Varicose veins are a medical problem wherein the veins in the body become twisted and swollen. Veins are tubular structures that form a part of the circulatory system in the body. Veins run via all the organs in the human body, from head to toe. But the veins mostly affected by this condition are those in the legs, because being in an erect position for several hours throughout the day while standing or walking, adds extra pressure on the veins in the lower extremities. Varicose veins are mainly dark purple or blue in colour and it is estimated that varicose veins affect 20 % of all people at some point of time in their life.
Varicose veins develop as valves are damaged, making it hard for the vein to pump blood back to the heart. Genetics, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and ageing are some of the factors that increase the risk of developing varicose veins. Medical procedures are available to treat this problem, but there are certain simple home remedies that help improve blood circulation and manage varicose veins.
Shop From Our Wide Range of Health Essentials To Treat Varicose Veins
Simple Ways To Deal With Varicose Veins
Keep Legs Elevated
Keeping the feet above the level of your heart often can help lessen the symptoms of varicose veins. Do this by lying down and placing some pillows below the feet.
Leg elevation is believed to improve the blood flow back to the heart and lower swelling. And this technique helps to mitigate mild to moderate varicose veins symptoms.
Getting Regular Exercise
Try doing physical exercises that work up the muscles in the legs. The muscles of the legs support veins to push the blood back to the heart against the gravitational force. Also exercising leg muscles will avert new varicose veins from developing.
Lose Weight
Obesity is one of the main contributing factors to varicose veins. People who are overweight or obese have problems pushing the blood back to the heart, which leads to the development of varicose veins in the future. Losing those extra kilos will assist the veins in moving the blood back and prevent the formation of newer varicose veins.
Use Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are designed in a way that helps to squeeze the legs and enhance blood circulation. As blood circulation improves, it fosters blood flow to the heart. In addition, wearing stockings eases the pain, swelling, and discomfort linked to varicose veins.
Some of the natural cures that are beneficial in alleviating varicose veins include:
Natural Cures
Ginger
Ginger is a powerful herb endowed with valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds that helps improve the flow of body fluids and enhance blood circulation in the system. Being a natural vasodilator, it opens the blood vessels and is heaped with chromium, magnesium and zinc which uplifts overall blood flow.
Add ginger to your diet or drink ginger tea regularly to get respite from symptoms of varicose veins.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the valuable vegetables laden with bioactive compounds that increase blood circulation and blood vessel function. It can also improve the levels of nitric oxide which assists to dilate blood vessels and better blood flow and proffers relief from varicose veins.
Chew 1 to 2 crushed garlic cloves or add fresh garlic to your diet to reap its incentives.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is an amazing spice that not only adds flavour to the dishes but also averts the formation of blood clots. Thanks to the abundance of salicylate in cayenne pepper that works wonders in promoting blood circulation and lessening the symptoms of varicose veins.
Add cayenne pepper to your regular food or have it in the form of a supplement.
Gotu Kola
Gota kola /Centella Asiatica is a potent herb that is effective in strengthening weakened veins and curing venous insufficiency. This natural herb is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts and also as a topical cream that can be applied to get rid of varicose veins.
Conclusion
Leading a healthy lifestyle and following these home remedies may help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. However, if you observe any of these symptoms along with varicose veins then seek immediate medical help.
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Painful and warm to touch feet
- Discolouration
