Healing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Ginger Root

picture of how the herb ginger root will help to heal restless legs syndrome (RLS)

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Ginger is a flowering plant from the world's tropical and subtropical regions that's grown for its gnarled and bumpy root. Most ginger comes from Jamaica, followed by India, Africa and China.¹¹

Most ayurvedic formulations have ginger as an ingredient because it's believed to enhance the healing properties of other herbs.¹² Many components of ginger are potent inhibitors of inflammatory substances.¹³ These anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been known and valued for centuries.¹² Ginger root extract has also been shown to improve circulation by relaxing muscles around blood vessels so blood can flow more easily.¹⁴

Ginger's root contains large amounts of zingiberene, which gives the spice its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.¹² It helps indirectly to relieve chronic pain by reducing inflammation and, particularly when taken in standardized extract form, by lowering the body's level of natural pain-causing compounds called prostaglandins.¹⁵

Many health care professionals use ginger to help treat problems associated with inflammation such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis.¹⁶ Ginger reduces inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis, specifically cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2. These effects make ginger comparable to those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications although ginger does not cause the side effects characteristic of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.¹⁷

Ginger root extract contains volatile oils and phenolic compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. Studies show ginger root, in sufficient amounts, targets pain and inflammation via two different pathways: prostaglandin enzymes and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX).¹⁸

In a study of 10 patients with muscle pains and 46 patients with arthritis (rheumatoid and regular "wear and tear" osteoarthritis), 100% of muscle pain and 75% of arthritis patients noted relief.¹³

It is clear that Ginger contains a vast and complex array of chemicals that, in combination, provide a powerful aid to healing. For example, zingibain enhances antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions and it is thought to assist other antibacterials, such as antibiotics, by up to 50%. Ginger's ability to reduce inflammation is due to its neutralising action upon free radicals, which are known to contribute to the problem. Ginger contains over 12 antioxidant constituents, the combined actions of which have been regarded as being more powerful than vitamin C.¹⁹

Ginger is such a powerful and safe healer that taking it inspires confidence. It is supportive of so many of the body's systems that its use helps to promote wide-ranging improvement. Its stimulant effects also help to give an overall energy boost to those who take it. This provides a powerful lift to the mind and the emotions which, in turn, promote healing still further.¹⁹

SUMMARY: Ginger will help to heal the inflammation that is causing your restless legs. The "bristling" in your legs (arms, feet etc.) is caused by the energy moving through your body and irritating the inflamed cells. As the inflammation lesses, your RLS will lessen.