Varicose Veins – Control and Manage Varicose Veins Naturally
Varicose Veins – Control and Manage Varicose Veins Naturally
Varicose veins are not only unsightly and uncomfortable, they can lead to inflammation of the vein (phlebitis) or open sores )skin ulcers) on the leg, caused when the skin is deprived of blood. They can even increase the risk of a blood clot in the leg., which can break loose and travel to your lungs or brain. Although you may have heard about surgical and other medical treatments for varicose veins, some of the simplest natural home remedies, such as compression stockings, often work the best.
Natural Remedies:
1. Put on elastic or compression stockings (available in medical supply stores). Make sure they fit properly and don't bind at the knee, which can make things worse. If your swelling is minor, you might be able to get away with support hose instead.
2. Sit or lie down and elevate your feet above your heart for about 20 minutes. If you can't get off your feet and you have to stand in one place, move your legs around as much as possible to keep the blood flowing.
3. After elevating your feet, go for a walk.
4. Mix 5 drops rosemary, peppermint, and juniper essential oil with 20 drops massage oil and massage into your legs.
Other Natural Medicines and Remedies for Varicose Veins
Horse Chestnut – If you only take one supplement for varicose veins, this is the one to take, hands-down. Numerous studies find that it can reduce swelling in the lower legs. It's thought to work by blocking inflammation and improving the strength of veins. Compounds in horse chestnut also thin blood so it can flow more easily out of veins into capillaries, preventing clots. Take 300 milligrams of horse chestnut extract standardized to 50 milligrams aescin twice a day. A good brand is Venastat.
Flavoniods – Flavonoids such as rutin or quercetin )sold as citrus flavonoids), pycnogenol, and grapeseed strengthen blood vessels, preventing fluid leakage. In numerous studies a flavonois product called Daflon significantly improved the overall health of blood vessels in the lefs and helped leg ulcers heal. Daflon isn't available in the United States, but you can get similar results by taking 500 milligrams citrus flavonoids, 50 milligrams pycnogenol, or 100 milligrams grapeseed extract twice a day.
Gotu kola – This tropical herb is well studied as a treatment for varicose veins. One study comparing it to placebo in 94 patients found it significantly improved symptoms, including heaviness in the lower limbs and swelling. It also improves vein strength and the vein "sagging" that contributes to fluid leakage. Take 60 milligrams of a standardized extract once or twice a day.
Bilberry – This fruit, extremely high in antioxidants, improves the integrity of blood vessels and helps prevent fluid leakage. Take 160 to 480 milligrams a day of an extract standardized to 25% anthocyanidins in two or three divided doses.
