NATURAL TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS | 16 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS
The heart and blood vessels make up the human bloodstream. Veins are blood vessels that return blood to the heart after it has circulated through the body, unlike arteries, which carry blood from the heart; the blood in the veins is poor in oxygen, unlike the arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood.
The circulatory system is vital for sustaining life.
For it to function normally, it is important to supply oxygen and nutrients to all cells, but also to remove carbon dioxide and waste products, circulate proteins and cells of the immune system, as well as to maintain an optimal pH value.
Veins have one-way valves - valves that help blood flow in the right direction, i.e. towards the heart. If those vein valves stop working the way they should, blood starts to flow backward and pool in the veins, raising the blood pressure in them.
This process leads to a disease of the veins called venous hypertension.
WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS AND HOW ARE THEY MANIFESTED?
The creation of pressure inside the veins leads to weakness of the vein walls, so this process leads to the development of unsightly, enlarged, and bulging veins under the surface of the skin. These abnormally stretched and dilated veins are known as varicose veins.
Varicose veins are swollen, dark blue or purple blood vessels that you can see and feel under the skin.
Varicose vein disease
THE DISEASE IS USUALLY MILD AND NOT LIFE-THREATENING. ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, BETWEEN 10 AND 30 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL HUMAN POPULATION SUFFERS FROM THESE DISEASES, SINCE VENOUS DISEASES ARE AMONG THE MOST COMMON DISEASES IN HUMANITY.
Patients with varicose veins often experience pain, throbbing, cramping, burning, itching, and other symptoms that may indicate the need to see a doctor.
Other patients with vein disease may remain symptom-free for years.
Varicose veins are considered diseases because the valves inside the veins are defective, so the disease process usually spreads to other places on the legs over time.
Venous hypertension spreads from diseased varicose veins to healthy veins. It is often described as a "domino effect", as more and more venous valves break, as they are exposed to increased venous pressure from adjacent infected veins.
Therefore, varicose vein disease usually worsens over time and begins to involve larger and larger areas of the legs.
Problems with varicose veins
MOST OF THE TIME, VARICOSE VEINS WILL NOT CAUSE SYMPTOMS AND ARE A COSMETIC PROBLEM, AND ARE UNLIKELY TO CONTRIBUTE TO MORE SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS. THE AMOUNT OF BLOOD THAT COLLECTS IN THE VEINS IS SMALL, AND MOST OF THE BLOOD STILL RETURNS TO THE HEART.
However, see them as a warning sign, a sign that something is reducing normal blood flow.
Possible complications of varicose veins
In some cases, varicose veins can cause complications such as open skin sores and swelling. When symptoms of pain are present, they are most often pains in the muscles or swelling in the ankles and legs, which can make it difficult to be comfortable, work, exercise, and walk normally.
Some people, especially pregnant women, also develop heaviness or fullness in the legs, restlessness, fatigue, pain, cramps, skin ulcers, and itching, thickening, and discoloration of the skin.
There is also a small risk that varicose veins will lead to blood clotting - thrombophlebitis, in which case urgent treatment will be required.
SEVERAL STAGES OF VARICOSE VEINS DISEASE:
1. The first stage of varicose veins is characterized by the so-called cosmetic, aesthetic changes that are manifested by small reticulate, net, or panicle-like expansions of venous vessels.
There are no venous blood flow disorders, and the complaints are mostly aesthetic.
2. The second clinical stage of varicose veins is characterized by the appearance of larger venous enlargements, localized mainly in the lower parts of the legs, around the ankle joint, and on the foot.
Swelling and edema of the feet around the ankle joint may occur when standing for a long time, and the first complaints appear - pain, feeling of tension and swelling of the legs, increased local temperature, and feeling of heaviness in the legs.
The complaints are usually more pronounced at night.
3. The third clinical stage of varicose veins is characterized by significant expansions of subcutaneous veins that are twisted, irregularly, and profusely expanded to the thickness of a finger, sometimes with signs of thrombophlebitis, fixed thrombus, clots in them, and changes in the color of the surrounding skin.
