Homeopathic Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome
People suffering from this condition have a very unpleasant creeping sensation in the legs,
with a nagging urge to move and stretch. Problems are often present in the day, but are
usually worse at night—beginning shortly after the person goes to bed. Distress often
interferes with sleep, putting further stress on the person’s nervous system.
Homeopathic remedies often help to relieve this disconcerting problem. If symptoms persist, a
constitutional remedy and the guidance of an experienced homeopath may be valuable, to bring
the system into better balance.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Aconitum napellus: If a person with restless leg syndrome is very anxious and tends
to panic, this remedy may be soothing. Tingling or shooting pains are felt in the legs, and
the nervous system is very agitated. The person may be unable to relax and fall asleep —
or the sleep is distressing and full of fearful dreams.
Arsenicum album: A person who needs this remedy feels simultaneously restless and
exhausted, with feelings of weakness, heaviness, and trembling in the legs. Cramping and
burning sensations may also be experienced. Anxiety and a feeling of insecurity may be
pronounced. People who need this remedy are often deeply chilly and improved by warmth.
Causticum: This remedy can be helpful if a person has restless legs with sensations
of burning and aching, and cramps in the calves and feet. Symptoms are worse in bed at night
and often improve with warmth. People needing Causticum often have a tendency toward
chronic problems with muscles and tendons, contractures, and muscle weakness. They are often
very sensitive to other people’s feelings, and are prone to nervous stress.
Ignatia: This remedy is indicated for sensitive, nervous individuals with a tendency
toward twitching and spasms in the muscles. The legs and arms often jerk as the person falls
asleep, and sleep may be extremely light. The person may frequently sigh and yawn, or burst
into tears or laughter unexpectedly. Problems brought on by grief or emotional stress often
respond to this remedy.
Rhus toxicodendron: Overwhelming restlessness that makes a person want to constantly
change position, or get up and pace the room at night, suggests a need for this remedy. The
person may feel extremely apprehensive when trying to fall asleep and be unable to stay in
bed. A tendency toward stiffness and soreness in many joints and muscles—feeling better
from both warmth and motion—is a strong indication for Rhus tox.
Sulphur: A person who needs this remedy experiences a drawing feeling in the legs,
with burning sensations and restlessness. The legs and feet may heat up during sleep, and the
person may throw the covers off, or constantly move the legs to find a cooler spot. Jerking,
twitching, and talking during sleep with frequent waking, are other indications for
Sulphur.
Zincum metallicum: When restlessness in the legs is distressing and extreme, this
remedy may be indicated. The person feels a constant need to move the legs, both at night and
in the daytime (although night is usually worse), and the arms may be involved. Sleep is very
agitated, with frequent starts and jerking. People who need this remedy are usually excitable
and talkative, with active thoughts—although nervous overstimulation and loss of sleep
can eventually lead to exhaustion or depression. Alcohol, especially wine, can aggravate the
symptoms.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.