Last Updated on September 4, 2024 by Martina McKeough

If you suffer from restless legs and find that your sleep is being disrupted because your have the annoying urge to move your legs at night then you are probably looking for solutions to help. I love natural remedies so I thought I would talk about some of the best essential oils for restless legs you can use to allow you to get a good nights sleep.

Natural remedies are always well worth a try as they are gentle to use and don’t have nasty side effects plus they are easy to use at home.

Here are my top 5 favorite essential oils that can help many people find relief from the problem.

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Natural Remedies for Restless Legs

Before using any of these natural remedies for restless legs do remember that most essential oils shouldn’t be used neat on your skin. Instead they should be diluted with a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil first.

If you are going to use any of these oils it is also worth doing a patch test on your skin first to check you don’t have any reactions. Whilst essential oils are generally very safe there are always going to be people who find their skin is irritated by certain oils.

If you are pregnant take extra precautions as some oils should not be used.

Essential Oils for Relaxation – Lavender Oil

Lavender oil is one of my favorite essential oils because I adore the smell plus it is the perfect scent to use if you want to feel calmer and more relaxed. The more relaxed you are the less likely you are going to feel the urge to move your legs around whilst you are in bed.

Lavender oil also has mild muscle relaxing properties so when it is massaged into the legs it can help to reduce muscle tension, spasms and cramps. It is also an anti-inflammatory and helps with pain relief which is an added bonus with restless legs.

I also find that the smell sends me to sleep. Lavender products have always been associated with better sleep quality so it makes sense to use this essential oil to switch off your mind so you can fall asleep more quickly and deeply.

If you are planning to use this oil a 2-3% dilution works best.

2% dilution: This is suitable for most adults and can be achieved by adding about 12 drops of lavender essential oil to 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.
3% dilution: For slightly stronger effects, mix about 18 drops of lavender essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.

I typically massage lavender oil onto my legs but you can add a few drops of the oil into a warm bath which can help relax your body before bedtime.

Using lavender oil as part of your night time routine can be a gentle, natural way to manage the discomfort associated with restless legs syndrome.

Peppermint Oil for Restless Legs

Peppermint oil is another really useful oil which is why you see it in the ingredients of so many foot products.

When it comes to restless legs it works because it contains menthol which has that wonderful cooling effect on your skin. This sensation is what works to distract you from uncomfortable feelings that give you the urge to move your legs.

Plus the menthol in the peppermint oil is a muscle relaxant as well which helps to alleviate muscle spasms, cramps and tightness. It also helps to stimulate your blood circulation when applied directly to your legs which can help reduce the restlessness you feel in your legs.

As with lavender oil the same dilution work well.

2% dilution: Mix about 12 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.
3% dilution: For a slightly stronger effect, combine about 18 drops of peppermint essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.

You can massage the oil on to your legs or you can add it to a foot bath and soak your feet in it. This helps to relax your muscles and improve circulation.

Using peppermint oil as part of your routine can help manage the discomfort associated with restless legs syndrome, offering a natural and refreshing way to soothe your symptoms.

Eucalyptus Oil

There are a number of reasons why you might want to use Eucalyptus essential oil if you suffer from restless legs. The first is that it has anti-inflammatory properties. As inflammation in the muscles and joints can contribute to restless legs it can make a difference in some people.

It is also an oil that is known for its pain-relieving properties. As restless legs cause discomfort it can potentially ease this. Plus like peppermint oil it helps to improve circulation which can stop your legs from feel heavy and sluggish.

To use the oil a 2-3% dilution is best as with the previous oils.

2% dilution: Mix about 12 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.
3% dilution: For a stronger effect, combine about 18 drops of eucalyptus essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.

You can massage the oil onto your legs to help relax your muscles, use it in the bath or if you want create a warm compress. To do this add a few drops of diluted eucalyptus oil to a bowl of warm water. Soak a cloth in the water, wring it out, and apply it to your legs. The warmth, combined with the oil’s anti-inflammatory properties, can provide relief from RLS symptoms.

Roman Chamomile Oil

I used to think there was only one type of Chamomile oil but in fact there are four and for help with restless legs you need the Roman oil rather than some of the other varieties.

Roman Chamomile essential oil is great for soothing the nervous system and help to calm and relax you which is useful if you have restless legs.

It also is know for helping to relax your muscles, improve your sleep quality as well as having anti-inflammatory benefits meaning it is a great all rounder for helping the problem.

As with the other oils you stick with the same dilution in carrier oils.

2% dilution: Mix about 12 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.
3% dilution: For a slightly stronger concentration, combine about 18 drops of Roman chamomile essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.

I like to massage the oil into my legs but you can add it to your bath or use it in a foot soak to help give you relief at night.

Marjoram Oil

Finally last but not least is Marjoram oil which is not really a well talked about essential oil but which can help with restless legs.

Like many of the other oils it helps with muscle relaxation and calming. It also helps with improved circulation but where it differs is that it is also an anti-spasmodic. This means it can help to prevent or reduce muscle spasms which is helpful for restless legs which often lead to involuntary leg movements and muscle twitching.

Use the following dilutions in a carrier oil if you are going to try this particular essential oil.

2% dilution: Mix about 12 drops of marjoram essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.
3% dilution: For a stronger effect, combine about 18 drops of marjoram essential oil with 1 ounce (30 mL) of a carrier oil.

Like the other oils use it as a massage oil, in the bath or with a warm compress to help give you relief.

These 5 best essential oils for restless legs are where I would start if I wanted to try and solve the problem naturally. Remember you may need to try a few before you hit on one that makes a difference. Just make sure that you only use one oil at a time every day for a period of about a month before deciding if it helps or not. Whilst some people may experience immediate benefits many others will take a while before they see results.

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