In western medicine the treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome tend to be drugs like pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), and rotigotine (Neupro) or anticonvulsant drugs which provide limited relief along with side effects. 

But really the best products for restless legs syndrome are the more natural alternative restless legs syndrome herbal relief supplements, in fact, TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine has some excellent solutions. In TCM, RLS can be caused by wind damp, stagnation of liver qi, blood deficiency and stagnation. By addressing these issues with acupuncture and herbal medicines the symptoms are often alleviated and prevented. 

Read to the end to find an excellent natural herbal supplement to help support nervous system issues for the legs!

The textbooks used by TCM in the classroom (some of these are 1300 page reference books) point out the effectiveness of several specific natural herbal remedies for treating symptoms similar to RLS and have shown excellent success in clinical use when using these herbs. The theme of most of these herbs is that they move blood, soothe liver qi, calm the mind & body and decrease wind damp. 

As you read the following descriptions of the herbs and their functions from the textbook “Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology” by Chen & Chen, you’ll see they are quite similar to those of RLS, such as the sensation of itching, pulling, strong urge to move the legs as well as a “pins & needles” feeling, cramps, spasms, etc

Mu Gua Fructus Chaenomelis:
Relaxes the sinews (increases Qi and Blood circulation) and unblocks the channels, spasms, calf cramps and edema due to “leg Qi”. It is especially good for disharmony between the Liver and Spleen leading to leg problems.
Damp painful obstruction in the extremities, especially with severe cramping pain and weakness in the low back and legs.

Gan Cao Radix Glycyrrhizae
Painful muscle spasms of the abdomen and legs, Moderates spasms and alleviates pain, Tonifies the Spleen and augments Qi.

Chuan Niu Xi Radix Cyathulae
Tonifies the Kidneys and Liver and strengthens the tendons and bones, Expels Wind and drains Dampness, Wind-Damp Bi pain and atrophy and spasms of the legs.

Ji Xue Teng Caulis Spatholobi:
Activates the channels and relaxes the sinews. Invigorates and tonifies blood. Numbness of the extremities, lower back pain, knee pain or general soreness of the joints due to Wind-Damp Bi with either Blood Deficiency or Stasis. Weak extremities in the elderly.

Shen Jing Cao Lycopodii:
Relaxes the sinews, invigorates the collaterals and invigorates the Blood. Issues with extending or flexing joints, swelling and pain. Relieves compelling urge to jerk or move restless legs cramps. Helps night time leg rest and or sensations of itching, tingling, crawling and the urge to move legs.

Bai Shao Radix Paeoniae Alba
Liver Qi Stagnation with Liver Yang Rising, Liver Wind with Yin and Blood Deficiency and Restless syndrome due to Blood Deficiency with pain and spasms.

When combined into a herbal supplement and used together these herbs provide a balanced approach to health. They can be found in a formula called “Nerve Chill” or “Leg Chill” together with several other helpful herbs. 

Other supportive measures for RLS can be hot baths before bed or sleeping, leg massage, heating pads or ice packs.

As always, consult your doctor before trying medications or herbal supplements to be sure they are right for you. 
Feel free to reach out to us on the contact page of our website www.robertyoungsacupuncture.com if you have questions that we can answer from our experience with patients in a clinical setting.

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