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Have you been observing swollen purple-coloured veins on your feet lately? Do not stress out! You are probably suffering from varicose veins also known as spider veins which is a condition in which the veins in the legs swell. This condition is usually found in the feet and legs because standing as well as walking puts a lot of pressure on the veins present in the lower part of the body.
Though this is not that serious a condition in the start, it can become a bigger problem if the pain and discomfort are not treated on time. It usually occurs if the walls of the veins become weak or valves stop functioning properly, thereby, affecting the blood flow and the blood pools in the veins making them twisted and swollen. Just like every disease has some after-effects so does this, including pain, restlessness, itching, throbbing and tingling usually in the legs or feet.
What Factors Lead To Varicose Veins?
Age is a major factor behind the development of varicose veins as with age, the valves in the veins can become weaker and may not function properly.
Women are more prone to the problem of varicose veins. Due to hormonal changes in the female body during menopause, pregnancy, and puberty, the risk of varicose veins increases. Moreover, during pregnancy, additional pressure is exerted on the legs due to the baby bump which might lead to a problem.
Obesity is another reason one could develop this condition. This happens due to the simple reason that by being overweight, you tend to put a lot of pressure and strain on the legs leading to this condition.
Sitting and standing in the same position for an elongated period of time can also increase the chance for the person getting varicose veins.
How To Treat Varicose Veins Naturally?
Standard treatments for varicose veins include medical treatment and surgery. However, varicose veins is a condition that can be treated significantly by changing your lifestyle and following some home remedies.
Below-mentioned are some home remedies which can be helpful to you in getting rid of your pain-
1. Garlic
Garlic is an anti-inflammatory herb as a result of which it helps in reducing the intensity of varicose veins. Not only this, but it also helps increase the blood circulation in the veins by removing the toxins from the body.
What To Do?
Prepare a garlic paste by
- Placing six sliced up pieces of garlic in a jar.
- Then, squeeze the juice from three oranges and add it to the jar along with two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Leave the mixture for about 12 hours.
- Thereafter, put some of the solution from the jar on your fingers and gently massage it on the affected area in a circular motion for about 15 minutes. Ensure that you shake the jar properly before applying the mixture.
- Wrap it in a clean and dry cloth and leave the mixture on overnight.
- Ensure that you repeat this procedure on a daily basis to get positive results.
How it works
Combining oil with garlic makes the lotion have an oily texture. Moreover, the lemon juice added to it helps in making varicose veins become less visible. The mixture is anti-inflammatory, toning and firming in nature. It stimulates the blood flow. It helps in eliminating toxins that get in way of oxygen flow of cells.
Moreover, this varicose veins natural treatment has a soothing effect on your inflamed and throbbing leg.
Also Read : 8 Health Benefits Of Garlic (Infographic)
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil and vitamin E oil are excellent home remedies for varicose veins. Massaging the skin with it helps in inflammation and also reduces pain.
What To Do?
- Heat the mixture of olive oil and vitamin E mixed in equal amounts to make it warm. Alternatively, you can also form a mixture of a few teaspoons of warm olive oil and four drops of cypress and apply it on the affected area to obtain similar results.
- Massage the mixture on the veins for several minutes.
- Repeat it twice a day for a month or two to see some change.
How It Works
Massaging with a slightly heated olive oil increases the blood flow thereby helping in reducing the pain and inflammation.
3. Cayenne Pepper
How to get rid of varicose veins? Simple. Use this home remedy. Cayenne pepper is considered a miraculous treatment for varicose veins.
What To Do?
- Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to a hot cup of water and stir it.
- Drinking this mixture three times a day for a month or two can relive you of varicose veins to a great deal.
How It Works
Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids which help in increasing the blood circulation and easing the pain of congested, swollen veins.
4. Horse Chestnut Seeds
Extract of horse chestnut obtained from the bark, leaves, flowers and the seeds of the plant is one of the most popular
What To Do?
The gel of horse chestnut seed is available in the market easily. Applying it gently in the affected area regularly can significantly reduce leg pain and swelling.
How It Works
Horse chestnut seeds are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effect that can raise ‘venous tone’, reducing the appearance of varicose veins. Its extract has a compound called aescin that can improve the elastic strength of veins.
Note: It is not recommended for pregnant women or people with a bleeding problem.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known to be effective for the treatment of varicose veins. Used regularly, it can help in relieving you to a great deal.
What To Do?
Apply the undiluted apple cider vinegar on the affected area and gently massage it. Do it every day at night and in the morning for a few months. It will help in reducing the size of varicose veins.
How It Works
Apple cider vinegar naturally cleanses the body improving the blood flow and circulation. When the blood flows naturally, the heaviness and swelling of varicose veins decrease to a great extent.
6. Grape Seeds Extract
People suffering from varicose veins can get rid of it if they use grape seed extract. They are known for promoting the formation of collagen, which is a protein that helps in maintaining the elasticity of connective tissues and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
What To Do?
Either of the powdered grape seeds or commercially available extracts are good as long as their OPC is 95% or higher. It can be taken orally or it can be used topically to get relief from pain and inflammation in the legs.
