In London, we are already at Heatwave No3 for this year. Or let’s just say we are having a very hot Summer.
I often get heavy and swollen legs as my circulation is not my best feature, so I love having at home some stimulating (for the circulation) essential oils to apply after my evening shower.
In this heat, though, essential oils in just a simple carrier oil – I use Argan oil on my legs or Jojoba – is not a very refreshing combo! So I made a cooling leg gel to keep in the fridge.
The pulp found inside the Aloe vera leaves is a refreshing substance that can be applied topically or drank as a juice. It is soothing and can improve digestion when taken internally, and can relief burns when put onto the skin.
(Please note aloe contains latex, so I would not recommend applying it on an allergic reaction and/or if you are allergic to latex, and it can also trigger gut issues if you’re sensitive to this plant).
Hamamelis virginiana is a plant native to North America from which Witch hazel is extracted. This see-throw liquid has astringent properties and can also help sooth an irritated skin. When applied on tired legs, witch hazel can stimulate circulation, so the fluid retention gets reabsorbed quicker.
The two essential oils I used have different properties, but they both have a refreshing effect when applied on the skin.
On top of having a lovely smell, Mentha x piperita contains analgesic properties. I use it a lot when I get headaches and, in this case, Peppermint can relief the heaviness and pain of swollen legs. It is also mildly stimulating for the circulation, so, if you only want to buy one essential oil to add to your gel, go for peppermint.
Cypress, on the other hand, can stimulate circulation really well as it is also decongesting and a general tonic.
The starchy ingredient is only added to thicken the gel. So, wether you use potato, corn, tapioca -starch or arrow root, you are not going to alter the herbal properties of this recipe.
(Please note: this ingredient will not get absorbed through the skin, therefore it is normal to find a tiny white powder residue on your skin after the gel application.)
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup Aloe Vera gel or fresh Aloe Vera pulp (I have used a combination of the two as I have lots of aloe plants)
- 1 & 1/2 tsp starch (I used potato starch)
- 1 tbsp Witch Hazel
- 5 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 5 drops Cypress essential oil
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix vigorously until the aloe is well combined with the starch.
Transfer the gel, with the help of a little spatula, to a glass jar or an airtight container and store in the fridge for a one week or two.
(Please note: if you use fresh aloe vera pulp, you can store the preparation only a 3-4 days max. I added some ascorbic acid to make it last longer, but it is not necessary.)
MASSAGE TIP
A little trick to stimulate your lymphatic circulation even more is to apply the cooling gel starting from your toes to your feet and ankles, massaging upwards, towards your thighs, gluts and groin – most of our leg lymph nodes are located in our inguinal area and behind our knees.
You can use this cooling gel on the whole body, not just on your legs!
Massage on your temples if you have a headache, around your eyes to reduce puffiness or behind your neck for a refreshing sensation
Cromo Nutrition 