Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins, they may be blue or dark purple and are often lumpy, swelling or twisted in appearance. (1) Spider veins are a common, mild variation of varicose veins. (2)
The problem is caused by weakness of the venous walls and poor function of the valves that regulate the blood flow in our bodies.
Varicose veins can develop if the small valves inside the veins are not working properly.
In a healthy vein, blood flows smoothly to the heart. In the blood vessels, there are tiny valves that open and close to let the blood through.
If the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and collect in the vein, eventually causing it to be swollen and enlarged.
Certain conditions can increase the chance of developing varicose veins, such as:
- Varicose veins affect more women than men.
- Hormonal changes.
- Heredity-having a close family member with varicose veins.
- Being older.
- Being overweight.
- Working in a workplace that requires prolonged standing.
- Being pregnant.
Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic problem, but they can also lead to pain, fatigue, restlessness and burning sensation, tingling and heaviness of the legs.
How to reduce and eliminate the risk of varicose veins:
- Exercise: walking is a wonderful way to encourage blood circulation in your legs.
- Maintaining weight: weight loss can help to reduce pressure on the veins.
- Raise your legs: to improve blood circulation to your feet, take a few breaks during the day and lift your legs above your heart level.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time: change your body posture frequently to encourage blood circulation.
You can try these natural treatments to reduce the severity of swollen veins and reduce some of the discomfort caused by it.
Here are some natural treatments you can do at home:
- Eat more fruits and veggies, it is very important to increase the consumption of fresh foods, which are rich sources of flavonoids, vitamin C and fibre.
- Rosehip tea, buckwheat and apples contain the active ingredient, Rutin, that helps to strengthen blood vessels.
- Drink enough water– important to maintain blood pressure and prevent constipation.
Consider adding to your diet-
1. Chilli pepper- the hot pepper is a rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, it can help by increasing the blood flow and reducing the pain from the swollen veins.
2. Eat more GarlicGarlic may help to reduce inflammation and varicose veins in the legs. It also helps to remove harmful toxins from blood vessels and improve blood flow.
3. Ginger tea with lemon/orange peel- Ginger has a long history of medicinal use dating back 2,500 years in China and India for conditions such as headaches, nausea, rheumatism, and colds. Ginger is a great anti-inflammatory and with warming effects, characterized by Chinese traditional medicine as spicy and hot. Ginger is claimed to warm the body and treat cold extremities. Citrus peel is an excellent source of bioflavonoids and vitamin C, that strengthening the blood vessels walls. Enjoy by adding a cup of tea daily to your diet.
*Always consult a physician before starting to take supplements.
1. Butcher’s Broom: traditional herbal medicine that may help to relieve symptoms of discomfort and heaviness of legs related to minor venous circulatory disturbances (3). Especially effective in relieving pain and discomfort of the lower legs.
2. Horse chestnut: has been used for years in the treatment of varicose veins. Taking horse chestnut seed extract can reduce some symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins, pain, tiredness, tension, itching, oedema, and swelling in the legs. (4)
3. Grape seed extract: its proanthocyanidin constituents orally seems to reduce chronic venous insufficiency and improve venous tone. Grape leaf extract, known as red vine leaf extract decreases tired or heavy legs, tension, and tingling and pain. (5)
1.Apple cider vinegar
Apple vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that improves blood circulation. When the blood begins to flow naturally, the heaviness and swelling of the varicose veins will be reduced. Online, I found many websites that suggest this homemade easy treatment.
But is it really worth to try? A randomized controlled trial from Turkey that was published in 2016, checked the effect of the external application of apple cider vinegar on varicosity symptoms in 120 patients.
The researchers found that external application of apple vinegar on varicosity patients increased the positive effects of conservative treatment. (6)
How to use?
Apply apple cider vinegar to the skin in the area of the varicose veins and gently massage or use as a cold compress for half an hour while your legs lifted up.
Do this every day, twice a day for a few weeks.
If you have sensitive skin, check on a small part of it before starting the process and dilute the apple cider vinegar with water.
2. Olive oil and Cypress essential oil
A gentle massage of olive oil mixed with cypress essential oil will increase blood flow to the area and may reduce pain and inflammation. Mix 2 teaspoons of olive oil with 5 drops of cypress essential oil, apply the oil mixture over the leg and massage gently, repeat twice a day for a few weeks.
Cypress essential oil has been traditionally used in the treatment of varicose veins
For conclusion, supporting healthy circulation and strengthening the valves in the veins can help to improve and support varicose veins and spider veins conditions.