Try Fennel !

[Summer194]

I read from someone on this site about taking Fennel tablets for RLS. I visited my local independent herbalist shop which didn't have any tablets, but did have a liquid form in a small bottle.

I am taking a few drops in a small glass of water twice in the evening before bed and so far .......

..... my RLS is virtually zero ! I have only been taking it for a week so it is early days but would recommend it - There is nothing to lose (except around a fiver !) and it could also work for you !

Good luck

Peter

[SueJohnson]

That's great ! So glad for you. Let us know if it continues to work.

[CsiguZ]

I’m happy for your success. Did you take any medicines for your RLS before trying fennel?

[Summer194 in reply to CsiguZ]

I've never taken meds for RLS - I do take magnesium before bed though - which I understand helps also. Good luck

[Hidden]

Thanks for reporting on your experience.

[Whymelord]

Hi Summer194,it's great that Fennel is helping,can you please tell me ,do you take the Fennel along with other RLS meds also what time of day do you take the Fennel,I believe everything mentioned on this forum is worth a try ,within reason of course.

[Summer194 in reply to Whymelord]

Hi, I do not take any RLS meds - only Fennel - in the evening (see post below) Kind regards

[DicCarlson]

Well why not? Fennel is a spice and I have found sugar coated fennel seeds which works for reducing gas with meals.

[Summer194]

Thanks for the comments folks - I take Fennel in the evening after tea and then again before bed. I just put a few drops in a very small glass of warm water ( no more than an inch high (2cm) worth of water). I have never taken any meds for RLS. What I can say with certainty is that when I am in Thailand the condition worsens - coming on around 15 mins after going to bed and sometimes lasting 3 -4 hours. I put it down to not just the heat but the MSG that is put in food there. MSG is very bad for our bodies. I am visiting Thailand in November so it will be interesting to see if the fennel works as well there as it seems to here. So far Fennel is almost eliminating my RLS - hope it continues ...... (gas still a problem though ! 😂)

[Goldy700]

Thank you Summer 194 - always good to have suggestions for natural solutions. I make a smoothie with fennel bulb, celery, carrot (purple best) radish, green apple, coz lettuce. A dash of stevia makes it taste really good. Other things you can add are avocado, frozen organic berries etc.

I find that this is very anti-inflammatory, alkalising and soothing for my legs and back l( I now get RLS up my back). I do not take any medications apart from medical cannabis. I am managing to get enough sleep and live a healthy life so far.

[Sunflower197]

Thanks! I’m currently in the doctor’s waiting room to see about increasing my Gabapentin as I’m only on 300mg and I’m at the end of my tether as it’s not working now. I will definitely try fennel though 🙂

[Springfiel1]

thank you. So pleased your RLS has gone!!

[Chiby-azul]

Thank you so much for the tip I remembered someone saying something about fennel I usually drink it as a tea because it helps a lot with digestive issues but definitely I will buy on drops or capsules whatever I get first

[Summer194 in reply to Chiby-azul]

You're welcome Chiby - it's good to share successful treatments so that others can benefit too. Good luck

[BarnGir1 in reply to Summer194]

If I cannot find the liquid fennel, would the ground seeds mixed in water or food work as an alternative?

[Summer194 in reply to BarnGir1]

I don't know - you can only try, but perhaps better to find a natural health herbal type shop and ask because they are probably more likely to store the liquid version which I can report about further having used it for a few weeks now. One has to put 30 drops into a small glass of warm water 1 to 3 times a day before or after food. It seems to have reduced my RLS. In terms of severity it has come down to a max of around 4/10 and usually 2/10. So far so good. (I have never taken prescription meds for it.) Diet, drink etc also have a bearing on RLS.

[BarnGir1 in reply to Summer194]

Good idea. This is all very helpful because I am trying to go Rx med free for the RLS because of Rx meds I take for depression and migraine. I have already reduced meds for depression and blood pressure because Sue mentioned that they both are not good for RLS but I can not tolerate the alternative meds. So far, the reduction has helped and I am scheduled for blood work today to check effects of reduction. OTC meds help but I am looking for any additional support in order to keep the RLS under control as much as possible. Always trying different pieces of the puzzle to see what works! Thanks for sharing.

[Summer194 in reply to BarnGir1]

With depression the following is important:-

When you feel the first warning bells of low feelings you must DO something rather than do nothing. Go for a walk / clean the cupboards / go shopping etc anything that takes your focus and attention away from yourself, or else you are highly likely to become depressed. Do not spend endless hours worrying / negative thinking. Put a time limit on this - Spend 30 mins sorting out your worries then go and do something you enjoy. Keep a regular sleep pattern - max 8 hours - avoid sleeping in the day. Exercise of any kind, morning or early afternoon can help. Use 7/11 breathing to feel calmer. In to the stomach for 7 and breathe out slowly to the count of 11. Good luck

[BarnGir1 in reply to Summer194]

Thanks for the reminders. I am been down this road before trying to cut back Prozac and ran into trouble. I now use a light box, especially on rainy days and everyday in winter. I can no longer take naps or sleep in the day but just now beginning to extend my sleep time from 3 -4 hours to 5-6. Already feel better. I added iron back in and I think cutting back on Prozac and BP and Statin helped a lot so will get blood results (except for iron) tomorrow. But thank you are so right to remind me to be cautious. It really can creep up without realizing it so I will be watchful. My forgetfulness has resulted in some bad times so now my husband is good at monitoring my mood and asking questions. I like your suggestion for distractions. I try to work outside in summer but with extreme heat it has been hard. So am trying to pick up hobbies that I usually save for winter. I weave on a small loom and recycle old pieces of jewelry. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. It really is very helpful.

[kelirock in reply to Chiby-azul]

Do you make the fennel tea yourself or do you buy it made up? If you make it yourself and use fennel seeds about how many would you put in the drink? and to how much water.

[Summer194 in reply to kelirock]

I buy it from the herbalist - it comes in a bottle. 30 drops in a small amount of water before bed. Not heard about any seeds - worth a try ....

[LineVec]

I can add to that lemon balm is also great. it tones down the symptoms as well

[BarnGir1]

And what form would I find that (at a health store I am assuming)?