Home Remedies for Varicose Veins

These home remedies for varicose veins may help as treatment for varicose veins. But what are varicose veins? What causes varicose veins, what are varicose veins symptoms and how to prevent varicose veins?

Varicose veins are the enlarged and twisted veins or blood vessels that are visible on the surface of the skin especially in the legs. The main cause of varicose veins is the failure of the valves in the superficial veins to close properly because they may have become weak or damaged. When this happens, blood in the veins that is supposed to flow up from the leg toward the heart will flow backward and down the leg instead. It will then cause the pooling of blood in the veins and is known as chronic venous insufficiency. The pressure leads to swelling and thickening of the blood vessels.

The common symptoms of varicose veins are noticeable bulge and twisted veins. They are blue or dark purple in color because of the deoxygenated blood. Normally this condition doesn't hurt but can make a person feel self-conscious. Some people do suffer varicose veins pain and discomfort such as burning or throbbing sensation in the leg, itching at the area of the swollen veins, leg muscle cramps and swollen lower legs, feet or ankles.

Women who are over the age of 50 are more prone to this condition because the veins may have lost its elasticity or the valves have weakened. Some women who are pregnant may also develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes and also because of changes in the blood circulation. But the veins will be back to normal 3 months to a year after delivery. People who stand for long hours regularly may also develop varicose veins. Heredity is another factor that can lead to varicose veins. Being overweight may also increase the risk of developing varicose veins.

These natural home remedies for varicose veins may not get rid of them but can reduce the symptoms and as prevention of varicose veins. Before trying any of these herbs as home remedies for varicose veins, please check with your doctor especially if you are pregnant or taking prescription medication.

Home remedies for varicose veins No. 1 - Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings or support pantyhose are specially designed to keep the veins in the legs from bulging and the blood and fluids from pooling in the legs. The pressure is exerted on the lower legs and this helps blood flow easily toward the heart. The compression is measured in millimeters of mercury or mm Hg and the stockings are available in various lengths.

Home remedies for varicose veins No. 2 - Varicose veins and herbs

1. Researchers in England and Germany discovered that horse chestnut extract helped in assisting smooth blood flow through the veins. The constituents in horse chestnut were able to prevent swelling in the legs and treat the symptoms of varicose veins. It is also an effective natural remedy for hemorrhoid and water retention. To use horse chestnut in the treatment of varicose veins, take it as a dietary supplement. At the same time, apply horse chestnut cream topically.
   
   
   
2. Taking grape seed extract may also help as natural home remedies for varicose veins. Some studies found that the bioflavonoids present in grape seed were able to reduce leakage in vein and also swellings in the legs.
   
   
   
3. Bilberry extract also contains bioflavonoids and has been used in the treatment for varicose veins because of its ability to maintain and restore blood circulation. One of the other benefits of taking bilberry is in maintaining vision health.
   
   
   
4. Butchers broom is another herb that is known to help improve poor circulation in the legs and feet and strengthen and maintain the walls of the veins. It is best taken internally as a dietary supplement. It is also helpful in the treatment of hemorrhoid.
   
   
   
5. The constituents in gotu kola have the ability to relax the veins and allow blood to flow easily. Studies suggest that gotu kola may help in treating and preventing chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
   
   
   
6. Rosemary herbal extract also has the ability to assist healthy blood circulation and prevent spider veins as well as varicose veins.
   
   
   
7. Besides their uses as a remedy for hemorrhoid, comfrey and witch hazel extracts may also help in treating varicose veins. These two herbal extracts are only to be used externally when using them as natural remedies for varicose veins.

Home remedies for varicose veins No. 3 - Exercises for varicose veins

Your leg muscles help pump blood from the veins in the leg to the heart. When you exercise your legs, buttocks or thighs, the muscle contracts and this makes the blood flow up and prevent it from pooling inside the vein. Some examples of exercises that are helpful in preventing and treating varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency are brisk walking, running, cycling, step aerobics and leg raises.

Doing regular exercise burns the extra calories and fat and help in maintaining a healthy weight. It is important not to become overweighed because it causes a lot of strain to the blood vessels to pump blood.

Home remedies for varicose veins No. 4 - Healthy eating

Besides exercising, you must eat a balanced diet. Ensure that you are getting the recommended daily allowance of dietary fiber, protein and vitamin C. Dietary fiber helps in making you full faster and longer and helps in preventing constipation which can lead to strain to the blood capillaries. Protein and vitamin C which are parts of the components of collagen assist in keeping the tissues in the veins and valves in good shape.

Other vitamins and supplements that may help are vitamin B, bromelain which is the extract of pineapples and rutin which is found in citrus fruits such as lemon, grapefruit and orange. Buckwheat is also one of the sources of rutin.

Home remedies for varicose veins No. 5 - Raise your legs

Lie down and elevate your legs as high as you can to increase blood circulation and reduce swelling. While your legs are in this position, flex your feet to contract the muscles which will then help pressure the blood out of the veins. What you can do include rotating your feet clockwise and counter clockwise or flex your feet up and down. It is also a good idea to sleep with your legs elevated by placing several pillows underneath.

Home remedies for varicose veins No. 6 - Take breaks

Avoid standing or sitting in one position over a long period of time. Bear in mind that the blood flowing up to the heart is moving against gravity and when you are standing upright, it has a longer distance to travel and there is more pressure.

Sitting too long in one position and sitting with your legs crossed aren't good for the leg veins also. When you are seated, the blood that flow in the veins toward your heart has to follow a different route instead of moving straight up. So take breaks in between by standing up, flexing or stretching your legs.

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