Aromatherapy for Restless Legs

Are you struggling with restless legs? That constant urge to move your legs can make it really hard to relax and get a good night's sleep.

In this post, you'll learn how to use aromatherapy for restless legs.

I'll share a simple yet effective 5-ingredient recipe that is soothing, calming and that will help sleep.

Like to listen instead? Here's the podcast episode:-

What are Restless Legs?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. It often happens in the evening or at night, making it difficult to sleep. 

Aromatherapy for restless legs - the Ingredients and how they help.

• Aloe Vera Gel: Soothing and cooling, aloe vera gel is a refreshing base for the blend.

• Rose Water: This floral water hydrates and tones the skin, and is very soothing.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, olive oil moisturises the skin and enhances the absorption of essential oils. Adding extra virgin olive oil helps to turn the blend into a cream, which is easier to use. 

• Lavender Essential Oil: Very calming and relaxing. Lavender, more than any other essential oil, enhances the properties of other essential oils.  

• Peppermint Essential Oil has an unusual property, it is cooling or warming depending on what the body needs. I saw this in a class I was teaching where one student insisted it was lovely and cool, while another argued that it wasn't cooling, it was warming! 

• Lemongrass Essential Oil is a natural sedative and clams restless legs.

The Recipe

Here's the simple 5-ingredient recipe for soothing restless legs:

• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

• 2 teaspoons of Rosewater

• 2 teaspoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 7 drops of Lavender

• 3 drops of Peppermint OR 3 drops of Lemongrass.

How to make it

1. Mix the aloe vera gel, and rosewater, then add the extra virgin olive oil and mix again until you get a smooth, consistent mixture.

2. Add the lavender and peppermint (or lemongrass) essential oils to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the oils are evenly distributed.

3. Transfer the blend to a dark glass or ceramic container and store it in a cool, dark place. Essential oils are destroyed by light and heat and don't do well in plastic containers. 

How to use

1. If you tend to suffer from restless legs at night, apply the blend as a preventative before you go to bed.

2. Gently massage the blend into your skin until fully absorbed.

3. For best results, use this blend daily or whenever you experience restless legs.

Precautions and Contraindications

While this blend is generally safe, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Lavender and Peppermint should not be used by pregnant women. You could replace the Lavender with Benzoin, which is very soothing both physically and mentally, and use Lemongrass in place of Peppermint. 

If you have sensitive skin, don't use Lemongrass or Peppermint. You could use Lavender and Benzoin instead. 

Children over one year old and under twelve should use half the amount of essential oil in the recipe.

I hope you find that helpful!