Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by an urge or need to move the legs to stop unpleasant sensations, often described as burning, tingling or crawling feelings. RLS, which usually occurs at night in middle-aged and older adults, can prevent or interrupt sleep and contribute to insomnia.

There is no specific test for RLS, but a doctor may first rule out conditions such as peripheral nerve disease or irondeficiency anemia. Treatment recommendations often include warm baths, massage and stretching; supplementation with calcium, magnesium
and potassium; and prescriptions for Requip (ropinirole) or Mirapex (pramipexole), two prescription drugs used with Parkinson’s disease that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved for treating RLS.

Herbalist Steven Frank, of Nature’s Rite, suggests considering natural options before resorting to prescription medications. He notes that some medical experts believe RLS is brought on by poor blood and lymph flow, worsened by lying still at night. Stress also appears to aggravate the disorder. “Several herbs, including peppermint, sage and rosemary, have been used for centuries to improve blood and lymphatic flow,” Frank advises. “Cramp bark and wild yam relax skeletal muscles, and St. John’s wort and lavender calm overactive nerves.

“Decocting these herbs with hot water and applying them to the skin offers the best benefit,” he continues. “Don’t eat them in capsules. Applying a spray or a roll-on of the decoction to the legs and feet may dramatically improve the odds of getting a good night’s sleep.”

For more information, call 888-465-4404 or visit NaturesRiteRemedies.com.