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Home Remedies Index
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Natural treatment for Varicose Veins
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Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are extremely common, affecting almost one
out of every four women. While they rarely present a serious
health problem, the characteristically swollen, discolored,
and distorted veins are often painful and unattractive.
Veins are thin-walled vessels through which the impure
blood is carried 'back to the heart. They usually have valves
which regulate the flow of blood towards the heart Varicose
veins are a condition in which veins become enlarged,
dilated, or thickened. This condition can occur in any part of
the body but generally appear in the legs.
The first sign of varicose veins is a swelling along the course
of the veins. This may be followed by muscular cramps and a
feeling of tiredness in the legs behind the knees. In some
cases, the normal flow of blood towards the heart may be
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reversed when the patient is in an upright position. This results in veinous blood collecting in the lower part of the
legs; the skin becomes purplish and pigmented, leading to what is known as varicose eczema or varicose ulcers.
Both these conditions cause severe pain.
A varicose condition of the veins results from sluggish circulation due to various factors such as constipation,
dietetic errors, lack of exercise, and smoking. Standing for long periods and wearing tight clothing can also lead to
sluggish circulation. Pregnancy may cause varicose veins due to increased pressure in the pelvis and abdomen,
which slows down the flow of blood from the lower extremities to the heart. Women usually suffer from this
condition in the early years of child-bearing. Obesity can also cause varicose veins.
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Herbs for Varicose Veins
Herbs can be of great benefit for preventing and treating varicose veins. They increase circulation, strengthen
blood vessels, and improve muscle tone in the vein walls, which enhances blood flow. Following are some of the
most important herbs for treating varicose veins:
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) has been shown to be as effective as conventional treatments such
as compression stockings for relieving the symptoms of varicose veins. The fruit of the horse chestnut tree has
anti-inflammatory properties, helps to relieve leg swelling, and strengthens capillary walls. It enhances vascular
tone by tightening the elastic fibers in vein walls, which improves blood flow and prevents blood from pooling in
the legs. Scientists have identified the active ingredient in horse chestnut as aescin. For best results, take
extracts that provide 50 milligrams of aescin twice daily. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, because while
horse chestnut is safe, in larger amounts it can cause nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effects.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is an herb that has long been used in India for treating varicose veins. It
strengthens the connective tissue that surrounds the vein, improves blood flow, and reduces hardening of the
vein. In addition, gotu kola relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins such as leg cramps, swelling,
and feelings of heaviness in the legs. Take one-half teaspoon of gotu kola extract or two capsules three times a
day.
Hawthorne (Crataegus oxycantha) is an excellent herb for any type of circulatory problem. It improves
circulation and helps to relieve the fluid retention that may accompany varicose veins. The deep-blue-red
hawthorne berries and flowers are also rich sources of anthocyanidins, the compounds that help to strengthen
blood vessels. Hawthorne is a gentle, safe herb and is most effective when used over a long period of time. Make
a tea by pouring one cup of water over two teaspoons of the crushed berries or flowers and leaves, cover, and
steep for 20 minutes. Strain, and drink three cups a day. You can also take one-half teaspoon of liquid extract or
two capsules three times a day.
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Herbal Tea for Varicose Veins
2 teaspoons hawthorne berries or flowers
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1 cup water
Pour boiling water over herbs. Cover, and steep for 20
minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink 3 cups daily.
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Marigold:
The herb marigold is valuable in varicose veins. A compress of this herb should be applied externally in the
treatment of this disease. The flowers of this plant can also be
applied externally over varicose ulcers with beneficial results, as they are an excellent remedy for inflamed or
ulcerated conditions of the skin.
Vegetable Juices:
Raw vegetable juices, especially carrot juice in combination with spinach juice, have proved beneficial in the
treatment of this disease. The formula proportions considered helpful in this combination are 300 ml of carrot
juice and 200 ml of spinach juice.
Nutrients:
Certain nutrients, especially vitamins E and C have also been found effective in the treatment of this disease.
The patient should take vitamin C in therapeutic doses up to 3,000 mg and vitamin E in therapeutic doses from
600 to 1,200 mg daily. This will relieve him of pain and leg cramps associated with varicose veins.
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Aromatherapy for Varicose Veins
Combining hydrotherapy with therapeutic essential oils can effectively relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of
varicose veins. Alternating hot and cold footbaths, compresses, and gentle massage help to relieve pain and
aching and improve circulation, while cold compresses help to relieve inflammation and swelling. The following
essential oils are especially useful for treating varicose veins.
Cypress has astringent and vein-tightening properties and stimulates circulation. It also helps to relieve fluid
retention. Cypress has a spicy, pinelike fragrance.
Frankincense has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, helps to tighten veins, and stimulates skin
healing. It has a rich, warm, balsamic fragrance.
Yarrow contains azulene, a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that gives the essential oil a dark-blue color.
The astringent properties of yarrow also help to tighten varicose veins. It has a fresh, herbaceous, pungent
fragrance.
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Varicose-Vein Massage Oil
4 ounces calendula infused oil (How to make infused Oil)
or almond oil
20 drops cypress essential oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
10 drops yarrow essential oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
combine oils in a dark-glass bottle and shake thoroughly to mix.
Store in a cool, dark place. Shake well before using. To use as a
massage oil, apply approximately 1 teaspoon of oil to each leg
with long, gentle strokes, always working from the foot up the
leg in the direction of the heart.
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Soothing Lotion for Varicose Veins
4 ounces distilled witch hazel
10 drops cypress essential oil
10 drops frankincense essential oil
Combine essential oils with witch hazel in a
dark-glass bottle. Shake well. Apply to legs as often
as desired. For additional pain-relieving effects, store
the lotion in the refrigerator and apply cold to the
legs.
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Footbath for Varicose Veins
Alternating hot and cold footbaths are excellent for both preventing the development of varicose veins and
easing the pain and discomfort of existing ones.
You'll need two plastic basins large enough to hold your feet. Fill one basin with water as hot as you can
tolerate, and fill the other with cold water to which you have added a few ice cubes. Add five drops of cypress
essential oil to the basin of hot water, sit in a comfortable chair, and slowly immerse your feet in the water.
Leave your feet in the hot water for three minutes, and then immediately plunge your feet into the basin of
cold water for one minute. Alternate back and forth between the hot and cold water three to five times,
ending with the cold water. Finish by patting your feet dry and massaging your legs with the varicose-vein
massage oil.
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