Traditionally used to fight against venous disorders such as heavy legs, the red vine is the great ally of summer. Its leaves are rich in tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins. Thanks to its astringent and vasoconstrictor effects, it brings its benefits in cases of heavy and swollen legs due to a bad circulation. Discover in detail the benefits of red vine.

Red vine, vitis vinifera, the star of venous disorders

The red vine is a shrub with a climbing stem equipped with tendrils. Only the leaves have a therapeutic interest. It likes clayey-siliceous soils, fertile sands and grows in mild and temperate climates, especially around the Mediterranean.
Its Latin name, vitis vinifera, comes from vierre which means "to bind" and vinifera, "which produces wine".

Red vine to relieve the pain of heavy legs

The red vine is an effective plant to relieve the pains of heavy legs. Although the sensation of discomfort is diffuse and throbbing, it is not intense. However, it is enough to affect the quality of life of the patient. 

• En mother tincture 3 x 20 to 40 drops per day in a little water or directly under the tongue to obtain an effect more quickly.
• En infusion Either directly about 1g per day with a large glass of water or as an infusion of 1 to 2 tablespoons per bowl (about 10 g per 250 ml), 2 to 4 times a day as part of a balanced diet.
  For a long-term action, take the leaves once a day for a period of 3 weeks followed by a week without taking, and repeat the whole four times.
• En oily macerate for a local action: Fill a sterilized glass jar halfway with the leaves and pour in the chosen vegetable oil until they are covered. Close the jar and place it in a warm, sunny place and let it rest for 3 to 6 weeks, but shake the jar once a day. Then filter (coffee filter or cloth) the mixture by transferring it to a sterile container (this may take some time). Eventually transfer to a labeled bottle and store in a cool place.
  Essential oils can be added to reinforce the action of the macerate (e.g. cypress, lemon...)
  NB: For a longer conservation (about 1 year), it is better to use a vegetable oil with a low oxidation rate such as sunflower, olive, jojoba or macadamia oil.
• En tablet  2 to 3 tablets per day with a large glass of water, during meals and as part of a balanced diet.

Chemical composition of the leaves

Anthocyanins: pigments that give the red color to the leaves and is maximum in the fallFlavonoids
: plant

antioxidantsTaninsPhenolacids

Pharmacological properties of red vine

• Vascular protector / vasoconstrictor :

The vitamin P present in red vine increases the resistance of capillaries and decreases their permeability.
Anthocyanins also act as protectors by decreasing vascular permeability. Indeed, they have the capacity to inhibit the release of vasoactive peptides. 

• Veinotonic and anti-oedematous:

Thanks to the flavonoids concentrated in the red vine, this one allows to treat the chronic venous insufficiencies. It decreases the symptoms such as: swelling, tension, tiredness, tingling in the legs...

• Antioxidant :

Flavonoids inhibit the formation of free radicals by reducing lipid peroxidation.

Main indications of the red vine

• Capillary fragility: bruises, petechiae, hematomas, varicosities;
• Chronic venous insufficiency, heavy legs, varicose veins;
• Hemorrhoids;
• Age-related vascular aging, diabetes...

Red vine has no contraindication, no toxicity and no drug interaction. However, it is advised to stop the supplementation 3 days before a surgical operation. 

In conclusion, venous disease is a reality for millions of French people

It is estimated that 18 million people suffer from venous insufficiency, 8 million of whom have visible varicose veins. In 1999, varicose vein surgery was the second most common procedure performed in France, the first being cataracts. It is therefore necessary to deal with the problem well upstream and to find natural alternatives including red vine to prevent and relieve these inconveniences when the situation allows it.