It may sound strange at first, but placing a bar of Marseille soap under your bed sheets is a time-tested trick passed down from grandmothers for generations. While it might seem like an old wives’ tale, many swear by its surprising benefits — especially for sleep and leg discomfort.
Let’s explore the fascinating reasons behind this simple yet effective home remedy, and why it might be worth trying for yourself.
What Is Marseille Soap?
Marseille soap (Savon de Marseille) is a traditional French soap made from natural ingredients — typically olive oil, sea water, and soda ash. It’s known for being gentle, hypoallergenic, and free of synthetic additives.
But what makes it special under the sheets?
The Main Claim: Relief from Nighttime Leg Cramps
One of the oldest and most popular reasons people put Marseille soap in their beds is to relieve nocturnal leg cramps — those sudden, painful muscle contractions that often strike during sleep.
How Does It Work?
There’s no scientific consensus, but the theory is that the soap’s potassium content or natural essential oils may have a soothing effect on the nervous system. Others believe it works due to placebo effect, but countless individuals insist their cramps vanish overnight after using this trick.
Regardless of the science, the anecdotal evidence is strong — and harmless.
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