A question that is often asked is: what is a varicose vein? Well, the answer is pretty simple, and the condition is a common one. Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged and are visible mostly in the legs and feet, although veins in any part of the body can be affected. When the walls develop weakly or the valves in them do not function properly, these veins appear as the blood flow is not regulated. Varicose veins are more common among women than among men.

But then, there are a number of remedies and other ways that can help you treat varicose veins. Would you like to know more? Read on.

Varicose veins may be common, but it is an embarrassing problem to have for many people as the veins bulge out and cause self-consciousness. This condition can also be painful. You can also experience symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, throbbing, burning sensation, tingling as well as heaviness in your legs (1).

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The condition can be caused by a number of risk factors,which include the following (2):

• Obesity
• Heredity factors
• Use of contraceptive pills
• Constipation
• Hormonal changes during puberty
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Hormonal changes during menopause
• Professions that require being on one’s feet for long periods of time

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of This Condition?

The most common symptoms of varicose veins have already been discussed; however, there are other signs and symptoms that you need to look out for to make sure you treat the condition as quickly as possible (3). These include:

• Swollen and twisted veins
• Deep purple or blue-colored veins
• Abnormally excessive bleeding, even on minor cuts and wounds
• Lipodermatosclerosis – a condition in which fat above the ankles hardens and causes the skin to shrink
• Telangiectasia, also known as spider veins, develops in the leg with varicose veins
• Shiny discoloration of the skin near the varicose veins, normally blue or brownish in color
• Stasis dermatitis, also known as venous eczema – a condition in which the skin around the affected area becomes itchy, dry and red
• Swelling of the ankles
• Atrophie blanche – a condition in which irregular patches that are whitish in color appear in the ankle area

As mentioned earlier, in many cases, people with varicose veins also suffer from restless legs syndrome, pain and other unpleasant sensations in the affected leg. Although the legs are commonly affected by this condition, it can also occur in other areas of the body such as:

• Esophagus
• Rectum
• Uterus
• Vagina
• Pelvis

How Can Varicose Veins Be Treated?

There are medical and surgical treatment options⁴ for varicose veins (4); however, they are expensive. New advancements have been made in the world of medicine to permanently treat this condition (5). The good news is that you can try out different home remedies for this condition and avoid getting expensive treatments. These remedies are natural and safe, and most of the time, the ingredients required for them can be found right in your kitchen!

Here is a look at 20 of the most effective remedies for varicose veins:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar:

This is one of the most popular home remedies for varicose veins. It naturally cleanses the body and helps in the improvement of blood circulation and flow. When blood flows properly, the swelling and heaviness that comes with varicose veins decreases significantly. All you need to do is apply this vinegar on the affected area and gently massage it every morning and night. Make it your daily ritual and within a few months, you will see a reduction in the size of the varicose veins. You can also try drinking a glass of water mixed with 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar twice every day. Do this for a month to see its effect on your condition.

2. Cayenne Pepper:

This pepper is rich in bioflavonoids and vitamin C, and is considered to be a powerful remedy for the treatment of varicose veins. The nutrients in cayenne pepper improve blood circulation and help in easing the pain that comes with swollen and congested veins. To make this remedy, all you need is a cup of hot water that is mixed well with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Drinking this mixture thrice a day for about 2 months and experience great results.

3. Garlic:

This is a wonderful herb that is highly effective for treating varicose veins. It reduces inflammation as well as other symptoms of this condition. It also helps in the improvement of blood circulation and the removal of toxins that are present in the blood vessels.

What you need to do is take a jar and put in sliced pieces of 6 cloves of garlic and the juice of 3 oranges. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it rest for 12 hours. Once 12 hours are up, shake the mixture well and take a few drops to massage the affected area in a circular motion for 15 to 20 minutes. Take a cotton cloth, wrap it and leave it overnight. Make this a daily regimen for a few months. You should also eat plenty of garlic.

