Understanding poor blood circulation
To understand why traditional remedies for blood circulation are so popular, you first need to understand how the circulatory system works and the problems it can face.
What is blood circulation?
Blood circulation refers to the continuous circular movement of blood, generated by heart contractions, which carries blood from the heart to the organs through different blood vessels. This system primarily ensures the nourishment and oxygenation of cells, the elimination of metabolic waste and the proper functioning of organs.
Blood travels through two distinct circuits: systemic circulation (or major circulation) and pulmonary circulation (or minor circulation). In systemic circulation, oxygen-rich blood is pumped from the left ventricle into the aorta to supply the organs, then returns to the right atrium via the venae cavae. Pulmonary circulation, meanwhile, allows the blood to reoxygenate in contact with the pulmonary alveoli.
Why it deteriorates over time
With age, vein walls naturally lose their elasticity, making venous return less effective. Endothelial function (the ability of veins to produce nitric oxide) gradually deteriorates, mainly due to oxidative stress, which inactivates nitric oxide.
Aggravating factors: sedentary lifestyle, heat, hormones
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main aggravating factors. Being sedentary means remaining seated for more than 7 hours a day. This immobility hinders venous return and causes blood to pool in the lower body. According to the WHO, 31% of the world's population does not get enough physical activity.
Why is heat a problem? It dilates the veins, encouraging blood to pool. It is easier to understand why circulatory problems often worsen in summer or during prolonged exposure to the sun!
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, also play an important role. Certain female hormones cause veins to dilate, increasing the risk of venous insufficiency during menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
Recognising the signs of poor circulation
Before discovering traditional remedies to stimulate your circulation, you need to know how to identify the signals your body sends you. And above all, you should not ignore these signals!
Heavy legs and swelling
That feeling of heavy legs at the end of the day? It is often the very first sign of poor blood circulation. This heaviness is explained by the accumulation of blood in the veins of the lower limbs, creating abnormal pressure.
Swollen ankles, especially when you return from work, also indicate poor venous return. This phenomenon, known as oedema, results from fluid stagnation in the tissues when venous pressure becomes too high.
Tingling and cramps
We all know that unpleasant feeling! Tingling occurs when tissues do not receive enough oxygen due to slowed circulation. These paraesthesias generally appear at night or when resting.
As for night cramps, they mainly affect the calves and are aggravated by dehydration. They often indicate circulatory insufficiency that prevents metabolic waste such as lactic acid from being properly eliminated.
Varicose and visible veins
Veins that become prominent beneath the skin indicate excessive venous pressure. Varicose veins, these dilated and twisted veins, affect women more often than men. They develop when venous valves no longer function properly, preventing blood from flowing efficiently back to the heart.
Small burst blood vessels near the surface of the skin, known as telangiectasias, also indicate vascular fragility.
Cold feet and muscle fatigue
Constantly cold feet, even in warm weather? This indicates that blood is not reaching the extremities properly. This sensation is often accompanied by discolouration of the skin, which may become whitish or bluish.
Premature muscle fatigue during physical exertion reveals an insufficient blood supply to the muscles. Your legs then seem to "give way" after a short walk, forcing you to take frequent breaks.
Recognising these symptoms? It is the first step towards taking effective action! Fortunately, many traditional remedies can relieve these everyday discomforts.
The best traditional remedies for heavy legs
Faced with the discomfort of poor circulation, our ancestors developed simple and effective solutions! Discover these natural remedies that have stood the test of time.
1. Cold shower
A cold shower (15–20°C) stimulates your circulation by causing vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation of the blood vessels. The tip? Finish your daily shower with a jet of cold water, moving from your ankles up to your shoulders, for an immediate toning effect!
2. Apple cider vinegar as a rub or drink
Rich in potassium, apple cider vinegar promotes sodium elimination and improves blood circulation. Applied neat to the legs, it refreshes and provides instant relief. For internal use? Dilute 1–3 teaspoons in a glass of water before meals.
3. Draining teas and herbal infusions
Some green teas and herbal infusions have particularly interesting effects in combating poor blood circulation because they are rich in antioxidants. This is notably the case with our draining herbal tea which, enriched with dandelion extract, promotes water elimination and reduces fluid retention. This helps relieve heavy legs associated with oedema.
4. Epsom salt foot bath
The magnesium sulphate in Epsom salt activates vasodilation and improves blood flow. Our advice: dilute 1–2 tablespoons in a basin of warm water and soak your feet for 15–20 minutes. A guaranteed moment of relaxation!
5. Leg elevation
Place your legs above the level of your heart for 15–20 minutes to facilitate venous return through gravity. This simple position helps blood circulate more easily and reduces swelling. Easy and effective!
6. Massage with cypress or peppermint oil
Cypress essential oil strengthens vein walls, while peppermint provides a refreshing sensation. Mix 2–3 drops with a vegetable oil and massage from the bottom upwards. A wellbeing ritual to adopt!
7. Green clay poultice
A 2–3 cm thick green clay poultice decongests tissues and stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation. Apply directly to the skin for one hour. Patience and effectiveness!
8. Dry brushing
This technique involves using a brush on dry skin, without any product, in circular movements from the feet towards the heart. This daily 10–15-minute ritual stimulates the lymphatic system and improves cellular oxygenation.
9. Walking barefoot
Walking barefoot activates the reflex zones of the feet and improves blood and lymphatic circulation. This practice also strengthens the muscles of the legs and back, preventing the "heavy legs" effect. Natural and revitalising!
Plants and essential oils to favour
Herbal medicine offers a true natural pharmacy for improving your blood circulation! These traditional remedies, now validated by modern science, act directly on blood vessels.
Red vine and horse chestnut
Red vine? A treasure of nature! This plant contains flavonoids and anthocyanosides with vasoprotective effects similar to vitamin P. Its extracts have demonstrated their effectiveness in treating venous insufficiency in clinical trials. We’ll take it!
Horse chestnut, meanwhile, contains aescin and aesculoside, which protect and stimulate vein walls while reducing oedema and inflammation. A perfect combination for your legs!
Arnica and witch hazel
Arnica stimulates microcirculation by acting on the capillaries. It also helps reduce leg swelling. Witch hazel, nicknamed "witch hazel", contains a wide variety of tannins and flavonoids with vasoprotective properties recognised by the WHO for the treatment of varicose veins. Impressive!
Peppermint, cypress and camphor
Cypress essential oil, rich in α-pinene, strengthens vein walls and stimulates venous return. The benefits of peppermint cause local vasodilation and an immediate feeling of freshness. Studies have shown that it can increase brachial blood flow by up to 15% after regular application. You can therefore opt for the refreshing Be Cool herbal tea to improve your blood circulation.