Improving Circulation in Your Legs

We often take our legs for granted and neglect to consider the care they need. Poor circulation in our legs can affect them, so this article will tell you all about how you can improve it.

Can you imagine what your life would be like without the use of your legs? How would you travel around and get from point A to B? Bad circulation in our legs can lead to several irritations, such as itchiness, pain, disability and even thrombosis.

Thrombosis is when a blood clot is formed inside a blood vessel. This turns into an embolus – a clot of blood that is carried via the bloodstream inside the body. This can result in severe health problems and even death.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins normally occur due to genetic or hormonal reasons, obesity, bad health habits or pregnancy and are mainly seen in women. The veins are caused by the vein dilating due to blockages caused by blood. In other words, bad circulation causes a build up that results in a vein increasing in size.

How can I prevent them?

Long bike rides and swimming are both good for helping to prevent varicose veins. When taking a rest, try raising your legs to improve blood flow.

Also, try to avoid exposure to heat like sunbathing or taking a hot bath. Opt for loose fitting clothes instead of tight clothing that can limit blood flow.

It is recommended to avoid waxing too. Gentle massages are ideal but are best performed by a specialist.

Good remedies for improving circulation

Those suffering with poor circulation should try using vitamin E. Cayenne pepper cream can also be applied to the skin to improve circulation. Vitamin B3 and niacin help to relax the veins while artichoke extract helps to diminish arterial pressure.

A few remedies that can also improve circulation in the legs are:

• Ginkgo biloba: can dilute veins to improve circulation.
• Garlic: helps to prevent blood clots forming.
• Horsetail: improves circulation as it acts as a diuretic. Simply boil 100 grams of dried horsetail for every per litre of water for 30 minutes and drink several glasses per day.
• Witch hazel: a massage with witch hazel can help to alleviate pain and swelling in the legs.
• Horse chestnut: put an essence of horse chestnut in a glass of water and consume.
• Argan oil: consume this in a raw salad.
• Willow: place one small tablespoon of willow extract in a glass of water and consume.