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Phytotherapy. Plants for tired legs
Phytotherapy in the treatment of swelling in the legs involves the use of a series of plants with the following properties:
- Medicinal plants for edemas (antiedematous): Plants with venous or lymphatic tonic properties that return the accumulated fluid in the tissues to the circulation so that it can be eliminated by urination.
- Diuretic plants: These are plants that stimulate the kidneys and increase the liquid eliminated through the urine.
- Plants to improve circulation: In this way get to remove stagnant fluids, improving the feeling of tiredness in the legs.
- Complementary therapies such as massages, performed by duly qualified professionals, in addition to other recommended lifestyle and diet guidelines, among which are quitting tobacco, avoiding alcohol, consuming plenty of vegetables, and avoiding foods with a lot of salt, bad fats, or products with added sugars.
Preparations for internal use with healing herbs for the legs
Among the most suitable plants to prevent or treat tiredness in the legs and poor circulation we have the following:
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Web.): It is one of the plants that has more power to eliminate excess water from the body due to its richness in potassium salts. Very useful to deflate the organism in general. (Infusion of a teaspoon of the dried plant per cup of water. Drink 2 to 3 cups daily) (Eat dandelion in the diet)
- Black currant (Ribes nigrum): It is rich in flavonoids. These components improve the resistance of the capillaries and favor their elasticity, so they are very useful for promoting blood circulation. (Infusion of 2 or 2.5 tablespoons of dried leaves per liter of water. Drink a couple of glasses a day)
- Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens): It is one of the best remedies against circulatory problems of the legs. (Decoction for about 10 minutes of two tablespoons of dried leaves per liter of water. Filter and let cool. Take seven tablespoons daily)
- Nettle (Urtica dioica): As a powerful cleanser and diuretic, blood cleanser. (Nettles Soup)
- Yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis): It has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and anti-edematous properties. It is an excellent venous and lymphatic tonic that is used to treat poor circulation and edema, as well as related disorders, such as heavy legs.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Plant traditionally used for the treatment of edema. (Thyme infusion) (Thyme soup) (Thyme in the feed)
- Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): The ability of this plant to prevent the formation of edema is mainly due to aescin, but other components such as ascorbic acid or vitamin C are also involved, and quercetin and rutin flavonoids, the latter especially indicated in cases of hair fragility.Preparations for external use to massage tired legs due to poor circulation problems
- Witch hazel: (Hamamelis virginiana) The use of witch hazel is especially recommended in people who force the capillaries of the legs to intensive work, such as those who have to remain long standing in their work – cashiers, dependents, guards, etc. The scrubs made with witch hazel can help reduce leg pain and prevent the occurrence of diseases caused by a bad venous return.
Massages for tired legs
Lymphatic drainage is very suitable for the treatment of edema that causes swelling and tiredness in the legs.
Other medicinal plants for swollen legs
- Globularia (Globularia vulgaris ): Because of its globularin content, it is useful as an antiedematous (Infusion of 30 gr. Of dried leaves per liter of water. Drink a glass before meals)
- Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa): Fluidifies the blood since it decreases the coagulation capacity of the same, so it improves its circulation. (Take supplements of this plant according to the leaflet conditions)
More information on tired legs
This article was endorsed by Elisenda Carballido - Dietitian nutritionist. Postgraduate in Phytotherapy and master in Nutrition and Metabolism.
