Varicose veins are enlarged surface veins that appear mostly in the legs and feet. These areas are more prone to varicosities because standing and walking adds more pressure to these veins. The veins in the legs have to work extra hard at pumping blood back to the heart against gravity. When the vein malfunctions or becomes weak, the blood flows backward and stretches the veins, giving it a bulging, blue appearance.
Exercise
Exercising is effective for varicose veins because it gets your legs moving and can increase and stimulate circulation. Walking, using an elliptical machine, jogging or swimming can all be beneficial for getting the circulation going. If the varicose veins in your legs are painful or seem to be getting worse, make an appointment to speak to your doctor before continuing the exercise program.
Maintain Your Weight
Maintaining a healthful weight will help to eliminate excess pressure on the legs that cause veins to surface. According to MayoClinic.com, shedding excess weight lessens the pressure on these veins. In addition, follow a low salt diet to avoid extra water retention.
Avoid Tight Clothing and Heels
Do not wear tight clothing around your legs or your groin. Besides this being a bad idea for women, in general, it also impedes blood flow and can make varicose veins worse. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes because they do not give your legs any exercise when walking. Wear tennis shows or flats because both encourage the use of your calf muscle when walking.
Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are sold in most medical stores and pharmacies. Compression stockings help varicose veins by steadily squeezing the legs, helping the blood move around more efficiently. Compression stockings are a personalized fit, however, so you will have to be measured for them to fit properly.
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum)
Aescin, the active constituent in horse chestnut, is known to improve the elasticity of the veins and slow the rate at which fluid leaks from irritated capillaries, according to Chris Kilham of Fox 8 News. Horse chestnut reduces inflammation and edema. You can find horse chestnut cream in many health food stores. You can use the cream topically or take an extract of the herb. Talk to an herbalist about proper dosage.
Butcher's Broom (Ruscus Aculeatus)
Butcher's broom is one of the most effective remedies for varicose veins. It contains compounds that help to inhibit inflammation and constrict the blood vessels. It is also extremely high in vitamin C and other compounds that tone vein walls. You can use butcher's broom as a tincture or as a tea. You can also soak gauze pads in a tea and apply them directly to a patch of varicose veins. Speak to an herbalist about proper dosage.
Additional Treatments
If your varicose veins do not respond to holistic treatments and seem to be getting worse, other actions might be needed. Some of the alternative treatments you might need to consider include laser surgery, sclerotherapy or vein stripping. If your varicose veins are not causing any problems, your doctor might want to just monitor them before suggesting a treatment.
