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If your legs are swollen and the swelling is accompanied by pain, you should not underestimate your health condition and you should see a doctor. These symptoms can have various causes and it is not possible to rule out, for example, changes in hormone levels, inflammations, damage to the skeletal system, varicose veins or infections.
Self-help methods
However, the good news is that besides the medicines your doctor prescribes, you can effectively help yourself, in particular by
- a homemade healing ointment
- a suitable position to relieve the legs, and
- compresses of cabbage leaves.
Homemade healing ointment
This ointment has a wide range of uses; it helps not only with painful swellings but also, for example, with eczema, varicose veins, bruises and skin ulcers. It works deeply and also has a positive effect on bones, joints and muscles.
To prepare the ointment you need plantain leaves, half a kilogram of beeswax and half a kilogram of pork lard. Chop the plantain leaves finely and add them to the melted fat. Preheat the oven to 60 °C and leave the mixture in the oven for 4 hours. Then leave the ointment until the next day at room temperature, at which point add the beeswax and melt it over low heat. Mix the ointment well, pour it into suitable containers, for example cream jars, and store it in a cool place.
Suitable position to relieve the legs
After any physical exertion, which includes, for example, prolonged standing, the legs need to be well supplied with blood. You will achieve this best by lying on your back and ideally resting your legs straight against a wall or other suitable support at a right angle. You should remain in this position for at least 20 minutes. If you cannot rest your legs at such an angle, at least prop them up with several pillows, for example.
Cabbage leaf compresses
It is little known that cabbage leaves were used for healing compresses long ago. This is mainly because they contain effective anti-inflammatory substances. Take a fresh cabbage leaf, crush it to release the juice and apply the leaf to the affected area. Cover it with cling film and then wrap it in a towel. You should leave the compress on for 20 minutes.
