Community Views: Favorite Alternative Treatments for RLS (Part 1)

Few people jump at the idea of needing to take prescription drugs. While there are drugs available to help symptoms of restless legs syndrome, you may want to first explore alternative treatments.

To learn more about the alternative methods that are working for members of our community, we reached out to followers of our Facebook page and asked: “What are the best alternative treatments you have tried to manage your RLS symptoms?”

More than 80 community members weighed in, so we broke down your responses into 2 different articles to explore the many treatments that help many of you.

“Have your iron levels checked.”

Restless legs syndrome is one of the symptoms of an iron deficiency, which can also cause depression, brittle nails, and hair loss. If you are checked and found to be iron deficient, an IV iron treatment can bring your levels back up to normal and may alleviate your restless legs.

“Have your iron levels checked and ask about raising them higher than normal. Iron deficiency causes RLS.”

“I have heard anemia and restless legs are associated.”

“Magnesium glycinate.”

Many community members mentioned magnesium, specifically magnesium glycinate. A magnesium deficiency is linked to RLS and can also cause muscle cramps and imbalanced moods.

There are many over-the-counter magnesium supplements to choose from, and you can also get magnesium from foods like dark, leafy greens. However, it is important to note that too much magnesium may cause abdominal cramps or diarrhea.

“Calm, a powdered magnesium supplement helps, along with a hot bath.”

“Magnesium glycinate.”

“Again, I say banana tea. It boosts that magnesium so the iron can reach the brain and soothe the nervous system. I got off prescription gabapentin with banana tea with no side effects such as short term memory loss.”

“I take 600 mg of magnesium for my RLS.”

“I rub lavender oil on right before bed.”

Lavender induces calmness and is believed to alleviate restless legs syndrome. It is natural, affordable, and comes with no side effects, making it a great remedy to try. Plus, it is known to induce sleepiness, which is certainly a plus for bedtime. Look for a high-quality lavender essential oil that can be rubbed onto the skin.

“I rub lavender on right before bed, then drink a full bottle of water before laying down.”

“Quinine seems to help.”

There does not seem to be much evidence that quinine helps, but it remains popular in the community. Some members like the effects. They swear that it helps their symptoms, so they drink tonic water nightly. However, it is important to note that some health professionals recommend against drinking quinine. Know that drinking quinine has the least amount of scientific backing and might be one of the last things to try since it can cause side effects such as hypoglycemia and hypotension.

“Quinine seems to help. I drink lots of tonic water. It is in there.”

Thank you to everyone who shared what is working for them. We are grateful to hear from so many members and share your feedback with readers. Be sure to check out Part 2 to discover more favorite alternatives.

Join our community and share in the comments below what alternative treatments you have tried.

How do you motivate yourself? Register with our site and then share in the comments below.

Interested in reading more about alternative treatments for symptom relief? Explore our featured collection on lifestyle changes and alternative treatments for RLS.