4. Olive Oil:

We all know the goodness of olive oil, whether it is used in cooking or for massages. You can gain relief from inflammation and pain by massaging the affected area with this oil. As you know, increasing blood circulation is important for the treatment of varicose veins. Make a massaging oil by mixing equal amounts of this oil and vitamin E oil. Make sure it is warm. Massage the veins with this oil twice daily for about 2 months. You can also use 4 drops of cypress essential oil instead of vitamin E oil.

4. Witch Hazel:

This is a great herb that is highly effective in keeping blood vessels strong and healthy. Therefore, it is a superb natural remedy for varicose veins. It is not only an astringent, but also is rich in gallic acid and various essential oils that can help in the reduction of pain and swelling of veins. All you need to do is place a washcloth soaked in witch hazel on the affected area. Doing this thrice a day for 2 months will give you relief from this condition. You can also use the distilled oil of this herb by adding about 20 drops to a bucket of warm water. Soak your legs in it for 15 minutes and pat dry. Do this once a day for 2 months to gain great results.

5. Butcher’s Broom:

This is a herb that is rich in compounds called ruscogenins that have anti-elastase and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in the reduction of inflammation by constricting the veins. It is highly effective in providing relief from the pain and discomfort that comes with varicose veins. Taking a daily dose of 100 mg of this herb’s supplement thrice a day works wonders. It will help reduce inflammation and make the veins tight and strong as well. Blood flow in the legs also improves significantly. It is important to remember that people with benign prostate hyperplasia or high BP should not use this herb unless they consult a physician first.

6. Horse Chestnut Seeds:

This is a home remedy for varicose veins that has been used for decades. It has anti-swelling as well as anti-inflammatory properties that lower the appearance of these veins. The extract of these seeds contains a compound known as aescin that helps in improving the elasticity of veins. It also prevents the release of enzymes that cause damage to capillary walls. You can use horse chestnut seed gel and apply it to the affected area twice a day to reduce swelling and pain. You can also take a daily dose of 300 mg of a supplement twice a day. Raw horse chestnut should be avoided as it has esculin, which is a toxic compound.

7. Marigold:

This pretty flower is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. These nutrients help in stimulating collagen production and in the reproduction and repair of cells. Circulation gets improved as well, making it effective for alleviating the different symptoms of varicose veins. You can make a compress by boiling 4 cups of water with a cup of marigold flowers for about 5 minutes. Soak a soft cloth in it and place it on the area that is affected. Leave it there until it cools. Do this several times every day for a month or two and you will notice visible results. You can also chew the petals of fresh marigold flowers.

8. Grapevine Leaves:

These leaves are rich in flavonoids that are essential to the health of veins. Their homeostatic, astringent, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make them a very effective remedy for varicose veins. Boil 4 cups of water with a cup of grapevine leaves for about 15 minutes. Let it steep until it cools. Pour the solution into a bucket and soak your feet in it for 5 minutes. Then soak your feet in another bucket of cold water for 10 seconds and repeat this several times. When you are done, massage your legs with castor oil and keep your legs elevated for a while.

9. Parsley:

This herb is rich in vitamin C, which is a super-antioxidant that boosts collagen production and helps in the repair and reproduction of cells. Boil a cup of water with freshly chopped parsley for 5 minutes. Cover the pot and allow it to become lukewarm. Next, strain the solution. Add one drop of marigold and rose essential oils and refrigerate the solution for about 15 minutes. Once it is done, take a cotton ball, soak it with the solution and apply it to the affected area. Do this every day for a couple of months and gain great results. You should also eat lots of fresh parsley.

10. Grape Seed Oil:

This oil has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a wonderful home remedy for varicose veins. Using grape seed oil for massages improves blood circulation and repairs and strengthens the capillaries and blood vessels that are damaged. Take 3 teaspoons each of this oil and jojoba oil and add 8 drops of peppermint, geranium or lemon essential oil. Mix it well and use a few drops to massage your legs and ankles or the affected area. Massage using upward strokes. You will gain relief from the different symptoms of varicose veins.

