10 Essential Oils For Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless leg syndrome, also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a disorder of the part of the nervous system which causes an urge to move the legs. The symptoms usually occur when the person is resting, sitting, or sleeping, and frequently happen at night.

RLS may start at any age. It occurs in both women and men, however, women are more likely to have it than men. It is estimated that approximately 9% of the United States population may have this syndrome.

Here is a list of the top 10 essential oils for restless legs syndrome:

#1 Lavender

Lavender oil’s relaxing, cooling, and uplifting effects have been cherished throughout the world for millennia. The principal chemical components of this essential oil include – limonene, a-pinene, cis-ocimene, 1,8-cineole, 3-octanone, trans-ocimene, linalool, camphor, caryophyllene, linalyl acetate, lavendulyl acetate, and terpinen-4-ol.

It is a potent antispasmodic and analgesic natural remedy which is very good for relieving muscle spasms and muscle pain, plus, it is useful to treat anxiety, insomnia, emotional stress, and depression.

#2 Peppermint

It is produced from the peppermint herb, a cross between spearmint and water mint – which thrives in North America and Europe. This versatile and powerful essential oil is high in analgesic and antispasmodic characteristics that have been known to lower the symptoms of the RLS efficiently.

Moreover, this essential oil contains many effective plant compounds (like – antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral agents) that can help fortify and bolster a person’s immune system.

#3 Cypress

This oil contains monoterpenes, making it extremely effective for oily skin conditions. Also, it is very good for relieving joint and muscle pain and it can be used to relieve the signs and symptoms of painful conditions, like – rheumatism, arthritis, and osteoarthritis.

By strengthening body tissues, improving circulation, reducing pressure in the veins and arteries so that blood can flow better, it is a remarkable essential oil for overall health and wellness.

#4 Cedarwood

It holds grounding and calming properties for both the body and mind, making it a popular essential oil for aromatic as well as topical use. When used as an all-purpose health tonic, this cedarwood essential oil can boost metabolism, support the functions of the digestive and nervous systems, and promote liver and kidney functions.

Like most essential oils, this one also can help you feel more at ease and relaxed. To use it, you can apply it to your palms and inhale as needed or diffuse it when feeling high levels of stress.

#5 Chamomile

This essential oil is renowned for its potent anti-spasmodic properties. Moreover, it has antiseptic, antibiotic, antidepressant, analgesic, carminative, bactericidal, tonic, and anti-infectious effects.

Also, it can be used as a natural anti-inflammatory for muscles and joints due to the fact that it contains flavonoids, plant chemicals that give vegetables, legumes, and fruits their vibrant colors. More importantly, with its strong calming characteristics, this essential oil works very effectively in treating RLS.

#6 Ginger

Ginger essential oil is steam distilled from the rhizome of the ginger, a plant which is part of the Zingiberaceae family and originated in southern China, spreading to the Spice Islands, the Caribbean, and West Africa.

It has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic characteristics as well as it is very effective in improving the digestive system. Also, this oil can be used internally to relieve symptoms of nausea and increase sleep quality.

#7 Marjoram

Its soothing, warming properties bring almost instant relief to all joint and muscle disorders. Additionally, it is considered an antispasmodic, in that it helps calm and control spasms of any nature.

Another substantial benefit of this essential oil is its capacity to have a positive effect on the nervous system.

#8 Rosemary

Rosemary essential oil has stimulating properties and is known to help in staying alert and focused, and improves memory retention.

Interestingly, it was approved to use for the relief of pain from both muscle and arthritis aches, according to the German Commission E, a governmental regulatory agency.

To use it, you can add a few drops of this oil to a tbs of your favorite carrier oil, like –  olive or coconut oil, and apply topically to the affected area.

Also, inhaling the scent of rosemary essential oil boosts mental focus. In addition, adding just 2 drops of this essential oil to a diffuser or humidifier may act as a mental stimulant.

#9 Vetiver

The health benefits of this oil can be attributed to its qualities as a potent antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, tonic, nervine, and vulnerary substance.

Its anti-inflammatory properties can help in better nervous and cardiovascular system functions that could prove beneficial for reducing the symptoms of RLS.

Its restorative and soothing properties are responsible for supporting the nervous system and stimulating the immune system. Also, it is a cicatrizant, meaning that it heals scars by promoting the regeneration of tissue and skin.

#10 Frankincense

Frankincense essential oil has been used for millennia for both its medicinal and spiritual properties.

It is said to relieve stress, fight cancer, kill harmful bacteria and germs, enhance the immune system, ease digestion, balance hormonal levels, reduce chronic inflammation symptoms, as well as it relieves nasal congestion, promotes healthy teeth, and reduce scars.

More importantly, it may be used as a natural treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases, such as – atherosclerosis (also referred as hardening of the arteries), according to a 2008 study issued in the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology medical journal.

Images credit – Shutterstock

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