The best natural remedies for heavy legs

Sensations of heaviness, discomfort and diffuse pain in the lower limbs - these are the classic signs of heavy legs. They indicate poor blood circulation, which can progress to chronic venous insufficiency, leading to the appearance of varicose veins and edema.

The problem of heavy legs affects a large number of people, but sometimes seems neglected and poorly corrected. Yet the suffering and discomfort caused by poor circulation are real and painful..^{3, 4}

Symptoms associated with heavy legs

Unpleasant tingling, pins and needles, numbness and tightness in the legs
Sensation of hard, painful legs
Night cramps
Sensations of heat and even burning
Swelling of the legs
Presence of varicose veins^{3, 4}

Heavy legs are often the sign of a blood circulation problem, in particular difficult venous return.

What characterizes chronic heavy-leg venous disease is the anomaly of venous return. This discomfort is due to the fact that the veins in the legs no longer efficiently return blood to the heart, also known as venous insufficiency or venolymphatic disease..^{3, 4}

Venous circulation: how does it work?

Blood that has brought oxygen to the organs must return to the heart through the veins. In the legs, this return takes place against gravity, so the body uses several methods.

Venous valves

Venous valves are the small valves that prevent blood from flowing back downwards.

The muscular pump

The contraction of muscles during walking, which act like a pump, contributes to the venous return of blood..^{3, 4}

Malfunctions

When venous return is poor, blood stagnates in the veins if the valves are damaged or the muscles are not used.

This causes excessive pressure on the vein walls, resulting in dilated veins and inflammation.

The result is a sensation of heaviness, pain and swelling (edema)..^{3, 4}

Risk factors associated with heavy legs

Prolonged standing or sitting

Staying in the same position for long periods of time slows the return of blood to the heart.

Aging

Aging naturally weakens vein walls and valves.

Heat

Heat promotes vein dilation.

Overweight

Being overweight puts more pressure on leg veins.

Constipation

Constipation adds venous pressure to the abdominal area, accentuating circulatory problems. A diet high in carbohydrates and low in fiber is one of the primary causes of varicose veins.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, blood volume increases and the growing uterus exerts pressure on the pelvic veins.

Hormonal imbalance

Heavy legs can also be caused by hormonal imbalances (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, etc.).

Increased estrogen levels have a potential effect on vessel permeability. Blood circulation is then impeded, causing a tendency for blood to stagnate.

Lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle

Regular exercise helps blood to circulate.

Heredity (chronic venous insufficiency)

Heredity also plays an important role: in 80% of cases, venous disease is hereditary.

Appearance of edema

Edema can also occur, i.e. severe swelling of the foot or calf.

Smoking

Smoking can also contribute to leg heaviness, as it weakens vein tone and increases the risk of blood clots..^{3, 4, 5, 6}

Heavy legs and inflammation

Inflammation

Inflammation increases vascular permeability, leading to the release of mediators (such as histamine and prostaglandins) that make blood vessel walls more permeable. This allows fluids to escape into the tissues, causing edema (swelling) which can aggravate the sensation of heaviness in the legs.

Reduced venous return

Inflammation can disrupt the normal function of veins and venous valves, slowing the return of blood to the heart. This favors venous stasis, resulting in a feeling of tired, heavy legs.

Pain and discomfort

Inflammatory processes stimulate nerve endings, which can cause pain, tingling or numbness in addition to heaviness.

Vicious circle of inflammation: poor circulation promotes inflammation, and inflammation aggravates poor circulation, thus maintaining the problem..^{1, 2, 3}

Preventing or helping heavy legs and inflammation

Daily actions within your reach

It's best to take lukewarm showers or baths, to prevent blood vessels from dilating with hot water. Cold water causes them to contract.
Engage in physical activity such as walking (30 minutes/day) to activate blood circulation.
Drink water regularly to help blood circulation.
Eat a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fiber, oilseeds, omega-3-rich foods such as fatty fish, and reduce processed and salty foods..^{3, 4, 5, 6}

Simple but effective solutions

Wiggle your toes to activate blood circulation in your feet
Take small steps on tiptoe to stimulate calf muscles
Placing a pillow under your knees to elevate your legs can also help improve blood circulation (15-20 minutes / day)
For intense pain, compression stockings are designed to stimulate blood circulation
At the end of a shower, direct a jet of warm, then cold water towards your legs to tighten blood vessels and limit edema.