Disorders of venous flow also lead to damage to microcirculation and the lymphatic system.
These conditions are manifested by pain, occasional cramps, tingling, swelling when standing, damage to the skin, especially in the area of the feet and around the ankle joint, and similar manifestations.
4. The fourth stage of varicose veins is characterized by the appearance of skin changes caused by venous stasis. These are dermatitis, eczematoid, pigment, and other skin damage.
External venous bleeding can occur in the region of thinned skin.
If this phenomenon occurs, it is necessary to place the patient in a supine position, raise his leg, place a compressive bandage from the toes to above the bleeding site, and then refer the patient for treatment to an appropriate surgical facility.
RISK FACTORS FOR THE OCCURRENCE OF VARICOSE VEINS
While varicose veins can affect almost anyone at any age, they tend to appear more often in patients with certain risk factors.
Risk factors for varicose veins include:
Occupations in which you stand for a long time and move little
Family history of varicose veins
Old age
Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies
Obesity
Leg trauma or previous blood clots in the legs
Heredity / genetic predisposition
Gender (women more inclined than men)
Although there is no surefire way to prevent the development of varicose veins, there are lifestyle changes that can be made to reduce the risk of further complications caused by the condition.
Although the risk increases with age, varicose veins are often seen at a very young age, even in the teenage years. Your doctor will provide you with more information about how you can reduce your risk of varicose veins and maintain strong vascular health.
Diagnostics of varicose veins
Varicose veins can usually be diagnosed after a physical examination of the affected area. An additional ultrasound examination is also possible.
These studies allow the doctor to obtain an anatomical "road map" of your circulation. This enables more precise and targeted treatment options.
When it is necessary to consider the treatment of varicose veins
If varicose veins are causing any symptoms, a medical evaluation should be considered.
Many patients with varicose veins are only bothered by their appearance. Only cosmetic reasons are the most common reason why patients seek treatment for varicose veins.
They often occur due to discomfort when wearing short pants or skirts, which can lead to avoidance of social activities or sports or damage to self-confidence.
They can even be the root of psychological problems related to body perception, such as body dysmorphic disorder.
A long-standing problem of varicose veins
LONG-TERM VARICOSE VEIN DISEASE CAN LEAD TO MANY DIFFERENT PROBLEMS, SOME MORE SERIOUS THAN OTHERS.
Problems that can occur over time include chronic sores or ulcers on the feet and ankles, chronic leg swelling or edema, skin discoloration, thinning of the skin, or other severe skin disorders.
The longer varicose vein disease is present, the more likely it is to develop more complex medical problems.
Pain or discomfort in the legs can also be signs of more serious underlying medical conditions in the veins.
Both phlebitis/thrombophlebitis and deep vein thrombosis can lead to pain or swelling in the leg veins. This will be best diagnosed by a doctor through a physical examination and an ultrasound examination of the veins.
TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS
There are many reasons people seek treatment for varicose veins, including frequent discomfort, chronic swelling/edema, or skin damage.
Many people with vein disease also seek cosmetic treatment to remove or reduce the appearance of unsightly varicose - enlarged or spider veins - in their legs.
Sometimes patients seek treatment to reduce their chances of developing more significant circulation problems if their veins are left untreated.
There are several treatment options for varicose veins that can eliminate or reduce and alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins.
These therapies may include methods such as weight loss, keeping the legs elevated, using anti-inflammatory medications, regular exercise, and wearing compression stockings.
More direct and permanent relief is often achieved with interventional therapies.
Advances in technology have made it possible for varicose vein treatments to be minimally uncomfortable and with a very quick recovery.
Some of the common and effective treatments for varicose veins include sclerotherapy injections, laser therapy, and catheter-based treatments.
The varicose vein treatment procedures described below are usually done in clinics:
1. Sclerotherapy
It treats varicose veins by injecting a solution (a sclerosing agent) into the targeted veins, which causes them to gradually disappear. The sclerosant solution used during the procedure irritates the vein wall and causes the blood vessel to spasm and become permanently closed.
The therapy is usually guided by ultrasound, with which we monitor the needle entering the vein and the movement of the sclerosing agent. Foam sclerotherapy is the most common method.
Depending on the severity of your disease, it usually takes several treatments to achieve the desired result.
2. Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT)
EVLT is a minimally invasive laser procedure that treats varicose veins more safely and effectively than surgical procedures because it precisely involves the veins with a laser probe under ultrasound guidance.
Laser energy delivered to the vein causes the vein walls to become scarred so that blood can no longer pass through them.
After laser vein therapy, venous blood flow that once circulated through varicose veins is redirected to healthy veins.
3. Radiofrequency vein ablation
A minimally invasive procedure, which is based on closing diseased or dilated veins from the inside, using microwaves that are produced by placing a catheter in the vein and generating heat.
The heat acts on the vein wall and causes the vein to “spasm”. This procedure treats varicose veins more safely and effectively than surgery because it precisely targets the affected veins with a radiofrequency probe under ultrasound guidance.
Just like endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation is based on closing damaged veins from the inside.
4. Endovenous chemical ablation (ECA)
ECA is a minimally invasive procedure that is often used to treat or remove varicose veins on the surface, as well as varicose veins that are not suitable for endovenous laser treatment.
It is a quick procedure that usually does not require anesthesia and most patients can immediately return to normal activities.
During a typical endovenous chemical ablation procedure, the guidance of advanced duplex ultrasound technology is used to inject medical agents into a targeted vein, thus redirecting blood flow to healthier veins, and improving overall circulation.
Over time, the body naturally removes the treated veins.
5. Mini phlebectomy, or just "phlebectomy"
Phlebectomy is a traditional plastic surgery that has been used for years to treat varicose veins, and it is based on the removal of damaged veins from the body.
Although it is more invasive than the other described therapies, it is very effective for larger varicose veins.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS
Talk to your doctor before trying any herbal therapy or dietary supplement to make sure these products are safe and won't interfere with any medications.
1. Horse chestnut as a natural remedy for the treatment of varicose veins
Horse chestnut belongs to natural remedies for the treatment of varicose veins, since its ingredient escin has a beneficial effect on reducing swelling and pain.
Wild chestnut reduces the inflammatory process, relieves the feeling of heaviness in the legs, and reduces spasms and pain.
To prepare the medicine, you need about ten large wild chestnuts, which you grind as finely as possible and pour over 2 DCL of alcohol, preferably Komo brandy.
Leave the jar in the sun for seven weeks, then strain the resulting mixture and pour it into a smaller jar and gently rub it on the affected areas every day.
2. Calendula for the treatment of varicose veins
Calendula oil is a natural remedy against varicose veins. The beneficial effect of calendula will relieve pain in the legs, purify the blood from bad cholesterol and increase the elasticity of blood vessels.
What is needed is to pick the marigold, all parts of the plant, flowers, leaves, and stem, then chop everything finely.
Put about 500 g of lard in a pan and heat it at the highest temperature, then when the lard is hot, add the chopped marigold and let it boil, then remove it from the heat.
Cover the container and leave it overnight at room temperature, and the next day just heat it enough to strain.
Pour the resulting fat into a container and rub it several times a day on the affected areas.
3. Cabbage as medicine for vein inflammation
The best poultice for treating varicose veins is a fresh cabbage leaf. The nutritional components in cabbage relieve the swelling that occurs along with varicose veins.
The sulfur in cabbage will help treat infections that can develop in critical areas where inflamed veins are located.
This is precisely why our grandmothers often recommend cabbage as one of the best natural remedies for veins and circulation.
Place fresh cabbage leaves directly on the affected area, hold until the cabbage shrivels, then replace it with fresh ones.
If you can keep it like that overnight. You will feel relief almost immediately, and after prolonged use, the varicose veins will recede.
4. Garlic oil for the treatment of varicose veins
Garlic is one of the most well-known natural remedies with wide applications. Garlic-based oil is excellent for varicose veins, as its application relieves inflammation and helps your body get rid of toxins.
All you need is to rub garlic oil on the varicose veins, then put a plastic bag and wrap it with a bandage.
The treatment needs to be done more so that it stays overnight. Wash your feet in the morning and repeat the procedure the next night.
5. Apple cider vinegar for veins and cracked capillaries
Apple cider vinegar is certainly the simplest tool for treating varicose veins, as well as cracked capillaries, but very effective since it contains many vitamins, minerals, and macro and microelements.
By using apple cider vinegar, the results are visible already after a few weeks. Simply soak a piece of cotton wool in apple cider vinegar and rub it on the areas of varicose veins.
You can repeat the treatment several times a day.
6. Green and red tomatoes as a folk remedy for the fight against varicose veins
Green tomatoes belong to the folk remedy for the fight against varicose veins. Antioxidants in tomato fruits help regenerate damaged veins and strengthen the walls of each affected blood vessel.
Tomatoes need to be washed and cut into rings. Place the coils on the nodes of varicose veins, as well as on the veins themselves.
You can fix it with a bandage to keep the tomatoes in those places for a while until you feel a burning sensation on your skin.
If you do this procedure several times a day, you will feel an improvement very quickly.
The same procedure is with red tomatoes.
Tomatoes are rich in healing properties, so don't miss the period during the summer, to treat the affected area in combination with green tomatoes.
7. Comfrey for vein problems
Comfrey in the form of poultices is very useful for all vein problems. This plant and its active ingredients help with tissue regeneration and speed up wound healing.
Always use freshly grated comfrey root, but in the absence of fresh root, you can also use the tincture.
The tincture has shown itself well in vein inflammation.
Pour 700 ml of 50 percent medical alcohol into a glass bottle and add 100 g of comfrey root.
Shake the bottle, close it tightly and let it stand horizontally in a dark place where it will stand for the next two weeks.
Shake the contents of the bottle every third day.
When the standing period has passed, strain the liquid and pour it into a dark glass bottle.
It is recommended to apply the tincture three times a day to critical areas.
When not using the tincture, keep the bottle in a dark place.
8. Rosehip for the treatment of varicose veins
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which nourish the skin, giving it smoothness, and also reducing wrinkles and scars.
In the treatment of varicose veins, rosehip oil helps to reduce leg pain.
Rosehip oil is effective as a therapy for various ailments, but its main property is its soothing and relaxing effect on muscles.
9. Arnica for the treatment of bruises in varicose veins
Arnica has long been used to suppress inflammatory processes, but it also helps in the treatment of bruises caused by varicose veins. Arnica relaxes tired legs and muscles, so it is often used by athletes after hard training.
Arnica is applied to the skin in the form of a gel or cream.
10. Aloe vera for skin diseases
Aloe vera is a plant that is often used in therapies for skin diseases. It has a proven effect on various ailments, including osteoarthritis, varicose veins, burns, treatment of psoriasis, sunburn wounds, and frostbite.
Aloe vera restores the elasticity of the skin and stimulates the production of collagen, which gives the skin firmness.
Finely chop one carrot. Bring the water to a boil, add pieces of carrot to it and reduce the heat on the stove.
Meanwhile, extract the gel from two aloe leaves. When the carrot is soft, strain it from the water and mash it.
Add aloe and three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
Use the paste for the next two days by applying it to the varicose veins.
11. Lemon for problems with varicose veins
Lemon peel alleviates the problems caused by varicose veins. It contains substances known as flavonoids, including rutin, which reduce the permeability of blood vessels, especially capillaries.
Put lemon rings on the affected areas and wrap them with a bandage, it can be repeated several times a day.
