Kratom for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

RLS (restless leg syndrome), also known as Willis Ekbom Disease, affects millions of people, and those who suffer from it know the broader effects it can have. RLS causes the legs (and for some people, the feet and arms) to feel tingly, tense, itchy, and some even experience a burning sensation. The effects can seriously harm the sufferers’ sleep, as most people tend to experience RLS at night. In addition, it can leave the person anxious, tired and irritable, especially if it occurs often. 

There is no known cure, and as it is a progressive syndrome, people may need to take medication to help alleviate the symptoms. Some of these treatments include sleeping medication and muscle relaxants.[1]

The causes of RLS are widely unknown; however, doctors advise that pregnancy, lifestyle choices such as drinking alcohol and caffeine and chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s can increase the chance of developing RLS. Many people associate Restless Leg Syndrome with opiate withdrawal, and there have been links to show that when dopamine levels in the brain reduce, the symptoms of the syndrome increase. [2]

Does Kratom help with restless leg syndrome? 

Kratom is a herb that has been used medicinally for thousands of years in Southeast Asia. The Kratom leaves are believed to help with chronic pain, fatigue and several different ailments. 

This is due to the two main alkaloids found in Kratom leaves – mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These two chemical compounds are known to be much more potent than morphine. 

RLS is linked with a lack of dopamine in the brain. The alkaloids in Kratom work by binding the opioid receptors in the brain, releasing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.[3] Some users have found that taking Kratom works well as an alternative to medicine, and as it is a herbal treatment, it is more suited to those who want to take a natural remedy to ease their symptoms. In addition to this, Kratom is well known for its sleep-inducing effects, depending on the strain and dosage, so it works well to help RLS sufferers fight insomnia due to restlessness. 

Which strain of Kratom helps Restless Leg Syndrome? 

Choosing the right strain of Kratom is essential, as some types can be very stimulating and have the reverse effect on those who wish to induce sleep and ease RLS. Kratom has three main strains, red, white and green. Red is commonly used for its sedating effects, so for RLS, it is recommended to start with this type of Kratom. Here are some strains which might help:

Red Bali Kratom

This strain of Kratom is highly potent, and due to its large number of alkaloids, it has a strong sedating effect. As well as this, it is known for pain relief and relaxation, making it great for those who want to relax their body from RLS. 

Red Borneo Kratom 

When used in moderate doses, Red Borneo is great for inducing sleep and lacks side effects such as grogginess and headaches. It is very commonly used, and many users recommend it for those who struggle to sleep. Its calming effects should subdue restlessness and allow the user to have a good night’s sleep. One user claimed that Red Borneo has ‘given her her life back’ after using it for one year to treat Restless Leg Syndrome after medication didn’t work. 

Red Horn Kratom

The Red Horn Kratom is a highly rare strain believed to be a hybrid of the Red-veined and the Maeng Da strains. Used as a natural painkiller, it doesn’t induce powerful euphoric or stimulating effects compared to other Kratom types.

Home remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome

The quantity of Kratom to consume changes depending on which type is taken and each person’s bodily reactions. Some users find that taking small amounts, such as 1 gram a couple of times a day, can ease RLS, or taking 2-3 grams before sleeping should do the trick. 

A slightly higher dosage of 6-8 grams might be more sufficient; however, this depends on the strain, as sometimes little is more when it comes to Kratom. Users should experiment responsibly to find the correct dosage for them, and new users should especially take caution by starting with a minimal amount and building up slowly. 

Kratom can be consumed in many forms, but to treat RLS, mixing Kratom leaves or powder into a soothing herbal tea may work effectively to relax the body and mind. Other ways include taking Kratom capsules, which is excellent for new users as they can effectively monitor and record how many grams they consume each time. 

Another option is to dissolve Kratom powder into orange juice and sip throughout the day or before sleeping. This might be better suited for those who aren’t used to the taste of Kratom and wish to conceal it with a strong-tasting drink. 

What are the risks when taking Kratom for Restless Leg Syndrome?

There is a delicate line between beneficial and harmful when consuming Kratom. Over time, Kratom users can develop a dependence on the herb, which causes withdrawal symptoms when the user stops consuming. A study into Kratom dependence and withdrawal found that users suffered from restlessness and tension when they stopped taking Kratom (after a prolonged period of use). Kratom is not FDA approved; therefore, little research has been done into severe side effects, especially if the user is taking other medication. 

One user online found that Restless Leg Syndrome occurred once she stopped taking Kratom, as the withdrawal effects are similar to those of opioid withdrawals.[4] When used responsibly and safely, Kratom has the chemical compounds that can soothe and relax RLS sufferers. However, the tricky part is finding a strain and dosage amount that suits the user’s body and doesn’t cause other effects.

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References

[1]https://www.webmd.com/brain/restless-legs-syndrome/restless-legs-syndrome-rls#1

[2]https://neveralonerecovery.com/restless-legs-withdrawal/

[3]https://delphihealthgroup.com/kratom/

[4]https://opiateaddictionsupport.com/opiate-withdrawal-restless-legs/