Science vs. Scent – What’s Really Happening?
Is there any scientific weight to this “lathered-up” logic? Doctors are often quick to point out that there is no clinical data proving soap can heal a neurological condition. However, researchers have floated a few fascinating theories. The most popular involves magnesium or the release of ions from the soap’s scent. Many traditional soaps contain magnesium, which is a known muscle relaxant. The theory suggests that as the soap warms up against your body heat, it releases trace amounts of the mineral or essential oils like linalool (found in lavender), which are absorbed through the skin or inhaled to calm the nervous system.
Another compelling argument is the “Grandma’s Wisdom” effect, otherwise known as the Placebo Effect. Our brains are often susceptible to suggestion. In other words, if your brain believes that the presence of the soap will stop the cramping, the parasympathetic nervous system may kick in, lowering stress levels and reducing the perceived intensity of the RLS. Some experts also suggest that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the soap might affect the local nerves in the legs.
Whether it’s chemistry or just a clever trick of the mind, the “soap effect” is so persistent that even some physicians have stopped scoffing and started saying, “Well, it can’t hurt!”
