Soap Is Strange Remedy for Restless Legs

Newspaper Columns, Herb & Home Remedy Q&A July 31, 2007

Q. I finally fell asleep last night but woke back up an hour and a half later. I had started getting cramps and a creepy-crawly feeling in my legs.

I know some people who have RLS (restless leg syndrome) so I decided to look it up and see if there were any remedies. I’m sitting at the computer right now with a bar of soap under each leg and it seems to be working! (I thought this idea was crazy but I figured I had nothing to lose.) Thank you.

A. Placing a bar of soap under the bottom sheet, near where the legs will rest, is one of the wackiest remedies we’ve come across. We have heard from so many people that it helps, however, that it is clear some folks do benefit. Besides, soap is inexpensive and doesn’t have side effects. That cannot be said about the medications prescribed for RLS.

We have gathered up a wide range of remedies for leg cramps in our Guide to Leg Pain, so if soap doesn’t help, you can try something else.

Reader Comments

I read you column every Tuesday in Athens Banner Herald. Your advice on eating mustard for leg cramps has worked for me every time i have leg cramps ,especially at night. I know it works for me and i am so thankful. it works within 30 min and no more leg cramps....mama fay watkinsville, ga.

Posted by: fay fuller | August 1, 2007 9:44 AM

I encountered "restless legs" after my pharmacy supplied me with claritin-D instead of plain clariton as Dr. had prescribed. My legs felt like they were moving constantly, even after going to bed. It was very disturbing and unpleasant. Have not taken either since. [This was back when Claritin was not over-the-counter.]
Perhaps not syndrome?

Posted by: mm | August 2, 2007 2:25 PM

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Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist. Teresa Graedon holds a doctorate in medical anthropology and is a nutrition expert. Their syndicated radio show can be heard on public radio. In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.

The People's Pharmacy® with Joe and Terry Graedon

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