11. Essential Oils Compress:

You can make a compress with several essential oils to gain relief from varicose veins. With the right essential oil combination, you can improve the flow of blood and eliminate varicose veins. One compress you can make is by mixing 3 drops each of chamomile, lavender and carrot seed oils, 1 teaspoon of St. John’s wort tincture and a cup of water. Mix them well and take a soft cloth soaked with the solution. Place the compress on the areas with varicose veins and gain relief from itching as well as other symptoms of the disorder.

Following are some other ways that can help you get rid of varicose veins:

12. Foot Exercises:

Flexing your feet and contracting the foot muscles can force blood to move upwards, moving it out of the veins. Sit down and keep your legs elevated while trying out these 3 exercises:

• Pump your ankles by flexing your foot up and down.
• Exercise your ankles by rotating your feet clockwise and then anti-clockwise.
• Bend your knees and let your heels slide back and forth.

13. Rest Your Legs:

It is important that you give your feet a break by not standing for too long. To gain relief from the symptoms of varicose veins, sit down with your feet up or go for a short walk. This will help the muscles in your legs push blood up to your brain. Proper blood circulation is important for the treatment of this disorder.

15. Do Not Sit For Too Long:

According to experts, sitting for long periods of time can also cause varicose veins. Get up at regular intervals and stretch your legs for a few minutes. Standing on your toes and flexing your heels 10 times is a great exercise to prevent or gain relief from varicose veins and its various symptoms.

16. Eat A High Fiber Diet:

As mentioned earlier, constipation is one of the causes of varicose veins. This means that you need to take proper care of your digestive system so that you prevent constipation and your bowels are kept clean. A diet rich in fiber will help you achieve this. It will help you gain relief from varicose veins and also improves your overall health. Your diet should also include fresh vegetables and fruits as well as plenty of fish.

17. Lose Weight:

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for to prevent and gain relief from varicose veins and its symptoms. As you know, obesity is one of the major causes of the disorder. When you are overweight, blood cannot be efficiently pumped from your lower limbs to the heart. Obesity tires out the different systems in your body and makes you inactive because of excess weight. Eat a well-balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and keep varicose veins away.

18. Eat Healthy:

Apart from a fiber-rich diet, you should make sure that you only eat the healthiest foods possible. Eat plenty of cherries, blackberries and pineapples. Ginger and onions should also be a part of your daily diet. Stay away from processed foods, sugar, salt, peanuts, cheeseetc. if you suffer from varicose veins. It is also important to abstain from alcohol and tobacco. These food tips will help reduce the symptoms of varicose veins and also prevent their onset.

19. Exercise Daily:

You already know that foot exercises are vital for the treatment of varicose veins. Cycling, jogging and swimming are activities that promote proper blood circulation. Even simple walks every day can help you keep the symptoms of the disorder away and reduce the appearance of the veins. Get active and gain relief from the pain and discomfort that comes with varicose veins (6).

20. Elevate Your Feet:

When you are at home, make sure that you keep your feet up while you are relaxing. This will keep the blood in your body circulating properly. Even while you are at work, keep your feet elevated by using a stool. You will notice a significant change in the symptoms you experience and it will help in keeping the condition away.

As you have read, there are quite a number of effective home remedies that can help you treat varicose veins. Massages and compresses alone don’t work. You also need to make sure that you make lifestyle changes for a healthier life. Diet and exercise play a huge role in helping alleviate the symptoms of this often-painful disorder. By using natural home remedies, you can stay safe from various side-effects that come with medications and do not have to spend a fortune on surgical treatments.

Home remedies are safe and natural and are the best way to treat different ailments and disorders. However, you need to remember to consult your doctor before using any remedy to make sure that it does not interfere with any other medication you may be taking or other disorders you may be suffering from.

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The post 20 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Varicose Veins appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE