When the veins develop weakened walls or poorly functioning valves, which regulate the blood flow, this causes the occurrence of varicose veins. They are a common problem in which abnormally enlarged veins appear close to the skin’s surface, usually in the calves and thighs.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, varicose veins affect an estimated 25 % of women and 10 % of men.
This condition is known to cause pain, restlessness, fatigue, and feelings of burning, tingling, throbbing, or heaviness in the legs. Many people are also concerned about the appearance of bulging veins.
Varicose veins can be caused by many factors, including heredity, obesity, occupations that require a lot of standing, constipation, use of birth control pills, and hormonal changes in the body during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.
Surgical and medical treatments for varicose veins can be very expensive. There are some home remedies that can help decrease the severity of varicose veins as well as reduce some of the discomfort that they cause.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for varicose veins.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great treatment for varicose veins. It is a natural body cleansing product that also improves blood flow and circulation. A natural flow of the blood will cause the swelling and heaviness of varicose veins to decrease to a great extent.
- Take undiluted apple cider vinegar and apply it on the skin over the varicose veins and gently massage the area. Do this every day before going to bed and then again in the morning. Repeat this process for a few months to reduce the size of varicose veins.
- You can also mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and stir well. Drink this twice a day for at least one month and you should notice positive results.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is thought to be a miracle treatment for varicose veins. It is a very rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, and it increases blood circulation and eases the pain of swollen, congested veins.
- Add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to a cup of hot water and stir it well.
- Drink this mixture three times a day for a period of one to two months.
3. Olive Oil
In order to treat varicose veins, it is essential to increase the blood circulation. A massage with olive oil will help you increase circulation, which will then reduce the pain and inflammation.
- Mix equal amounts of olive oil and vitamin E oil and slightly warm the mixture. Massage the veins with the warm oil for several minutes. Do this twice a day for one to two months.
- You can also mix two teaspoons of warm olive oil with four drops of cypress essential oil and massage the veins with it.
4. Garlic
Garlic is known to be an excellent herb for reducing inflammation and the symptoms of varicose veins. It will also help improve circulation and break up harmful toxins in the blood vessels.
- Put six sliced garlic cloves in a clean glass jar.
- Add the juice of three oranges to the jar. Also add two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Let the mixture sit for about 12 hours.
- Shake the jar before usage and then put a few drops of the solution on your fingers. Massage the inflamed veins with the solution for 15 minutes in a circular motion.
- Wrap the area with a cotton cloth and leave it on overnight.
- Repeat this every day for several months.
You should also include fresh garlic in your diet.
5. Butcher’s Broom
Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is very helpful when it comes to relieving the discomfort and aches of varicose veins. This herb contains compounds known as ruscogenins that will constrict the veins and help reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-elastase activity.
Take 100 mg of butcher’s broom supplements three times a day. Butcher’s broom supplements are created from the roots and seeds of the plant, and they contain vitamins B and C along with calcium, magnesium, chromium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and silicon.
These nutrients will tighten, strengthen and decrease the inflammation in the veins and will also improve blood flow up the legs.
Note: If you have high blood pressure or benign prostate hyperplasia, do not take this herb without consulting a doctor.
6. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a very effective herb that will strengthen your blood vessels and thus reduce symptoms of varicose veins. Apart from being an astringent, it also contains gallic acid and several essential oils that will help you reduce the swelling as well as the pain.
- Soak a washcloth in witch hazel and place it on the affected area. Repeat this two or three times a day for one or two months.
- You can also fill a tub with lukewarm water and add 10 – 20 drops of distilled witch hazel. Then soak your legs in this water for at least 15 minutes. Wash your legs with clean water and pat them dry. Repeat this remedy once a day for one or two months.
7. Horse Chestnut Seeds
Horse chestnut seeds have been used for ages as a treatment for varicose veins. The seeds have anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling properties that have been shown to successfully increase ‘venous tone’ and reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
The extract from horse chestnut seeds contains a compound called aescin that improves the elastic strength of the veins and prevents the release of enzymes that damage capillary walls.
The Cochrane Collaboration did a review of clinical studies and found that horse chestnut extract is an effective short-term treatment for symptoms of varicose veins.
- A horse chestnut seed gel is available for purchase in markets. You can use this gel externally on the affected area twice a day. A regular use will significantly reduce leg pain and swelling.
- There are also horse chestnut supplements available. The most common dosage is 300 mg twice a day. Never take raw horse chestnut because it contains large amounts of a toxic compound known as esculin.
Note: Do not use this remedy if you are pregnant or nursing.
8. Parsley
Parsley is rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that encourages the production of collagen and helps in cell repair and reproduction. It also contains rutin, which is very important for strengthening the capillaries and therefore is very useful in reducing symptoms of varicose veins.
- Chop a handful of fresh parsley and boil it with one cup of water for five minutes.
- Remove the solution from the heat, cover it and allow it to cool to lukewarm. Then strain the solution.
- Add one drop of rose and marigold essential oils each.
- Put the solution in the refrigerator for several minutes.
- Apply the solution to the affected area using a cotton ball.
- Do this every day for several months and you will see positive results.
Also, try to eat raw parsley as often as you can.
9. Grapevine Leaves
Grapevine leaves contain a good amount of flavonoids, which will help you keep your veins healthy. The leaves have astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and homeostatic properties that are very helpful for treating varicose veins.
- Take one cup of grapevine leaves and boil it in four cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Allow it to steep for several minutes until it is lukewarm.
- Pour the solution into a bucket and soak your feet in it for five minutes.
- Then put your feet in another bucket filled with cold water for 10 seconds.
- Do this three or four times at a stretch, always ending with the cold water soak.
- Then, massage your legs in an upward direction with castor oil.
- Finish the treatment by putting your legs in an elevated position for a few minutes.
10. Marigold
The pretty marigold flower is a rich source of vitamin C and flavonoids that are known to stimulate the production of collagen and aid in cell repair and reproduction. Marigold will also help you improve circulation, thus helping you reduce various symptoms of varicose veins.
- Boil one cup of marigold flowers in four cups of water for five minutes.
- Soak a cotton cloth in this solution and place the cloth on the affected area. Leave it on until it completely cools.
- Repeat this process several times a day for a few months until you notice improvement.
You can also eat fresh marigold petals.
All of these remedies will help you reduce the swelling and discomfort of varicose veins, as well as minimize their appearance. Of course, you should regularly go walking, bicycling, or swimming in order to improve blood circulation in the legs.
Sourced: top10homeremedies
