What are home remedies for Varicose Veins?
The National Institutes of Health estimate that almost 60% of men and women suffer from unsightly bulging and painful varicose veins in the legs.
If you have varicose veins and they are not treated, they can lead to serious problems called chronic venous insufficiency. These problems may include rashes, infections, bleeding, sores, or blood clots in your leg. If your leg is already swollen, these complications will be more severe.
However, is it possible to treat varicose veins at home?
Many people are in search of remedies to tackle early stages of varicose vein . So we have come up with simple home remedies which may elevate symptoms and prevent progression of varicose vein
Home remedies will not cure varicose veins, but it may reduce the symptoms associated with vein disease and help with discomfort one may have due to Chornic venouse insufficiency.
1. Compression stockings
Wearing compression stockings can also help improve circulation and reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs, which helps keep blood flowing properly. They can be bought at most pharmacies or sporting goods stores.
For best results, see a licensed vein doctor who will custom fit compression socks to your legs.
2. Workout/Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation, helps to lower high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. And Low-impact exercises help to get the calf muscles working without excessive strain.
Effective, low-impact exercises include:
- Swimming
- Walking
- Cycling
- Yoga
3. Elevate your legs at night
Elevating your legs at night helps prevent blood from pooling in the veins. Use a footstool or small books to prop up the head of your bed slightly, so you can sleep with your feet higher than your heart for a few hours every night.
4. Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt baths may help improve circulation in the legs and reduce swelling and inflammation associated with varicose veins. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath, and soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this remedy every day until your varicose veins have disappeared.
5. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing
It is important to try and keep your blood moving when you are sitting or standing for long periods of time. Do not sit or stand in the same position for more than an hour. Take a break every hour to stretch your legs and walk around for 5-10 minutes.
6. Hot & Cold Compresses
Hot and cold compresses can be used to help reduce inflammation and swelling associated with varicose veins. First, place a warm compress on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. This will help improve circulation and relax the muscles in your legs.
Follow it up by applying an ice pack to the area for 2-3 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 times on both legs.
8. Eat Foods High In Fiber
High-fiber foods help improve circulation by making the veins and arteries stronger and more flexible. Try to eat a minimum of 25-30 grams of fiber every day, which can include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and lentils.
9.Consume more flavonoids
Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant that can be found abundantly in fruits and vegetables. Consuming foods rich in flavonoids can enhance blood vessel strength and function, reducing inflammation and the risk of developing varicose veins. Here are a few excellent sources of flavonoids:
- Green tea
- Apples
- Onions
- Garlic
- Broccoli
10.Horse Chestnut:
One of the anti-inflammatory and vein-strengthening compounds found in horse chestnut seeds is called aescin. By enhancing leg circulation, it might help prevent the development of new varicose veins, as well as strengthen blood vessels and reduce swelling. Capsules containing horse chestnut seed extract can be obtained at local health food shops or pharmacies.
11.Ginger Compress
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as a compress by soaking a cloth in ginger tea and applying it to the affected area. This may help alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
12.Extract from Grape Seeds
An antioxidant called proanthocyanins can be found in grape seed extract, which helps improve blood flow and prevent blood clots from forming in veins. Apply grape seed extract directly to your skin using a cotton ball or clean rag, or consume it as a nutritional supplement
13. Eat foods high in vitamin C
Vitamin C can improve the health of veins and capillaries by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating collagen production. Try to eat at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, which will help increase your intake of vitamin C. Some good sources include:
- Citrus fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons, Limes)
- Cantaloupe
- Bell Peppers
- Strawberries
- Spinach
14. Foods with potassium
You can increase your potassium intake by eating foods like avocado, bananas, sweet potato, prunes and raisins. Potassium has diuretic properties that can help you get rid of excess fluids in your body to reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Drinking homemade vegetable juice is also another good way to boost your potassium levels.
15. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains a compound called malic acid, which can help break down existing varicose veins and prevent new ones from forming by increasing circulation in the legs. You can apply apple cider vinegar directly to a varicose vein using a clean cotton ball or cloth. Leave the vinegar on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy once or twice a day until the varicose veins disappear.
16. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can help improve circulation in the legs and reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Apply a few drops of 100% aloe vera gel to clean, dry skin using a cotton ball or cloth. Repeat this process once daily for 4-6 weeks.
17. Massage
When done properly, massage can help increase blood flow to the lower legs. This is especially helpful if you have varicose veins and are trying to get pregnant, as poor blood flow can decrease your fertility levels. Massage also helps reduce stress levels, which may be causing your varicose veins to worsen. You should visit a massage therapist, but you can also perform your own massage techniques at home.
18. Quit smoking
Smoking is very harmful to the veins because it reduces blood flow and increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. If you stop smoking, you will immediately feel better and see an improvement in your general health and well-being as well as a decrease in the appearance of varicose veins.
