Be light on your feet with the help of plants

Blood circulates through our bodies in a network of vessels that is approximately 100,000 km long. There is no problem in reaching the lower parts of the body but in order to return from the periphery to the heart, blood must fight against the force of gravity. This effort often results in fluids stagnating in the veins and lymphatic vessels, which can also be the site of disorders, characterised by a heavy feeling and swelling in the legs, made worse by spending long hours standing up, towards the end of the day and in hot weather.

Circulatory disorders that have always plagued humanity have recently been increasing at an alarming rate. Modern lifestyle, characterised by increasingly sedentary habits, prolonged and obligatory work postures, standing for long hours, use of transportation even for short journeys, insufficient exercise, very rich or unbalanced eating habits in relation to body needs, results in an increase in circulatory disorders.

Vein-friendly plants

To control venous insufficiency disorders using phytotherapy, it is possible to use both topical preparations based on phlebotonics for direct effect such as Horse Chestnut, Butcher’s Broom and Witch Hazel, and oral preparations with effect on the connective matrix (Centella), on venous and lymphatic drainage (Melilot), on the inflammatory process (Pycnogenol). Treatment should be performed in cycles, especially in hot weather.

Centella to stimulate collagen production

The entire fresh plant is used for its beneficial effects on the skin, for its phlebotonic and sedative action. Recent research has made it possible to isolate the active ingredients, belonging to the saponin family (asiaticoside), capable of stimulating the production of collagen fibres in the subcutaneous connective tissue, reinforcing the venous wall.

Melilot to improve return circulation

The flowering tops of melilot act by protecting micro circulation, facilitate circulation and lymphatic drainage, promote venous return and also have diuretic properties.

Horse chestnut to strengthen vessels

It was introduced to Europe from Turkey in the sixteenth century and immediately valued by the Sienese physician Mattioli in his Commentaries (1586) for its phlebotonic properties, i.e. its ability to induce an increase in the tone of the venous vascular wall.

Pycnogenol to soothe inflammation

Pycnogenol is a concentration of polyphenols, substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, derived from the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), used to facilitate blood flow as an inhibitor of platelet aggregation and to control heaviness and pain from inflammation caused by venous stasis.