Varicose Veins
From Wikiwel
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Causes
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
- Elevated C reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine levels
- Elevated insulin levels leading to inflammation
- Being overweight increases the pressure on veins.
- Prolonged sitting or standing restricts circuluation and puts added pressure on veins.
- Chronic constipation
- Genetics
- Aging
Home remedies
- Horse Chestnut extract: The active constituent in horse chestnut called aescin appears to block the release of enzymes that damage capillary walls. Homeopathy : Aesculus Hippocastanum
- Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and Pine Bark (Pinus maritima) both contain oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), antioxidants that appear to strengthen the connective tissue structure of blood vessels and reduce inflammation.
- A plant in the lily family, Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus, also known as box holly or knee holly contains ruscogenins, constituents believed to strengthen collagen in blood vessel walls and improve circulation.
- Reflexology significantly reduces leg swelling.
- blackstrap molasses is high in minerals such as manganese, copper, calcium, potassium, and iron, which are all effective minerals that help with the healing of hemorrhoids and the improvement of Varicose Veins.
- Vegetable juices : Drinking 300ml of raw vegetable juices, such as carrot juice or spinach juice, will help in the treatment of varicose veins. The nutrients of these vegetables have shown to decrease chances of developing varicosities.
- Arnica is used for Bruises, Sprains, Pain and Swelling, Arthritis, Infection, Inflammation, Varicose Veins, Phlebitis (Vein Inflammation), Insect Bites
- Cider vinegar : Cider vinegar when used in cooking will shrink the food as it absorbs the vinegar. This is the same principle many people are using when they use vinegar as a remedy for varicose veins. If apple cider vinegar is applied topically on the enlarged, tortuous veins, the vein will shrink in size. By applying cider vinegar soaked in cheesecloth two times a day for 30 minutes, a noticeable shrinkage will happen within four to six weeks.
- Rosemary oil : Rosemary oil is an extraction from the plant Rosmarinus officinalis or Rosmarinus coronarium. The distilled flowering tops of this plant can actually help in many diseases and help alleviate symptoms of diseases such as atherosclerosis, palpitations and poor circulation. It also has pronounced effect on the central nervous system. For varicose veins, massaging the oil of Rosemary gently on the affected area can help promote better circulation because of the oil’s dilating effects on the blood vessels.
- Get rid of excess weight
- Exercise regularly
- By reducing salt intake and condiments consumption, varicose will be prevented.
- Rest your legs : Elevating your legs above the level of the heart, by the aid of gravity, will push the blood back to the heart.
- Gotu Kola may stimulate circulation and help fight varicose veins and venous insufficiency (a condition that impairs flow of blood through the veins).
- Bilberry : Because bilberry is thought to strengthen blood vessels, it's sometimes taken orally for varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
- Bromelain and Other Fibrinolytic Compounds. Individuals with varicose veins have a decreased ability to break down fibrin, a fibrous, nonglobular protein involved in the clotting of blood. This is important because fibrin is deposited in the tissue next the varicose veins. The skin then becomes “lumpy” owing to the presence of the fibrin and fat. Herbs, foods, and spices that increase the fibrinolytic activity of the blood are therefore indicated. These include: cayenne, ginger, pineapple, and natto, a traditional Japanese food prepared from fermented soybeans.
- Vegetables and spices such as garlic and onions help boost circulation and could be added to one's diet too.
- Vitamin E -- thins the blood, promoting blood flow and alleviating inflammation in veins. Take 400 IU twice daily.
- Ginkgo Biloba -- frequently used for circulatory issues. Take an extract standardized to 24% flavone glycosides, at a dose of 60-120mg twice per day.
- Vitamin C -- improves health of vein walls. Take 500 mg twice or thrice daily.
- It is important for individuals with varicose veins and other circulatory problems to supplement with specific nutrients. These include a whole food based B complex vitamin with B2, B6, B9 and B12 and zinc which provide the necessary methylation elements to lower homocysteine levels naturally.
- Flavonoids : Hawthorn berries, cherries, blueberries, blackcurrants, and blackberries appear to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. These berries are very rich sources of proanthocyanidins and anthocyanidins, flavonoids that are noted for their ability to improve the function and integrity of the vascular system. Other rich sources of flavonoids include buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculenhtum) and extracts of grape seed or pine bark. The most useful single flavonoid for varicose veins may be micronized diosmin, which has shown considerable benefits in promoting the healing of varicose veins, venous ulcers, and hemorrhoids.
- Calendula ointments, in the form of creams and salves, could be applied topically onto varicose veins on the lower legs to reduce their swollen appearance.
- A high-fiber diet comprised of good amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, seeds and nuts would be helpful. Buckwheat contains rutin, which boosts capillary strength.
- Aromatherapy can help to treat the condition. There are many essential oils that can assist in the natural treatment of varicose veins and the best ones will have the following properties:
- Venous decongestant – will help thin the blood and move stagnation : Cypress, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lemongrass; Rock Rose, sage, Sandalwood, Valor and Yarrow
- Circulatory stimulant – will increase circulation : Cypress, Frankincense, Geranium, Helichrysum, Hyssop, Juniper Berry, Laurel, Lemon, Lime, Myrrh, Orange, Oregano, Peppermint, Rock Rose, Rosemary, Wintergreen, Basil, Black Pepper, Cedarwood.
- Astringent action – will tighten, tone, and strengthen vein walls : Black Spruce, Clary Sage, Lemon, Mandarin, Myrrh, Rock Rose, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, Yarrow
- Anti-inflammatory – will reduce inflammation : Helichrysum, Lavender, Peppermint, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Yarrow.
Warnings
References
- Balch, James F., MD, and Stengler, Mark, ND. Prescription for Natural Cures: A Self-Care Guide for Treating Health Problems with Natural Remedies Including Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Supplements, Bodywork, and More. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2004. Print.
- Stengler, Mark, ND. The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies: Proven Remedies Medical Doctors Don't Know. New York, NY: Prentice Hall Press, 2010. Print.
- Murray, Michael, ND. The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines: Vitamins, Minerals, Nutritional Supplements, Herbs, And Other Natural Products. New York, NY: Bantam Books, 2002. Print.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.
