Restless legs syndrome (RLS) â also referred to as Willis-Ekbom disease â is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable desire to move the legs while resting. Usually, this urge is linked with unpleasant leg sensations such as itchiness, tenseness, and burning sensations.
According to studies, between 2% and 3% of Americans suffer from restless legs syndrome with women more likely to be affected than males. People who have restless legs syndrome are generally middle-aged or older when they first acquire their first symptoms, although kids can also become victims.
The negative effects of RLS may severely affect the sleep of individuals who suffer from it, as they mostly manifest themselves at night. It can also leave the individual worried, tired, and irritated, especially if it happens frequently. While there is no known cure for this condition â since itâs a progressive disease â individuals may require medication and therapy to ease symptoms. This includes the use of muscle relaxants and sleeping medications.
In recent years, however, people have been seeking a natural or alternative treatment to pharmaceuticals â with most turning to Kratom for restless leg syndrome and to control cravings caused by addiction and withdrawal of opioids and other substances.
In this article, we explore Kratom for restless leg syndrome as well as which type of Kratom is best for RLS. But before we dive into the niceties, letâs see what causes RLS.
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What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
As aforementioned, restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep-related and neurologic disorder that is more common in women and is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs while resting.
Although the origins of restless legs syndrome are unknown, there is evidence that decreased iron levels in the brain and improper dopamine regulation might play a part in the disease process. Some people have found relief from RLS symptoms by using natural remedies like Kratom, which you can learn about by visiting this article on the best kratom vendors.
Restless legs syndrome has also been linked to genetics, pregnancy, excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol, opiate withdrawal, and chronic illnesses such as Parkinsonâs. The illness has also been linked to a number of other diseases, including anemia and kidney failure.
Furthermore, drugsâparticularly antidepressants and dopamine-suppressing medicationsâcan contribute to RLS symptoms. In fact, there have been indications that when dopaminergic levels in the brain fall, the symptoms of RLS get worse.
Does Kratom Aid Sooth Restless Leg Syndrome?
Kratom is a tropical plant belonging to the coffee family (Rubiaceae). This mild stimulant drug derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree has been used therapeutically for thousands of years in Southeast Asia to aid with chronic pain, tiredness, and a variety of ailments.
Like other pain relieving drugs, Kratom contains some active chemicals (alkaloids) that are responsible for its effects. The two alkaloids, notably, that we will be focusing on are Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine which have more potent effects than those of morphine or heroin.
Both of these Kratom alkaloids bind to the opiate receptors (mu and delta) in the brain to triggering a release of dopamine and serotonin which in turn produce analgesic, sedative, stimulating, and euphoric effects. And since RLS is associated with decreased dopamine levels in the brain, Kratom helps boost its release.
As such, Kratom for RLS is being considered as an excellent substitute for RLS prescription drugs, and some people believe that it works well as a herbal supplement. This implies that Kratom is more appropriate for individuals who wish to use a natural cure to relieve their ailments.
Furthermore, Kratom for RLS is also recognized for its sleep inducing properties. Note however that this is dependent on the strain consumed and dosage, which makes it ideal for people with RLS who suffer from sleeplessness.
The Best Strain of Kratom for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Itâs critical to choose the correct Kratom strain for RLS, since certain types might be highly stimulating and have the opposite impact on individuals who want to fall asleep and quell the unpleasant effects impacted by RLS.
That said, Kratom strains are categorized into various categories mostly based on the color of the vein when harvesting. The three major categories include White Vein Strains, Green Vein Strains, and Red Vein Strains.
Each of these strains offer different effects. For example, White Veins are known to cause increased energy and alertness while Green Veins are associated with a mild energy boost, and better mental clarity to focus on activities with more endurance.
Red Veins on the other hand are linked to strong pain relieving properties and their ability to induce sleep to those struggling with insomnia. As such, Red Veins are more recommended for people suffering for RLS.
Here are some Red Veined strains of Kratom for RLS relief that you might want to try out.