All these measures could help you regain good blood circulation.^{3, 4, 5, 6}

Natural remedies for heavy legs

Synergy of essential oils

Evergreen cypress essential oil (veinotonic) ... 50 drops
Niaouli essential oil (Decongestant and promotes venous return) ... 50 drops
Aloe Vera gel (vasoconstrictor effect) ... 30 ml
Container with pump 50 ml pump

Place the essential oils in a small pump bottle and add the aloe vera. Shake the container for one minute, until the ingredients are well blended.

One squeeze of the pump, and massage into the skin 3-4 times a day.^{7, 8, 9}

Precautions for use: this blend is for external use only, and is suitable for children aged 12 and over. Not recommended for pregnant women.^{7, 8}

Antioxidants

Antioxidants rich in flavonoids with veinotonic and anti-inflammatory properties, as they are able to strengthen vein walls, thin blood and reduce inflammation.

These include red berries, turmeric, ginger, chilli and pepper. Consuming them regularly is a preventive solution to heavy legs.^{1, 2, 3}

Vitamins for healthy circulation

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (rutin). Rutin helps maintain a healthy circulatory system and is a powerful antioxidant.
Vitamin K2 (fermented dairy products (kefir), organ meats, fish oils, etc.).
Vitamin E (walnuts, wheat germ, eggs, etc.)
Omega-3 (linseed oil, fish oils, etc.) Anti-inflammatory
Vitamin P (red berries) anti-inflammatory^{1, 2, 3}

Venovar from Holizen, a relevant natural supplement

For 20 years, Quebec-based Holizen has been offering safe and effective natural solutions for your health and well-being.

These supplements and fortifying products are made from top-quality ingredients in therapeutic dosages. So you can be sure of good results.^{10, 11}

Venovar is a combination of herbs for good blood circulation. We explain the role and benefits of each ingredient.

Yarrow

Yarrow stimulates blood circulation thanks to its venous tonic effects, strengthens blood vessel walls, reduces inflammation and diminishes water retention. Yarrow is therefore said to have circulatory, anti-inflammatory and venous toning properties.^{11, 12}

Horse chestnut

Horse chestnut is a plant traditionally used to improve circulatory and venous health.

It is particularly effective in cases of venous insufficiency, varicose veins, heavy legs and hemorrhoids. It is standardized to 20% aescin for greater therapeutic efficacy. Horse chestnut also has anti-inflammatory properties.^{11, 13}

Hamamelis

Hamamelis is a plant frequently used to treat heavy legs, varicose veins and hemorrhoidal crises. This plant is veinotonic. And it's thanks to its tannins and flavonoids, which increase the resistance and elasticity of vein walls, that it's so highly regarded. It is also a vasoconstrictor, promoting venous return.

Hamamelis is often combined with Red Vine or Horse Chestnut, which improve blood circulation thanks to their vasoconstrictor, venotonic and anti-inflammatory properties.^{11, 14}

By reducing the permeability of the venous wall, witch hazel prevents the flow of liquids into the extracellular space, which is one of the main causes of heavy legs.

It is beneficial for painful, swollen legs at the end of the day, symptoms exacerbated by occupations requiring standing.^{11, 14}

Red Vine

Red vine is a very special cultivar (variety of plant species): Vitis Vinifera var tinctoria. Its tannins have a vasotonic effect, toning and strengthening blood circulation, particularly when veins lose their elasticity and integrity.

Red vine is a medicinal plant that helps with problems such as venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids through its venotonic action. Wherever the imbalance lies, this plant has a role to play in blood circulation.

Red vine has the ability to protect collagen in venous tissue by inhibiting the action of certain enzymes (collagenase, elastase) that degrade tissue caused by inflammation.

The advantage of red vine leaves is their red pigment, which yields several powerful polyphenolic compounds such as resveratrol, OPCs (oligo proanthocyanidins) and flavonoids such as quercetin.

These polyphenolic compounds are characterized by their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are conducive to good health, particularly against cell ageing.^{11, 15, 16}