How It Works
It prevents leakage of fluid from veins and resultant swelling in legs. The help in preventing the risk of free radical damage to the walls of the blood vessels.
7. Parsley
As it is rich in vitamin C and is available in every household, parsley proves to be one of the best remedies for the varicose veins.
What To Do?
- Chop a handful of parsley and in a cup of water for round about five minutes.
- After removing from the heat, cover the solution and let it cool to lukewarm temperature. Then strain the solution.
- Add a drop of rose and marigold essential oils each.
- Now put the solution in the refrigerator for several minutes.
- Now apply the solution on the affected areas using a cotton ball.
- To see positive results repeat the procedure for several months.
How It Works
Being a powerful antioxidant it encourages the production of collagen, it aids to cell repair and reproduction. Rutin present in parsley strengthens the capillaries, reducing the symptoms of varicose veins.
8. Pine Bark Extract
Pine bark extract has several health benefits including fixing of varicose veins naturally.
What To Do?
Oral intake of pine bark extract is recommended. Always consult your doctor or expert before orally taking any new supplement or remedy.
How It Works
Due to containing many phenolic acids, flavonoid, and prothocynidins pine bark extract has many beneficial effects such as visible reduction of varicose veins and inflammation associated with it.
9. Witch Hazel
It is famous for relieving itching, burning and irritation caused by hemorrhoids and bowel movements. It is great for strengthening of blood vessels and reducing the symptoms of varicose veins.
What To Do?
- Place a washcloth soaked in witch hazel on the affected area.
- Doing this twice or thrice a day for a month or two will bring positive results.
Or,
- Filling a tub of tepid water, add 10 to 20 drops of distilled witch hazel.
- Soak your leg in it for 15 minutes. Then wash your legs with clean water.
- Pat them dry.
- To see positive results repeat the remedy daily for a month or two.
How It Works
Witch hazel is astringent and contains Gallic acid and essential oils that help in reducing the pain and swelling from varicose veins.
10. Butcher’s Broom
It is great for reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. It is great for relieving the aches and discomfort from varicose veins.
What To Do?
Butcher’s broom supplements contain vitamin B and C along with chromium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, silicon, zinc and selenium. Taking 100 mg of them thrice a day can give positive results.
How It Works
This herb helps in reducing inflammation as it contains ruscogenin (RUS).
Note: Patients of high blood pressure and benign prostate hyperplasia should not take it without a prescription.
11. Chamomile Oil
Chamomile essential oil is versatile and a part of several home remedies.
What To Do?
- Soak a cloth in 5 drops of oil and liter of water and create a compress.
- Apply it on the affected area for 15 minutes.
How It Works
It promotes circulation, reducing inflammation and clearing out varicose veins.it strengthens blood vessels all the while promoting healthy constrictions.
Also Read : Chamomile Extract- A Magic Potion For Health And Beauty
12. Pot Marigold
Calendula or pot marigold is an old remedy for all skin problems. It can fix varicose veins unsightly problem naturally.
What To Do?
Make an infusion of pot marigold in boiling water and use it as a warm compress for quick relief.
Or,
add a handful of flowers to a warm bath and soak in it.
How It Works
Its anti-inflammatory property reduces inflammation and pain. Its promoting of collagen restores skin’s natural texture. It helps in ulcers and blood circulation.
13. Essential Oils
Some essential oils help in treating varicose veins naturally to a great deal.
These are
- Cypress oil
- Frankincense oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Geranium oil
- Lemon oil
- Ginger oil
- Chamomile oil
What To Do?
They can be used as:
- Compress
- Massage oil
- In a warm bath
- How It Works
Every oil works in its own way relieving you of the symptoms of varicose veins. Weather from reducing pain to improving blood circulation, these essential oils benefits with their many benefits help in fixing varicose veins naturally too. Since pure essential oils have to be always diluted before use, check this dilution guide for essential oils.
Also Read : A Complete Guide to Diluting Essential Oils
How To Prevent Varicose Veins?
1. Massaging
Massage your legs with gentle upward strokes to smoothen out the twisted veins and improve the blood flow. It is advised not to apply pressure directly on bulging veins. Oils like olive oil or coconut oil can be used for massage.
2. Compression
Compression can stop your varicose veins’ progress if used in initial stage. It is advised to seek medical advice to know what kind of compression cloth is best suited for your condition.
3. Applying Mud Packs
Application of mud pack helps in reducing vein enlargement, improving blood flow and reduction of pain. Apply the pack for overnight and then in the morning wash the clay with warm water patting the area dry afterwards.
4. Dietary Changes
Include anti-inflammatory foods like oily fish, leafy vegetables, meat, tomatoes, nuts, and whole grains and ginger, garlic and onions, berries and cherries in your food will help in reducing pain and swelling.
5. Exercising And Activity
Exercising, moving muscles helps in pumping of blood and increases blood circulation. Work outs for legs and calves like swimming can provide benefits to a great deal.
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
