Relief from Restless Leg Syndrome with Essential Oils

Liz Fulcher, AromaticWisdomInstitute.com
March/April '16 issue The Essential Herbal Magazine

Ask anyone who’s ever experienced RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) if it makes them crazy, and I’m sure they’ll answer with a resounding “yes!”  I know because I’m one of those people.  Fortunately, it doesn’t bother me at night as is common with RLS, but I do experience it when I’m the passenger in a car (but not when driving which I find interesting) and during air travel.  There is something about the vibration of both these forms of transportation that causes my legs to feel like ants are crawling under my skin.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome? 
According WebMD, “People with restless legs syndrome have uncomfortable sensations in their legs (and sometimes arms or other parts of the body) and an irresistible urge to move their legs to relieve the sensations. The condition causes an uncomfortable, “itchy,” “pins and needles,” or “creepy crawly” feeling in the legs. The sensations are usually worse at rest, especially when lying or sitting.”

Yep, that’s exactly how I’ve experience it.

As a Clinical Aromatherapist and 25-year veteran of using essential oils, they were the first thing I turned to for my own relief from the weird, crawly, itchy sensations, and I’m happy to report that I’ve had wonderful results.

The oils which I have found to have the greatest soothing effect on restless legs are those high in molecules from the Ester chemical family.  Ester-rich essential oils are also highly anti-inflammatory which may be why they work well to calm the spastic sensation that one experiences with restless leg. 

Examples of essential oils high in Ester molecules are: Bergamot, Bergamot Mint, Cardamom, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Geranium, Helichrysum, Ho Wood, Jasmine, Lavender, Petitgrain, Siberian Fir, Ylang Ylang.

Below are 3 recipes that have really helped calm my own restless leg discomfort.

1. Sleepy Legs Night Cream
Ingredients:
12 drops Lavender
10 drops Marjoram
5 drops Roman Chamomile
Unscented Lotion
2 oz glass jar
Directions: Add the essential oils to 2 ounces of unscented cream and stir.  Rub this blend into your legs  anytime you experience jumpy legs. Apply as often as needed.


2. Happy Legs Travel Spray
Ingredients:
9 drops Petitgrain
8 drops Sweet Orange
8 drops Siberian Fir
Lavender Hydrosol
2 oz Spray Bottle
Directions: Simply add the essential oils to the hydrosol in the 2 oz bottle and shake well before each use.  Spray in your legs and rub vigorously, then spray again.


 3. Grateful Gams Bath Salt
Ingredients:
10 drops Frankincense
5 drops Marjoram
5 drops Clary Sage
3 drops Ylang Ylang
Epsom Salts (high in magnesium which is also helpful)
2 oz glass or plastic jar
Directions:  Add the essential oils to the salt and blend well together.  Sprinkle the full 2 ounces into the already-full bathtub.  Step in and relax.  Follow up with the Sleepy Legs Night Cream.

January/February 2018 Essential Herbal

We've got a great issue in the mail to subscribers to start the year off right.
This magazine makes a great holiday gift, by the way.  Print in the US and PDF worldwide, we include a gift card, and if you put a message in the comments section when ordering, it will be in the card.  ORDER HERE

Here is the table of contents:

Field Notes from the Editor, Tina Sams

Off we go into another great year. We’re looking at what’s important, what’s coming up, and what it means to us.

Citrus in Winter, Miranda Hoodenpyl

There’s a lot more to citrus than that glass of homogenized, flavored pulp! Plus there are cranberry orange scones.

Tinnitus—A Holistic Approach, Jackie Johnson

Find out what triggers tinnitus, and some ways to try to remedy the problem.

Herbs as Houseplants, Kathy Musser

Apparently some people can bring their herbs inside. Good advice, plant specific for you determined types. Heck, maybe I’ll even give it a shot.

Hops—Herb of the Year 2018, Kristine Brown

So much more than a beer flavoring! Learn about some of the many, many uses and talents of hops.

Plantago Major… Little Leaf, Major Impact, Cathy Calfchild

Stories of plantain coming to the rescue and a couple wonderful, convenient recipes to try out.

Molly of the West, Where do you get Licorice Around Here?? Molly Sams

It isn’t always easy to find what you need… especially after moving away from a well-stocked private apothecary.

Presidents’ Day and Tea, Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh

The tea habits and tea sets of America’s First Families.

My Grandmother’s Kitchen, Angela Dellutri

Timeless memories of an Italian grandmother’s kitchen.

The Case for Cannabis—A Natural (R)Evolution, Lisa Camasi

Do you know the components of cannabis that work in different ways? Are you aware of the many benefits and methods of use? Part 1 of 2.

Cottonwood Buds—Infusion Methods and Soap, Marci Tsohonis

Resinous, sticky, healing balm of Gilead, aka cottonwood buds, infused and eventually used to make soap. Learn about how to infuse them.

Men’s Facial Hair Care, Janet Gutierrez

A discussion on various base oils and their respective usefulness, and a luscious beard oil recipe.

Onions (Allium cepa), Sandy Michelsen

Their flavor can add to just about everything savory, but what else can they do?

Winter into Spring Dessert & More with Mints, Rita Richardson

Mint can brighten up even the darkest day. Particularly if pound cake and strawberries are involved…

List Article—What would you take along in an emergency?

We got a lot of really good answers to this thought-provoking question.

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