Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition in which someone has an uncontrollable urge to move his legs. It is characterized by an uncomfortable, twitchy feeling in the legs when he lies or sits down. This condition appears to worsen at night and may interrupt sleep patterns. A variety of herbal vitamins and minerals can alleviate or improve restless leg syndrome symptoms, however. It is important to contact a medical professional before taking herbs and minerals for your condition.
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that transports oxygen and blood to your leg muscles, increases energy and improves symptoms of restless legs syndrome. The recommended daily dosage for iron is 8mg for men and 18mg for women. Foods rich in iron include beef, oysters, shrimp, light tuna, firm tofu, cashew nuts, dried prunes, raisin bran cereal, kidney beans, dark meat chicken, black-strap molasses and potatoes with skin.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral that improves muscle function, supports healthy nerves, regulates brains waves associated with deep sleep, eases leg cramps, reduces leg spasms and alleviates mild to moderate restless legs syndrome symptoms. The recommended dosage for magnesium ranges between 310mg to 320mg for women and 400mg to 420mg for men. Foods rich in magnesium include bran cereals, brown rice, shredded wheat, bananas, milk, okra, Swiss chard, peanuts, almonds, molasses and milk.
Valerian
Valerian is an herbal vitamin that improves restless legs syndrome, eliminates insomnia, reduces stress, provides a sense of calmness, lowers the risk of developing sleep disorders and decreases daytime sleepiness. The recommended daily dosage for valerian ranges between 300mg to 900mg for adults. This herbal supplement is available in fluid extract, dry herb, tea, capsules and tablets.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is an herbal vitamin that repairs damaged nerves, prevents insomnia, heals wounds, reduces muscle spasms, provides a sense of calmness and regulates the body's sleep cycle. The recommended daily dosage for St. John's Wort ranges between 300mg to 1,000mg for adults. This herbal supplement is available in capsules, tablets, liquid extract, dry herb and tea.
References
- "Restless Legs Syndrome: Coping with Your Sleepless Nights"; Mark Buchfuhrer, Wayne Hening and Clete Kushida; 2007
- "Nutrition Almanac"; Lavon J. Dunne; 2001
- "Holistic Nursing Approach to Chronic Disease"; Carolyn Chambers Clark; 2004
- "Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition: Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease"; Michael Zimmermann; 2001
- "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, and Longevity"; Swami Sadashiva
