Arteries pump blood away from the heart, and the veins are responsible for returning blood back to the heart. When this blood goes to the heart, there are valves at the top of the veins that open to let it in and then close quickly to stop it from back-flowing. When these valves do not work properly, the blood ends up pooling in the veins, causing them to swell. As a result, varicose veins develop. They can be seen anywhere on the body, but usually appear on the legs. When they become inflamed, they can easily be seen with the naked eye and they can cause pain, itchiness and sore limbs. Some conventional ways of treating them include drugs and surgeries. But there are also some natural approaches that can be taken as well.
Step 1
Wear some support. Right before you get out of bed in the morning, put on support stockings and wear them all day. They can help increase the upward flow of blood because they put pressure on the ankles.
Step 2
Elevate your legs. When you are sitting for long periods of time such as at work or at home while watching television, place your legs up on a stationary object so they are higher than your heart.
Step 3
Get some exercise. Exercise can help increase circulation, it can create toned muscles and it can also lead to weight loss. Perform exercises that work the legs, such as walking, swimming and elliptical training. However, do not do high-impact exercises like running and jumping.
Step 4
Eat a lot of fiber. When you have varicose veins, constipation can cause straining when you go to the bathroom. This, in turn, can cause pressure and exacerbate varicose veins. Fiber helps to promote regularity. Some foods that contain fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, women should get at least 20g of fiber a day.
Step 5
Get a massage. Massage therapists who are trained in varicose veins can massage your feet all the way up to your hips. This will help unclog stagnant blood that has pooled up in the tissues of your legs.
Step 6
Try some herbal remedies. There are various herbal formulas that can be used in the form of teas and ointments that can help reduce inflammation, strengthen the blood vessels and improve circulation. Some of these include ginkgo biloba, hawthorne, bilberries and gotu kola.
