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 therecommended dosage, because while horse chestnut is safe, in larger amounts it can cause nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant side effect
Cayenne pepper Take a teaspoon in a cup of hot water three times a day. This will stop the pain in your legs and reduce the varicose veins by making the blood flow better. This remedy may take a week or two, but is very effective. Then keep on a maintenance dose of one teaspoon twice a day.
Witch hazel Apply witch hazel, an astringent, twice a day to the veins, or take 10-60 drops of witch hazel tincture four times a day.
The herb Marigold is of great value for treating varicose veins. External application of flowers of this plant works wonders in curing the inflamed conditions of the skin.
Bilberry is said to have vein protecting and vein healing power. It appears to strengthen the structure of veins and it is also believed to reduce the production of lysosomal enzymes, which contribute to varicose veins.
A plant in the lily family, Butchers broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is also known as box holly or knee holly. It contains ruscogenins, constituents believed to strengthen collagen in blood vessel walls and improve circulation. This is thought to tighten weak, stretched vessels such as those associated with varicose veins.
Another homemade remedy for varicose veins is to drink plenty of fresh fruit juices. Cherries, Blackberries and Blueberries all contain natural chemicals that help make your veins stronger. Pineapple is also a beneficial juice for people who suffer from varicose veins. It contains the Bromelain enzyme. Bromelain helps to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs
Veins or thin-walled vessels carry impure blood back to the heart. Veins act as one-way valve that prevents impure blood from flowing backwards. When these valves become weak, the blood flows back to the veins and results in congestion due to clots of blood. With the congestion the veins becomes enlarged and this condition is known as varicose veins.
Types of varicose veins
* Venous lakes These are pools of blood in the veins found on face and neck.
* Reticular veins These are flat, blue veins under skin that are mostly seen behind the knee.
* Telangiectases These are fine clusters of blood vessels reddish in color and found on the face or upper body.
Causes of varicose veins
* Pregnancy * Obesity * Long-standing periods * Lack of exercise
Home Remedies for varicose veins
* Apply cider vinegar to the varicose veins in morning and evening till the veins starts shrinking. * Apply vitamin E oil to the affected areas. * Raw vegetable juices like carrot juice in combination with spinach juice has been proved beneficial. It can be taken in a proportion of 300 ml carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice. * A hot Epsom salt bath is effective and should be taken twice in a week. * A mudpack can be applied over affected area at night and can be left till morning. * The alternate hot and cold hipbath is valuable and can be taken daily. * The nutrient vitamin C is effective in the treatment of varicose veins and should be taken in a therapeutic dose of 3000 mg. * The affected area can be sprayed with cold water or cold pack can be applied over it. * Sunbathing is helpful in dealing with varicose veins. * Various yoga postures like viparitakarni, sarvangasana, sirshasana, padmasana, gomukhasana, vajrasana and shalabhasana are proved beneficial as they drain the blood from the legs and reduces pressure on the veins. * Potatoes, starchy foods, condiments, alcohol, coffee, strong tea, white flour products and white sugar should not be taken. * Flex exercises and deep breathing exercises are best to prevent varicose veins.
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