Red Borneo Kratom (link here to the exact strain we used for testing, mit 1.64%)
Grown and sourced from the Island of Borneo in Southeast Asia, Red Borneo Kratom is one of the most potent strains in the Red Veins category. When consumed in moderate does, Red Borneo acts as a natural analgesic and plays a great part in inducing sleep without causing side effects such headaches and grogginess.
It also aids in relaxing and soothing the body, allowing users to have a restful nightâs sleep. According to a Kratom subreddit, one user said that Red Borneo had âgiven her life backâ after using it for one year to treat Restless Leg Syndrome.
Red Bali Kratom (link here to the exact strain we used for testing, mit 1.62%)
This strain of Kratom comes from Bali, which is located in Indonesia. The effectiveness of Red Bali Kratom is due in part to the presence of a variety of alkaloids. These alkaloids function as neurotransmitters, influencing signal receptors in the brain that make it both therapeutically and recreationally beneficial.
This strain of Kratom has the ability to relieve, pain, induce euphoria, improve sleep, and a sense of well-being in users, making it beneficial for RLS. Red Vein Bali Kratom is often used by people dealing with chronic fatigue due to its ability to alleviate these debilitating symptoms. The Red Bali strain is offered in fine powder or capsules that can be consumed orally.
Red Horn Kratom (link here to the exact strain we used for testing, mit 1.59%)
Endemic to several Southeastern Asian countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, and Borneo, Red Horn Kratom is a unique variety of Kratom that is reportedly difficult to grow and cultivate than other strains.
According to legend, it is a cross between the Red-veined and Maeng Da strains. Kratom Red Horn, like other red veins, is a natural painkiller that helps relieve chronic aches. The high from it is a bit more powerful, but its effects are focused more on recovery than euphoria.
The sedative and soothing effects of Red Horn are also powerful, making it the perfect strain of Kratom for RLS. Itâs best to start with a low dose, such as 1-2 grams, for first-time users. A larger dosage, on the other hand, may be used for therapeutic purposes like pain relief. The impact can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.
Is it Possible to Get Restless Leg Syndrome from Taking Kratom?
Although not a common occurrence, Kratom withdrawal has been linked to people experiencing momentary restless leg syndrome or worsening the symptoms of the disease.
While most online sources equate Kratom withdraw to opiate withdrawal, this is not the case. Unlike opiate withdraw, Kratom can be likened to the abrupt stoppage of caffeine intake.
This may cause some side effects such as restlessness, tension, anxiousness, irritation, nausea, and poor sleep quality. As a result, this may exacerbate your RLS symptoms.
That said, withdrawing from Kratom can be said to be unpleasant but not dangerous. Fortunately, you can avoid Kratom withdrawal if you learn to take it responsibly which mostly involves checking on your dosage.
Kratom for Restless Leg Syndrome: Dosage and Mode of Consumption
The quantity of Kratom used for RLS varies based on the kind of strain consumed and each personâs unique biochemistry. Some people have found that consuming small doses, such as 1 gram twice a day, helps to relieve RLS. Others claim that 2-3 grams before going to bed helped them relieve RLS.
Higher dosages of above 5 grams may be better; nevertheless, this is subject to variation depending on the strain. Users should experiment responsibly to determine their optimum dosage and new users should especially exercise caution by beginning with a low dose and increasing slowly.
Kratom can be consumed in a variety of ways to assist with RLS symptoms. One of the most efficient methods is to combine Kratom leaves or powder with water and steep for 10 minutes into a soothing herbal tea.
Kratom extracts and Kratom capsules are other good methods to consume Kratom for RLS. However, Kratom capsules are especially useful for brand-new Kratom consumers who may want keep track of and document how many grams they take each time.
Another choice is to taking Kratom for RLS is by mixing Kratom powder with orange juice or your favorite beverage or recipe. This may be preferable for individuals who are unfamiliar with the bitter flavor of Kratom and wish to mask it behind a strong-tasting beverage or food.
Kratom for Restless Leg Syndrome: The Final Word
RLS is not an uncommon movement disorder. If left untreated, this condition can interfere with your sleep and consequently interfere with the normal functioning of your legs. While there is no known or effective treatment for this disorder that doesnât have its side effects, more and more people are turning to Kratom for restless leg syndrome.
