Varicose veins are dilated and tortuous-looking veins whose onset is linked to a malfunction of the circulatory system. Here are some natural remedies for varicose veins that help to prevent and combat this pathology. The term varicose veins (or varicose) defines a pathology in which alterations of the venous walls cause a permanent dilation of the superficial veins. There are many treatment options for varicose veins: conservative medical therapy, minimally invasive therapy, and surgery.
However, there is also the possibility of adopting completely natural remedies for varicose veins, reducing the symptoms and counteracting the disorder without carrying any risk. Before examining them, let’s try to understand more precisely the nature of this pathology. Over time, the loss of elasticity of the veins and the collapse of their walls, caused by multiple factors, including aging, determines a tortuous appearance of the veins that limits the average ability of the valves inside them to promote blood circulation. Heart hinders it from reflux.
In this way, the blood accumulates in the blood vessels causing venous stasis and dilation of the veins, called a varicose vein. Due to the swelling, the variance appears as a dark blue lump or bead, and the surrounding skin becomes shiny and rough. Given that the prolonged maintenance of an upright position causes an increase in pressure on the veins, this pathology is usually localized in the lower limbs, especially along the inner thigh, the calves and the ankles.
Symptoms Of Varicose Veins
It is possible to distinguish different symptoms, which manifest themselves with varying characteristics in the initial and late stages. The main symptoms typical of an early stage are:
- telangiectasia, or dilation of blood vessels
- different pigmentation of the affected skin surface
- fatigue
- muscle cramps
- swelling in the lower limbs and a feeling of ” heavy legs.”
- tingling in the legs during a night’s rest
In an advanced stage of the disorder may appear:
- brown spots that signal blood loss from the vein
- eczema due to ruptured vesicles
- hypo dermatitis that manifests itself with hardening, tenderness and redness of the affected parts
- skin ulcers resulting from the rupture of varicose veins
- edema, phlebitis and superficial thrombophlebitis
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Causes Of Varicose Veins
As we have seen, varicose veins manifest a circulatory disorder and represent the advanced stage of a pathological structural alteration of the veins. Upstream there are multiple causes and risk factors, including:
- An inheritance or congenital changes in the structure of the veins
- Gender: women are more prone to this pathology
- Age and aging
- Hormonal imbalances in conjunction with the use of birth control pills, the onset of menopause, the period of pregnancy
- Sedentary lifestyle and obesity
- Nutrition is poor in nutrients or, on the contrary, unbalanced in favor of fatty, high-calorie and low-fiber foods
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
Varicose Veins: Natural Remedies To Cure Them
Before considering medical or surgical therapeutic options, it may be appropriate to adopt natural remedies for varicose veins, which, by promoting proper circulation and drainage of excess fluids, are very useful in counteracting the disorder’s risk factors and obtaining a containment of the typical symptoms of the pathology. So let’s see how to eliminate varicose veins with natural remedies.
Red Grapevine
Thanks to the flavonoids and anthocyanins (pigments of the flavonoid family) contained in the leaves and berries, the red vine exerts a potent anti-inflammatory action on the entire circulatory system. The red vine favors the vasoconstriction of dilated veins and exerts a phlebotomist and decongestant action on the lymphatic vessels. It is available in two formats: dry extract and hydro alcoholic extract.
Blueberry
Blueberry is rich in fiber, vitamin C and above all, anthocyanins, natural antioxidants that make it one of the most effective remedies for varicose veins: it stimulates circulation, strengthens and tones the walls of veins and capillaries, exerts a vasodilating action and therefore counteracts the symptoms of varicose veins such as swelling and dilation of the veins, a sense of swelling and heaviness effectively, tingling.
To make the most of the properties of blueberry, it may be helpful to consume its juice; in this regard, it is beneficial to know that cranberry juice contains high amounts of fiber, iron, flavonoids and polyphenols with anti-inflammatory action, while cranberry juice stands out for its high content of vitamins A, C, folic acid and gamma-linoleic acid and helps to counteract hypertension, one of the risk factors for varicose veins.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut contains tannins and aescin, which, in synergy with flavonoids, restore the correct functioning of the venous valves and exert a beneficial vasoconstrictor and anti-edema effect on dilated varices. Horse chestnut therapy for varicose veins can include its intake in dry extract and bud extract, topical gel or glycerin macerate of horse chestnut.
Cypress Essential Oil
It is the most effective essential oil in countering edema, stimulating lymphatic drainage and counteracting varicose veins. For this purpose, it can be beneficial to carry out a daily refreshing massage with a preparation based on a few drops of cypress essential oil diluted in a carrier oil (for example, sesame oil).
In the morning and the evening, perhaps after a shower, let’s lie down and apply the oil on the legs; we make circular movements going up from the feet to the ankle and continuing up to the knee, to the thighs and the inside of the thigh. In this way, we will favor venous return and relaxation of the muscles, and we will gradually feel the sense of heaviness and pressure in the legs decrease.
Foods Rich In Fiber
In the preventive and curative diet of varicose veins, foods rich in fiber must not be missing, which, by promoting diuresis and evacuation, prevent disorders, such as water retention and constipation, which constitute a risk factor for the onset of varicose veins as they cause pressure on the veins in the legs and pelvis. Some of the foods richest in fiber include fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, chia seeds and flax seeds.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar, rich in magnesium, potassium and polyphenols, has anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly suitable for cleansing the blood, promoting improved circulation and toning the venous walls. For greater effectiveness, it is recommended to use it internally naturally or diluted in water.
Foods Rich In Magnesium
Some problems related to varicose veins, such as high blood pressure and muscle cramps in the lower limbs, can partly result from a lack of magnesium and potassium: this is why, to prevent and treat varicose veins, it is essential to include foods that are rich in especially magnesium, known for its ability to counteract venous stasis: green leafy vegetables, bananas, sweet potatoes and dried fruit.
Calendula
We find calendula rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, linoleic acid, and vasoprotective flavonoids among the natural remedies for varicose veins. A bottom-up massage using calendula oil will help reduce inflammation in the capillaries and promote proper blood circulation in the arteries.
Ribes Nigrum
Ribes nigrum has a decisive anti-inflammatory action and stimulates blood circulation in delicate veins and capillaries thanks to the high percentages of vitamin C, vitamin B, calcium, magnesium and iron. One of the most effective remedies for varicose veins is black currant juice: drinking a tablespoon diluted in a bit of water every morning on an empty stomach is recommended. Even a herbal tea or decoction based on leaves rich in polyphenols can be helpful to favor drainage of liquids and counteract the swelling of the veins.
Physical Activity
Remedies for varicose veins also include a correct lifestyle, in which regular physical exercise is provided, which is very important to combat varicose veins and the underlying circulatory disorder. The most suitable sports to counteract inflammation, strengthen the muscles of the lower limbs and thus promote proper blood circulation are those with low impact: swimming, brisk walking, exercise bikes and bicycles and exercises based on leg lifts and side lunges. Helpful in promoting the lengthening of the veins.
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