HOME REMEDIES TO MANAGE VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins are bluish-purple twisted veins that develop when tiny valves inside our veins get damaged or weakened. This disrupts the smooth blood flow because of which the blood flows backwards resulting in swollen and enlarged veins.
Some of the common causes of varicose veins are age, prolonged sitting or standing, hereditary factors, pregnancy, obesity, constipation, hormonal changes and menopause.
Varicose veins can be painful and cause fatigue, restlessness, pain, itching, discomfort, tingling and heaviness in the legs.
In this article, we will discuss some of the home remedies to treat varicose veins.
1. Physical Activity – Physical activities like walking, swimming, yoga and cycling are good for improving blood flow and may provide relief from varicose veins.
2. Dietary changes – People with varicose veins should aim to consume a diet rich in dietary fibre with plenty of fruits and vegetables to prevent the risk of constipation. In addition, potassium should be adequate in the diet as potassium deficiency might cause water retention in the body. Some of the potassium-rich foods are banana, coconut water, orange, dates, potatoes, almonds and yoghurt.
3. Tomato seeds – Tomato seeds are rich in salicylic acid which works as an anticoagulant. They prevent blood clots and improve the flow. In addition, tomatoes also contain lycopene which is a pigment and keep our blood vessels healthy.
4. Marigold – Marigold is one of the popular home remedies used for treating varicose veins. It contains carotenoids, flavonoids, saponins and triterpene which possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It fights pain, inflammation and reduces capillary hyper-permeability. Either marigold concoction can be applied to the affected area using a cotton cloth or soaking legs in boiled and cooled marigold water provides relief and soothes varicose veins.
5. Horse Chestnut seed – This seed is a source of two powerful antioxidants – kaempferol glycosides and quercetin. Regular use of horse chestnut seed extract in the form of oil or gel can reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Regular application on the affected area improves the symptoms of varicose veins. Never ingest horse chestnut seed as it is poisonous and unfit for consumption.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar, Carrot and Aloe Vera – Apple cider vinegar is rich in good enzymes and friendly bacteria. It contains acetic acid which can kill and combat the growth of harmful bacteria. Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, K, biotin, sulphur and potassium which makes them good for wound healing and repairing the damage. Aloe vera is an excellent moisturiser with antiseptic properties along with nutrients like vitamin A, C, E as powerful antioxidants. Combining all these three and applying them to the affected area has shown to improve the blood flow and heal varicose veins.
7. Cayenne Pepper – Usage of cayenne pepper is another popular home remedy for varicose veins. Its powerful potential to fight inflammation makes it effective. In addition, cayenne pepper contains vitamin C, bioflavonoids, it prevents the formation of blood clots, reduces atherosclerosis and promotes fibrinolytic activity which aids in providing relief from varicose veins.
To sum up, home remedies may provide relief from varicose veins but if the problem persists, it is better to consult a doctor. We should aim to consume a fibre rich, balanced anti-inflammatory diet to reduce the risk of varicose veins. In addition, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, avoiding wearing high heels, maintaining a healthy weight and an active lifestyle are some of the tips to prevent varicose veins in the future.
REFERENCES
• National Clinical Guideline Centre (UK). Varicose Veins in the Legs: The Diagnosis and Management of Varicose Veins. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (UK); 2013 Jul. (NICE Clinical Guidelines, No. 168.) Appendix N, Research recommendations. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK328024/
• Yun, M. J., Kim, Y. K., Kang, D. M., Kim, J. E., Ha, W. C., Jung, K. Y., & Choi, H. W. (2018). A Study on Prevalence and Risk Factors for Varicose Veins in Nurses at a University Hospital. Safety and health at work, 9(1), 79–83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2017.08.005
• Hamidpour, Rafie & Rashan, Luay. (2017). A Unique Natural Remedy that Alleviates Varicose Vein. Translational Biomedicine. 08. 10.21767/2172-0479.100127.