Varicose veins are a problem mainly for women, although many men also suffer from them.
Varicose veins or varicose veins occur when a person’s veins swell and enlarge. In some people, they can cause pain and discomfort.
There are several home treatments to help reduce the appearance and pain that varicose veins have and in this article you will see some of them.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are simply swollen veins that can develop when the small valves in the veins become weak, preventing blood flow.
The accumulation of blood in the veins causes them to swell and become visible. Varicose veins can be noticed due to their dark blue or purple appearance, they also often bulge out from under the skin.
Causes of varicose veins
Varicose veins or varicose veins are caused when the walls and valves of the veins become weak or damaged.
Varicose veins can form for various reasons, which we will explain below.
valve obstruction
Veins have one-way valves inside them that open and close to keep blood flowing to the heart.
However, when the valves or the walls of the veins become weak or damaged they can cause blood to pool and even flow backwards.
When this happens, the veins can become enlarged and distorted, resulting in varicose veins.
Thrombophlebitis
You may be at higher risk of varicose veins if you have thrombophlebitis, an inflammatory process that causes a blood clot to form and block one or more veins, usually in the legs.
Pregnancy
Varicose veins are a common and usually harmless part of pregnancy for many women.
Varicose veins can occur when the uterus applies pressure to a vein that carries blood back to the heart from the legs. Varicose veins can cause itching, discomfort, or even pain.
long standing
Another reason why you can develop varicose veins is being on your feet for long periods of time.
This is because standing for long periods of time can cause the veins to overwork and blood can pool in the veins of the legs, increasing pressure and causing the valves to weaken, creating varicose veins.
home remedies for varicose veins
There are many home remedies and effective practices to combat and prevent varicose veins.
Although there are several traditional medical treatments to treat this condition, you can also try natural home remedies to relieve symptoms and accompany treatment.
Here we share 8 natural ways to treat varicose veins at home.
1. Immersion bath
A study published by the Journal of Vascular Surgery suggests that an immersion bath can help improve the appearance of varicose veins, reducing inflammation.
Ingredients
- Water
- Bath salt
Preparation and application
- Fill your tub with hot water.
- Add 2 cups of bath salts, and stir until dissolved.
- Wait for it to cool down until it is comfortably warm before diving in.
2. Chamomile compresses
According to a study published by the NHS , it suggests that chamomile is an effective anti-inflammatory. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, it can also be an effective treatment to reduce the visibility of varicose veins and reduce inflammation.
Ingredients
- Chamomile
- Water
- compresses
Preparation and application
- Prepare a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool in the fridge.
- Once it is completely cool, moisten tissues in the tea and wrap it in cold compresses.
- Let it rest on your varicose veins for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Aloe vera compresses
In addition to improving the appearance of varicose veins, aloe vera soothes, reduces fatigue and tension, as well as having an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect.
Ingredients
- aloe vera
- compresses
Preparation and application
- Spread the aloe vera gel on the varicose veins.
- Put on cold compresses.
- Let it rest on your varicose veins for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat once a week.
4. Apple cider vinegar compresses
Apple cider vinegar improves blood flow and circulation and cleanses the body of accumulated toxins.
The most common recommendation is to apply undiluted to the skin over varicose veins and massage into the skin.
Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar (1 cup)
- compresses
Preparation and application
- Moisten your hands in the vinegar and massage the area of the varicose veins for a few minutes.
- A cold compress is added on top and left to rest for 10 minutes.
5. Garlic ointment
Garlic is excellent for reducing inflammation and varicose veins. It also helps break down harmful toxins in the blood vessels and improve circulation.
Ingredients
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons)
- Lemon (juice of one lemon)
Preparation and application
- Mix all the ingredients in a mortar to make a salve.
- Apply the ointment by massaging into the area with varicose veins for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse and wash with lukewarm water.
6. Massage with essential oils
Massages are very good for improving the appearance of varicose veins and reducing inflammation, as it helps blood to flow better.
Ingredients
- Almond oil (3 tablespoons)
- Cod liver oil (3 tablespoons)
Preparation and application
- Mix the oils and apply it on your varicose veins.
- Massage in circular motions for 15 minutes.
- You can repeat this process every 12 hours.
7. Chestnut bark tea
Horse chestnut bark tea is an excellent way to relieve varicose veins and inflammation.
This bark contains tannins and flavonoids that are very useful for improving varicose veins.
Ingredients
- Chestnut bark (30 grams)
- Water (1 liter)
Preparation and consumption
- Put the water to boil together with the chestnut bark.
- Once it boils, remove from the heat and serve in a teapot.
8. Infusion of mint, chamomile and bay leaf
The infusion of certain beneficial herbs for inflammation can help reduce the appearance and prevent the appearance of varicose veins. Drink it every day for 3 to 4 weeks.
Ingredients
- Chamomile (one sachet)
- Lemon (juice of half a lemon)
- Laurel (one leaf)
- Water (1 glass of water)
Preparation and consumption
- Put the water to boil.
- Once it boils, remove from heat and add a sachet of chamomile, lemon juice and a bay leaf.
How to prevent varicose veins?
In addition to all the previously mentioned home remedies, there are other more traditional ways to prevent varicose veins such as moisturizing the skin, having a healthy diet, exercising and wearing comfortable shoes.
Constantly moisturize the skin
Experts suggest moisturizing the skin at least twice a day to maintain its elasticity and help support cell walls, which can prevent varicose veins.
Also, another way to hydrate your skin is to do it from the inside out. Make sure you drink enough water.
take care of food
A poor diet can be the cause of your varicose veins. Excess sugar and ultra-processed foods, such as chocolate, cookies, and cakes, can cause varicose veins.
Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats is the best way to prevent varicose veins.
Doing physical activity
Exercise can increase your body’s ability to pump blood. It also helps keep weight down, further lowering your chances of getting varicose veins.
Walking is a good option, as are low-impact activities like swimming and biking.
Wear comfortable shoes
If you have a profession that requires standing for long periods of time, you may develop varicose veins.
Wearing the right type of socks with a comfortable shoe can relieve pressure and prevent varicose veins.