Also, lemon oil is an excellent tonic for veins, so rub painful areas with lemon oil daily.
12. Blueberries for circulation
Blueberry stimulates circulation and improves the overall condition of the vascular system. Eat fresh blueberries.
Related types of plants that have the same properties include blackberries and blueberries.
13. Cypress essential oil for painful varicose veins
For varicose veins, cypress essential oil can be applied daily, which you can get at any well-stocked herbal pharmacy or health food store.
The oil can be used for painful varicose veins because it improves lymphatic drainage, and circulation, reduces pressure in the legs, etc.
Apply a few drops of cypress essential oil (5 drops) to the cold compress and massage your legs, so that they relax as much as possible.
If you feel pain in your muscles or swelling, try using various diluted essential oils such as mint, and lavender, in small quantities to relieve problem areas.
14. Chamomile as a soothing agent for veins
Chamomile has a calming effect and relieves the heaviness and discomfort that comes from problematic veins, especially after spending some time on your feet.
Mix chamomile with some organic coconut oil and rub it on your feet before going to bed.
15. Olive oil for increasing circulation and treating varicose veins
Increasing blood circulation is necessary for the treatment of varicose veins. Massaging with olive oil can help increase circulation, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
Mix equal amounts of olive oil and vitamin E and heat it gently. Massage the veins with warm oil for a few minutes. Do this twice a day for one to two months.
You can also mix four drops of cypress essential oil in two teaspoons of warm olive oil and massage with the mixture.
16. Parsley for the treatment of varicose veins
Parsley is rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and promotes collagen production, as well as cell recovery and reproduction. Parsley contains rutin, which plays a key role in strengthening capillaries and is therefore useful in reducing the symptoms of varicose veins.
Compresses made of a thin layer of honey and finely chopped parsley are recommended, several times a day, while taking equal amounts of honey and parsley.
The compress is applied two to three times a day or left overnight.
All this will ease the problems caused by varicose veins, but be sure to watch out for serious complications that can accompany this disease.
It is best to start treatment as soon as possible, with the consultation of a doctor.
Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods to reduce the appearance of varicose veins include:
1. Food rich in fiber
Fiber helps improve heart health and is also needed for healthy digestion. Foods rich in fiber include chia seeds and flax seeds, vegetables, and fresh fruits.
2. Food rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as flavonoids (found in berries), vitamin C, and vitamin E (both found in green vegetables and citrus fruits), help strengthen veins, fight inflammation, and improve arterial health.
It is known that vitamin E prevents the formation of blood clots, acts as a natural blood thinner, and is linked to heart health. Vitamin C is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant and is beneficial for skin health.
3. Natural diuretics
Doctors sometimes use diuretic pills to help increase urination and reduce water retention or swelling. You can certainly get the same effect by consuming fresh herbs – parsley, coriander, basil, fennel, dandelion, cucumber, asparagus, and celery.
4. Food rich in magnesium
Blood pooling, blood pressure problems, and leg cramps, such as restless leg syndrome, indicate deficiencies in electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium.
To overcome these symptoms, increase your intake of leafy greens, avocados, bananas, vegetables from the "cabbage family" and sweet potatoes.
5. Spices
Foods with spices such as red pepper or curry help to warm the body, giving it healthy circulation.
6. Sea fish
Fish and seafood such as wild salmon, mackerel, sardines, and tuna provide omega-3 fatty acids, important for proper blood flow.
Avoid red meat, cheese, french fries, chips, coffee, milk chocolate, beer, wine, cow's milk, butter, mayonnaise, and margarine.
Take care...
Take care of yourself, exercise, take care of your weight and diet, do not wear tight clothes and shoes, and avoid standing or sitting for a long time, because all of this can relieve pain and prevent the formation of varicose veins.
Although there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins, improving circulation can reduce the risk of developing the disease and the need for additional medication.
Comments
Post a Comment