Are Varicose Veins Troubling You A Lot? Here Are 15 Herbal Remedies You Can Try

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Varicose veins are veins that are swollen, twisted and found just under the surface of the skin. They are generally found in the legs. They can be highly painful and that is why we've listed herbal remedies for varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common occurrence and are related to factors like hereditary, history, gender, age, pregnancy, obesity, lack of movement of the legs, etc.

Sometimes, these veins can cause mild pain, blood clotting and skin sores.

Varicose veins can be treated effectively with change in lifestyle, medical procedures or even by means of herbal remedies.

How Varicose Veins Are Developed:
Failure of valves in the veins causes blood to flow backwards down the vein, instead of it going to the heart. This results in creating a pressure while standing. This pressure gradually widens the veins and they do not close properly. The flowing back of blood into the legs through these veins causes development of varicose veins that are dark blue or purple in colour.

Symptoms Of Varicose Veins:
Varicose veins do not have much symptoms, except the fact that they are noticeable. Besides, a feeling of heaviness at the legs, aching or swelling of ankles can be other manifestations. Bleeding also occurs at times, but it is extremely rare.

Surgical treatment for varicose veins is possible, but there are several herbal remedies available for them as well. So, here are 15 herbal remedies for varicose veins that can help treat the condition, have a look:

1. Horse Chestnut:

This is found in barks, leaves, seeds and flowers of the plants and treats varicose veins well. Aescin, an ingredient in this product, tackles enzymes that damage blood vessel walls.

2. Cayenne Pepper:

Rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, cayenne pepper protects blood vessels and helps in forming collagen, to keep the blood vessels healthy. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper also has a soothing effect.

3. Grape Seed Extract:

Seeds of grapes contain antioxidants that also protect the blood vessels and form collagen to make the vessels strong. This is a perfect herbal remedy for varicose veins.

4. Pine Bark Extract:

Extracts of pine bark, especially pycnogenol found from the bark of French maritime pine, helps in reducing the visibility of varicose veins and the inflammation associated with it.

5. Gotu Kola:

Known as the Indian pennywart, gotu kola has been known to be a popular remedy in India and in other countries of Southeast Asia for thousands of years. It reduces vein leakage and inflammation.

6. Pot Marigold:

This is a fantastic skin remedy and although varicose veins aren't exactly a skin-related ailment, still using compresses of hot water mixed with marigold petals can help in reducing inflammation and pain.

7. Mudpacks:

Applying mudpacks on the areas having varicose veins can reduce the vein enlargement. Mix the clay with water and apply it to the areas before going to bed at night. Wash it with warm water in the morning.

8. Witch Hazel:

This is an American herbal remedy for varicose veins. The tannins present in the extract help in restoring the natural elasticity of the veins and thereby soothe inflammation. It can be taken both orally and externally.

9. Cabbage:

The high healing capacity of cabbage, a nutrient-rich vegetable, also helps in treating varicose veins. Besides adding cabbage to the diet, its leaves can also be applied on to the varicose ulcers that'll reduce pain and swelling.

10. Helichrysum Oil:

Extracted from flowers of the Helichrysum spp flowers, this oil is an excellent remedy for varicose veins. It prevents formation of blood clots within the enlarged veins. It also betters the movement of blood through the veins.

11. Chamomile Oil:

Another herbal oil which helps in alleviating the heaviness caused by the aching varicose veins caused after standing for a long time is chamomile oil. Applying a mix of chamomile oil with organic coconut oil on the affected legs really helps.

12. Other Essential Oils:

Rosemary and lavender essential oils also have anti-inflammatory benefits. Besides, cypress oil also tightens tissues and helps the upward blood flow. Jumper berry and pine oil are also beneficial.

13. Apple Cider Vinegar:

This is another effective remedy for varicose veins. Its astringent benefits cure swollen veins and restore the plasticity. Apple cider vinegar can be used both internally and externally.

14. Olive Oil/Coconut Oil:

Massaging legs with varicose veins helps in improving blood circulation; however, instead of applying pressure directly, olive oil or coconut oil can be used for lubrication. Also, oil of wintergreen or peppermint can be used for a calming effect. Grape seed oil is another natural remedy for varicose veins.

15. Healthy Diet:

Nothing else can be better in treating varicose veins than a plate full of healthy food. A diet rich in vitamin B, besides animal products like fish, meat and eggs and also vegetables like broccoli, sweet potatoes, etc., can be had every day. Other anti-inflammatory foods like ginger, garlic, onion and turmeric help alleviate the problems related to varicose veins.