Will bar soap cure foot cramps?

If you cross your eyes for too long, they will stay crossed. If you swallow gum it will stay in your stomach for seven years. We’ve all heard our fair share of old wives’ tales, but have you heard the one about soap curing foot cramps? The story goes, if you slip a bar of soap under the covers while you sleep it will prevent nocturnal leg cramps and restless leg syndrome.

With nearly four decades in the soap business, you would think we had heard it all. That was until we received an email from a delighted customer who had shared their story of curing their nighttime woes with bar soap.

Flabbergasted by the story, we did a quick search on google and found countless stories of those suffering from leg cramps finding relief practicing this strange home remedy. We even stumbled upon an episode of the famous daytime television show, The Dr. Oz Show, that explored the popular wives’ tale. Dr. Mehmet Oz theorized that placing not just any bar of soap, but specifically lavender soap may provide relief from restless leg syndrome and foot cramps. He believed that the essential oil found in the bar of soap may be the cure due to its relaxing effects.

While his claim may sound promising, there is no scientific evidence to prove that sleeping with soap will provide any relief from foot cramps. But like any wives’ tale, you won’t know unless you try it. What do you have to lose? Grab your favourite bar soap and test it out for yourself!