Varicose veins are dilated, gnarled veins that appear most commonly in the legs and feet. Fifty percent of middle-aged adults are affected, and women experience them four times as frequently as men. While varicose veins may be cosmetically unappealing, many people do not have any physical symptoms. However, some experience aching, heaviness, fatigue or pain.
Natural treatments can help ease the discomfort of varicose veins and prevent the condition from worsening. A person suffering from varicose veins should consult a holistically-minded health care practitioner, such as a naturopathic physician, for proper diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Exercise
Veins are frail structures. When there are defects in a vein's wall or its valve, pressure in the vein increases, causing the bulging that's characteristic of varicosities or varicose veins. Standing for long periods of time increases pressure up to 10 times; therefore, it's a significant risk factor in developing varicose veins. In contrast, exercise causes pooled blood to be pushed back into circulation, which is therapeutic for varicose veins. Therefore, to diminish pain and prevent worsening of varicose veins, people should avoid standing for long periods of time and exercise regularly. The most beneficial forms of physical activity are walking, jogging and bicycling. Elastic compression stockings may also be beneficial for some people.
High-Fiber Diet
A low-fiber diet leads to poor digestion and straining during bowel movements. This, in turn, increases pressure in the veins, weakens the vein walls and causes varicosities. A high-fiber diet may help to diminish the development or worsening of varicose veins. High-fiber foods include vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fresh fruits. Supplemental psyllium seed, pectin, flax seed and guar gum, along with plenty of water, may also be helpful to soften the stool and reduce straining during defecation.
Botanical Medicines
Certain botanicals may help treat and prevent varicose veins by enhancing the strength of vein walls, reducing hardening of blood vessels and improving blood circulation. Herbs that are commonly used to treat varicose veins include gotu kola, horse chestnut and butcher's broom. These are available as liquid extracts, teas or tinctures. Garlic and berries are also helpful for circulation, and may be eaten in the diet or taken as supplements. A person should consult with a health care professional trained in botanical medicine for individually appropriate herbal combinations, forms and dosages.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Varicose Veins
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., ND; 2002
