Remedies against Varicose Veins

Both to avoid their appearance and to keep them from worsening, you must maintain an active lifestyle and follow medical treatment.

According to popular beliefs, there are some home remedies that can treat varicose veins and contribute to the relief of their symptoms.

Varicose veins are venous dilations that hinder the return of blood to the heart, they mostly affect the lower limbs. In addition, they occur when there’s an alteration that keeps the blood from flowing properly.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose and spider veins develop when your venous valves don’t close properly, dilating the vein and causing blood to accumulate. Some of the risk factors for this problem include:

Obesity

Obesity is a disease that can affect the cardiovascular system and hinder blood circulation in general. This can result in various diseases such as hypertension and varicose veins.

According to the experts at Cinfa, excess body weight increases pressure on the veins and worsens their condition. This, in turn, leads to a greater risk of developing chronic venous insufficiency and varicose and associated complications.

Leading a sedentary lifestyle

Not exercising daily and staying in the same position for many hours a day can significantly hinder circulation, which can, in turn, lead to varicose veins.

When you sit many hours a day, it affects both the venous return pump and the leg muscles. Thus, a sedentary lifestyle stagnates the blood and thus a valvular overload, which results in varicose veins.

Remaining in the same position for long periods of time

Both, sitting and standing for very long periods of time, are detrimental to your cardiovascular system, since it impairs circulation. This is because you’re always working against gravity.

Contraceptives lead to varicose veins

Birth control pills can cause fluid retention and failure of the valves in your reticular veins. Women who use these contraceptives may notice changes in their legs and the appearance of varicose or spider veins.

Genetic factors

They may be genetic or personal and manifest as varicose veins, deep venous thrombosis, or problems in the lower limbs.

Other risk factors

Smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels can all also be direct or indirect causes of vein problems.

The best remedies against varicose veins

According to popular beliefs, you can use the following remedies to treat varicose veins in addition to following the doctor’s instructions and maintaining good life habits.

Blueberries

Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin P, and other nutritional content, blueberries are a good supplement to your diet and contribute to cardiovascular health also.

You can eat them raw as a dessert or a snack, or make an infusion with a tablespoon of berries for each cup of water.

Aloe vera

Although there’s no proof that the consumption of aloe vera can significantly contribute to your health, there are some who believe it may be a suitable remedy to treat discomforts associated with varicose veins, such as fluid retention.

Some people make smoothies with aloe to obtain a variety of tasty and hydrating drinks.

Horsetail grass

Due to its diuretic effect, horsetail infusion may help relieve some of the discomforts caused by varicose veins such as swelling and fluid retention. However, you must keep in mind that its consumption doesn’t really cure varicose veins.

This drink isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with heart problems, or with thrombophlebitis.

Marigold

Some people believe that the creams that contain this flower can help soothe pain, reduce inflammation, and repair damaged tissues. You can easily make it at home in many ways.

Essential oils

Massages are a good solution when your legs hurt due to varicose veins and to avoid a sedentary lifestyle because spending many hours on your feet can make a dent on your body. It must be circular and start at the ankles and go up to the thighs.

You can, for example, use olive oil to facilitate blood circulation and prevent blockage of the veins. Make sure the oil is warm when you use it.

Cypress

Some people think that an infusion of cypress bark and its leaves can help treat various circulatory diseases and, of course, varicose veins. Others take cypress in the form of capsules, tablets, or infusions.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp of cypress leaves and bark
• 1 pint of water

Preparation

• Heat the water until it comes to a boil and add the leaves and bark.
• Then, let this mixture steep for 10 minutes. Cool and strain the liquid.
• You can also use this treatment as a topical one. For example, soak a cotton ball in the liquid and apply it directly (kind of like a tonic) to the affected areas.

Chestnuts

Ingredients

• 5 tbsp of chestnut bark
• 1 pint of water

Preparation

• First of all, bring the water to a boil and add the chestnut bark. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
• After this time, strain it, let it cool down a bit, and then drink the liquid.

Phytotherapy may also be helpful

According to certain hypotheses, some plants and herbs possess venotonic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-edematous properties. Therefore, phototherapy may be a viable option in the treatment of varicose veins.

It’s interesting to note that a great deal of research has been done regarding chestnuts and marigold as complementary treatments for varicose veins, given the positive effects that have produced in patients.

The remedies mentioned here don’t replace the recommendations of your doctor nor the benefits that good life habits can provide. Thus, consider them a complementary aid and not a treatment as such.

They can help you relieve some discomfort, but keep in mind that you should continue following your doctor’s instructions.