Heavy legs: Can aloe vera improve blood circulation?

The heavy legs are characterised by a sensation of pain in the lower limbs, particularly in the calves. These 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, and regular massage sessions can reduce the sensation of heavy legs.

The natural cause of heavy legs is venous insufficiency, that is to say, poor venous return. Unlike arteries, the wall of the veins lacks muscle fibres. 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 backwards, become less efficient, microcirculation slows down. The blood then stagnates in the lower limbs, leading to cramps, tingling and itching. The causes of venous insufficiency are numerous: age, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, heredity...

Another consequence of the phenomenon of heavy legs is a swelling of the feet and ankles, referred to as oedema. When it is not too advanced, it can naturally subside and deflate during the night. Walking, elevating the legs or wearing compression stockings can promote its disappearance.

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 the stagnation of blood in the lower limbs. Furthermore, 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 signalling pathway, which is involved in the proliferation of endothelial cells. These cells line the inner surface of blood vessels.

It is, however, important to mention that heavy legs can progress into more serious conditions, such as varicose veins or permanent oedema. In this case, or if any doubt arises, it is always preferable 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.

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, the thumbs at the level of the calf muscle. Then perform a smoothing movement 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 to stimulate blood circulation and alleviate the feelings of heaviness associated with heavy legs.

• 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. & co. Evaluating the moisturising effect of cosmetic formulations containing Aloe vera extract in varying concentrations using skin bioengineering techniques. Skin Research and Technology (2006).

• LOIS C. & co. Formulation of Aloe Juice (Aloe vera (L) Burm.f.) Sheet Mask as Anti-Ageing.Pharmaceutical Technology(2016).

• LI J. & al. Aloe vera: A medicinal plant utilised in skin wound healing. Tissue engineering (2021).