Aloe vera is a common ingredient in skincare products, listed under its INCI name "Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice". This is due to the numerous benefits its gel provides for skin health. The use of aloe vera can even extend to issues such as heavy legs. In this article, discover the properties of this ingredient and how it can be used to alleviate this problem.
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Heavy Legs: Can Aloe Vera Improve Blood Circulation?
Summary
- Heavy Legs: What are the Causes?
- Could aloe vera gel be an ally in relieving heavy legs?
- How to use aloe vera gel to alleviate the sensations of heavy legs?
- Sources
Published February 13, 2023,
updated on October 2, 2024,
by
Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication
—
5 min read
Heavy Legs: What are the Causes?
Heavy legs are characterized by a sensation of pain in the lower limbs, particularly in the calves. These areas become tense and are sensitive to fatigue. These discomforting sensations tend to increase throughout the day and are exacerbated by heat, prolonged standing, wearing overly tight clothing, or the approach of menstruation for some women. Conversely, regular physical activity, cold temperatures, and regular massage sessions can decrease the sensation of heavy legs.
The natural cause of heavy legs is venous insufficiency, that is, poor venous return. Unlike arteries, the walls of veins lack muscle fibers. Therefore, the circulating blood needs assistance to counteract gravity and return to the heart. The pressure from the soles of the feet and the contraction of the calf muscles usually facilitate this return. However, when the veins lose elasticity or the valves, which prevent the blood from flowing backward, become less effective, microcirculation slows down. The blood then stagnates in the lower limbs, leading to cramps, tingling, and itching. There are many causes of venous insufficiency: age, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, heredity, and so on.
Another consequence of the phenomenon of heavy legs is a swelling of the feet and ankles, referred to as edema. When it's not too advanced, it can naturally subside and deflate during the night. Walking, elevating the legs, or wearing compression stockings can promote its disappearance.
Could aloe vera gel be an ally in relieving heavy legs?
The lower limbs are supplied by an extensive network of blood vessels. Feelings of heavy legs occur when the blood circulation in these vessels is disrupted and it stagnates in the legs.
The use of aloe vera gel can help alleviate these issues. According to a study conducted on rats, the topical application of this botanical extract has a vasoconstrictive effect, increasing blood pressure and stimulating blood circulation. This reduces stagnation of blood in the lower limbs. Additionally, the acemannan molecule found in aloe vera gel stimulates angiogenesis, the process of new blood capillary growth in the dermis. This mechanism is activated by initiating the ATK/mTOR signaling pathway, which is involved in the proliferation of endothelial cells. These cells line the inner surface of blood vessels.
However, it is important to note that heavy legs can progress into more serious conditions, such as varicose veins or permanent edema. In such cases, or if there is any doubt, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Furthermore, the results presented here are derived from studies conducted on rats. To date, no studies have been carried out on humans. Therefore, we cannot definitively and absolutely determine the effects of aloe vera gel on blood circulation.
How to use aloe vera gel to alleviate the sensations of heavy legs?
A morning and evening massage of the lower limbs can aid in the prevention and relief of heavy legs. To begin, coat your feet with a dab of aloe vera gel, then knead the soles of your feet with your thumbs, from the heel towards the toes. Continue by encircling the leg, at the level of the lower calf, with your thumbs at the level of the calf muscle. Then perform a smoothing motion upwards to the level of the knee. Repeat this movement 5 to 8 times on each leg.
Regularly performing this massage with aloe vera gel helps stimulate blood circulation and soothe the sensations of heaviness associated with heavy legs.
Sources
PATUMRAJ S. & al. Therapeutic effects of Aloe vera on skin microcirculation and wound healing in second degree burn model in rats. Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand (2000).
MAIA CAMPOS P. M. & others. Evaluating the moisturizing effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in various concentrations using skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology (2006).
LOIS C. & al. Formulation of Aloe Juice (Aloe vera(L) Burm.f.) Sheet Mask as Anti-Aging.Pharmaceutical Technology(2016).
LI J. & al. Aloe vera: A medicinal plant utilized in skin wound healing. Tissue engineering (2021).
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