- Mix 4 drops of each rosemary oil and black pepper oil with two drops of vetiver oil.
- Use the oil blend to massage the affected area.
10. Clove oil
Clove oil is rich in anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving components. This essential oil is effective in regulating the immune process in the body. [11]
Clove oil has anti-neuralgic, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. Therefore, it can ease muscle pain and spasms.
Here’s how you may use ginger oil for RLS:
- Mix 2 drops of each clove oil and cinnamon leaf oil with six drops of bergamot oil.
- Massage your affected leg with the oil.
Precautions While Using Essential Oil
Essential oils can be quite harmful if you don’t know how to use them. So, you must take proper precautions before you use them:
- Ask a doctor or an expert if you’re not sure which essential oil to use.
- Don’t go to direct sunlight after using any citrusy essential oil.
- Make sure to do a patch test to know if the essential oil suits you or not.
- Avoid using essential oils if you’re pregnant or a nursing mom.
Causes & Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
The exact reasons for RLS are still unknown. But, the doctors suspect that genes play an important role here. [1]
Other factors that may trigger the restless legs syndrome are:
- Diseases such as iron deficiency, kidney failure, and Parkinson’s disease can cause RLS.
- Some women may experience RLS during their pregnancy, particularly in the last trimester.
- Certain medications including antidopaminergic, anti-nausea, and some antipsychotic drugs may cause the symptoms.
- Excessive alcohol consumption may also trigger the symptoms of RLS.
Some common symptoms of restless legs syndrome include:
- Tingling and burning sensation in the legs when trying to rest or relax.
- The continuous urge of moving the legs.
- Unable to sleep due to an uncomfortable sensation.
The symptoms of RLS can vary from mild to intolerable. The symptoms may get worse and severely hamper the quality of your life. So, it’s important that you get rid of this situation as soon as possible.
Do You Need to See a Doctor?
You must take a doctor’s appointment if you have restless legs syndrome. Essential oils may soothe some of the symptoms. But seek medical attention if you see the following symptoms: [12]
- You have the irresistible urge of moving your leg even after using home remedies.
- You have trouble sleeping.
- You develop anxiety issues due to RLS.
- You have difficulty concentrating.
EndNote
Restless Legs Syndrome is an extremely uncomfortable situation. It may leave you with countless sleepless nights.
You can also have stress, depression, and anxiety issues due to RLS.
Luckily, you can treat some of its symptoms with natural remedies such as essential oils. But, don’t forget to consult with a doctor before you use them.
It is claimed that wearing tight-fit clothes and consuming lots of sugars can trigger the symptoms of RLS. You can avoid these habits to prevent RLS.
Also, quit alcohol and try to maintain a healthy sleeping pattern. These habits may help offset some of the negative effects of restless leg syndrome.
