What Natural Remedies For Heavy Legs?

Although the warm season brings its share of pleasures, certain health conditions can be exacerbated by the heat. This is particularly true of the so-called restless heavy legs syndrome. To counter the inconveniences of this condition, many will try to turn to natural alternatives. La Boite à Grains To help you enjoy the summer to the fullest and without discomfort, we offer you this detailed advice sheet.

S.O.S. leg care: Understanding venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is a condition that affects the leg veins. This problem affects nearly 50% of the adult population in industrialized countries, with a notable predominance among women. Venous insufficiency results from a malfunction of the subcutaneous veins (superficial veins located directly under the skin) and the valves they contain.

The valves inside these veins and along their walls usually ensure efficient blood return, even against gravity. When the valves fail to return blood efficiently, the accumulation of blood in the lower limbs produces a variety of symptoms associated with heavy, restless legs, including ¹

• Tingling in the legs
• Swelling of the feet and ankles
• A feeling of heaviness
• Pain and/or numbness
• Muscle cramps
• The formation of varicose veins
• Nighttime awakenings associated with the above symptoms

Several factors contribute to venous insufficiency, including heredity, advanced age, excess weight, lack of muscle tone, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, smoking and the adoption of static positions.

S.O.S leg care : Plants that relieve

Uncomfortable and uncomfortable, restless legs can be relieved by the use of veinotonic plants that effectively reduce the symptoms of venous insufficiency.

 This is the case of red vine and the horse chestnut tree.

These two plants are clinically proven to be beneficial for venous insufficiency as they reduce the feeling of heaviness, tingling in the legs, edema and pain associated with this condition.

In the case of red vine (vitis vinifera), the benefits are particularly due to the polyphenols contained in the grape. In fact, clinical studies have shown that resveratrol, oligo-proanthocyanidins (OPC) and quercetin relieve the symptoms of varicose veins and venous insufficiency. ^2,3,4

As for the horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum), Numerous clinical studies and two meta-analyses have demonstrated that the plant is effective and safe for the treatment of venous insufficiency. Recognized by the German Commission E, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP) for its veinotonic properties, horse chestnut has become a preferred remedy used not only by natural health therapists but also by the pharmaceutical community. ^5,6,7

There is no need to turn to pharmaceutical options, however, as these are synthesized from red vine and horse chestnut and are derived from the whole plants. Instead, opt for standardized extracts with an NPN (National Product Number). natural product) such as Léo Désilets products certified non-GMO and pesticide-free.

S.O.S. leg care : Lifestyle and restless legs

In addition to herbal relief, several lifestyle recommendations can be implemented to alleviate the symptoms of venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

These include:

• Aim for a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the veins, which makes blood return more difficult and exacerbates the symptoms;

• Exercise regularly. Since the veins of the lower limbs are compressed by the muscles of the legs, physical activity and movement promote the proper functioning of the valves located inside the veins;
• Avoid prolonged standing, especially in a static position, which increases the pressure on the veins by 10 times. If necessary, swing your weight from one leg to the other or take steps in place, which activates muscle contractions and promotes blood return;
• Listen to your body's cues and allow for rest periods as needed. Allocating time to take a break and elevate your legs for a few minutes is not a sign of laziness but time well spent;
• Avoid exposure to heat whenever possible. Heat promotes dilation of the veins, which impairs blood return. In summer, try to keep your legs cool by seeking shade, water or air conditioning;
• Keep your legs stretched out and uncrossed when sitting, which avoids constriction of the veins;

• Consume berries and vitamin C on a regular basis to maintain the integrity of the vein walls;

• Wear compression stockings as recommended by a qualified health professional;

Don't let venous insufficiency ruin your summer! For maximum comfort, adopt the advice in this article by using the red vineand horse chestnut tree and by implementing the recommendations of life hygiene listed.

Have a good summer!

The team of La Boite à Grains

________________________

Research and writing :

Véronique Cousineau, certified naturopath and health/wellness writer

Sources:

1. Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. The encyclopedia of natural medicine. Third Edition. Atria Paperback. New York, NY 2012.
2. Henriet JP. Exemplary study for a phlebotropic substance, the EIVE Study. Fairfield, Conn: Primary Source; not dated. Study referenced and summarized in: Natural Standard (Ed). Foods, Herbs & Supplements - Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae), Nature Medicine Quality Standard.
3. Thebaut JF, Thebaut P, Vin F. Study of Endotelon W in functional manifestations of peripheral venous insufficiency. Gaz Med. 92:96-100. 1985 Study mentioned and summarized in: Natural Standard (Ed). Foods, Herbs & Supplements - Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae), Nature Medicine Quality Standard.
4. Delacroix P. Double-blind study of Endotelon W in chronic venous insufficiency. La Revue de Médecine. 27-28: 1793- 1802. 1981. Study mentioned and summarized in: Natural Standard (Ed). Foods, Herbs & Supplements - Grape seed (Vitis vinifera, Vitis coignetiae).
5. Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Issue 11. Art. No: CD003230. 2012
6. Suter A, Bommer S, Rechner J. Treatment of patients with venous insufficiency with fresh plant horse chestnut seed extract: a review of 5 clinical studies. Adv ther. 23(1):179-90. 2006
7. Siebert U, Brach M, Sroczynski G, Berla K. Efficacy, routine effectiveness, and safety of horse chestnut seed extract in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and large observational studies. Int Angiol. 21(4):305-15. 2002