What are home remedies for Varicose Veins?
The National Institutes of Health estimate that almost 60% of men and women suffer from unsightly bulging and painful varicose veins in the legs.
If you have varicose veins and they are not treated, they can lead to serious problems called chronic venous insufficiency. These problems may include rashes, infections, bleeding, sores, or blood clots in your leg. If your leg is already swollen, these complications will be more severe.
However, is it possible to treat varicose veins at home?
There are many treatments for varicose veins but most people are trying to find and want to know how to treat it effectively with home remedies for varicose veins. Fortunately, there are several things you can do at home to help improve the condition of your veins and relieve some of the symptoms.
Home remedies will not cure varicose veins, but it may reduce the symptoms associated with vein disease and help with discomfort one may have due to CVI.
The Top 20 Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
1. Compression stockings
Wearing compression stockings can also help improve circulation and reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. Compression stockings apply pressure to the legs, which helps keep blood flowing properly. They can be bought at most pharmacies or sporting goods stores.
For best results, see a licensed vein doctor who will custom fit compression socks to your legs.
2. Workout/Exercise
Regular exercise can help improve blood circulation, helps to lower high blood pressure, and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. And Low-impact exercises help to get the calf muscles working without excessive strain.
Effective, low-impact exercises include:
- Swimming
- Walking
- Cycling
- Yoga
3. Elevate your legs at night
Elevating your legs at night helps prevent blood from pooling in the veins. Use a footstool or small books to prop up the head of your bed slightly, so you can sleep with your feet higher than your heart for a few hours every night.
4. Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt baths may help improve circulation in the legs and reduce swelling and inflammation associated with varicose veins. Add 2 cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath, and soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this remedy every day until your varicose veins have disappeared.
5. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing
It is important to try and keep your blood moving when you are sitting or standing for long periods of time. Do not sit or stand in the same position for more than an hour. Take a break every hour to stretch your legs and walk around for 5-10 minutes.
6. Hot & Cold Compresses
Hot and cold compresses can be used to help reduce inflammation and swelling associated with varicose veins. First, place a warm compress on the affected area for 5-10 minutes. This will help improve circulation and relax the muscles in your legs.
Follow it up by applying an ice pack to the area for 2-3 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 times on both legs.
7. Avoid crossing legs
Crossing your legs causes the veins in your legs to press against each other, which can make symptoms worse and increase the risk of blood clots forming in the veins.
8. Eat Foods High In Fiber
High-fiber foods help improve circulation by making the veins and arteries stronger and more flexible. Try to eat a minimum of 25-30 grams of fiber every day, which can include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and lentils.
9. Eat more flavonoids
Flavonoids are a type of antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables. Consuming foods high in flavonoids can help improve function and strengthen blood vessels. It can also reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of developing varicose veins.
Some good sources of flavonoids include:
- Berries
- Green tea
- Apples
- Onions
- Garlic
- Broccoli
10. Eat foods high in vitamin C
Vitamin C can improve the health of veins and capillaries by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating collagen production. Try to eat at least 3 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, which will help increase your intake of vitamin C. Some good sources include:
- Citrus fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits, Lemons, Limes)
- Cantaloupe
- Bell Peppers
- Strawberries
- Spinach
11. Foods with potassium
You can increase your potassium intake by eating foods like avocado, bananas, sweet potato, prunes and raisins. Potassium has diuretic properties that can help you get rid of excess fluids in your body to reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Drinking homemade vegetable juice is also another good way to boost your potassium levels.
12. Stay at a healthy weight
It is important to maintain a healthy weight if you want to treat varicose veins. Being overweight can put extra pressure on your legs and increase your risk of developing varicose veins. If you are overweight, try to lose at least 5-10 pounds through a healthy diet and exercise plan.
13. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains a compound called malic acid, which can help break down existing varicose veins and prevent new ones from forming by increasing circulation in the legs. You can apply apple cider vinegar directly to a varicose vein using a clean cotton ball or cloth. Leave the vinegar on for a few minutes, then rinse it off with cool water. Repeat this remedy once or twice a day until the varicose veins disappear.
14. Witch Hazel and cucumber juice
You can combine two natural products, witch hazel, and cucumber, to help reduce inflammation and improve circulation in the legs. Combine equal parts of 100% organic witch hazel and 100% organic cucumber juice in a container. Apply this mixture directly to your varicose veins using clean cotton balls or a clean cloth. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse the area with cold water and pat dry.
15. Horse chestnut seeds
Horse chestnut seeds contain a compound called aescin, which is an anti-inflammatory and helps strengthen the veins. It may also help prevent new varicose veins from forming by improving circulation in the legs. You can purchase horse chestnut seed extract capsules from your local health food store or pharmacy.
16. Butcher’s broom
Butcher’s broom contains a compound called ruscogenin, which is used for treating varicose veins. It can help strengthen the walls of the veins and improve circulation to reduce symptoms. You can take the butcher's broom orally or apply it directly to the legs using clean cotton balls or thin cloth.
17. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel can help improve circulation in the legs and reduce swelling associated with varicose veins. Apply a few drops of 100% aloe vera gel to clean, dry skin using a cotton ball or cloth. Repeat this process once daily for 4-6 weeks.
18. Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract contains antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, which can help improve circulation and inhibit blood clots from forming in the veins. Drink grape seed extract orally as a dietary supplement, or apply it topically to your skin using a cotton ball or clean cloth. Repeat this process three times daily for 3-6 months.
19. Massage
When done properly, massage can help increase blood flow to the lower legs. This is especially helpful if you have varicose veins and are trying to get pregnant, as poor blood flow can decrease your fertility levels. Massage also helps reduce stress levels, which may be causing your varicose veins to worsen. You should visit a massage therapist, but you can also perform your own massage techniques at home.
Here are 4 simple massage techniques that you can do to improve leg circulation:
• The "milk bottle" method - use the palm of your hand to apply pressure near the ankle, then slowly work your way up towards your calf. Repeat this process moving from one leg to the other.
• The "tightrope walk" method - place your leg on a stool and use both hands to apply pressure using moving strokes from the ankle to the thigh. Repeat this process for 5 minutes per leg.
• The "windshield wiper" method - start by applying pressure at the ankle, then move up towards the knee in a straight line with your hands. Repeat this process for one full leg before moving on to the other one.
• The "three-pointed star" method - sit in a chair and use both hands to apply gentle pressure from the ankle up towards the knee. Repeat this process on both legs before finishing at the thigh area.
20. Quit smoking
Smoking is very harmful to the veins because it reduces blood flow and increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. If you stop smoking, you will immediately feel better and see an improvement in your general health and well-being as well as a decrease in the appearance of varicose veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If Home Remedies Don't Work?
If you have tried all of these home remedies and have seen no improvement in your varicose veins, it is time to visit a vein doctor or vascular specialist. They will perform an ultrasound exam to determine if your condition is caused by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is when a clot forms in one of the deep veins in your legs. If it is, you will be given blood thinners and referred to a vein specialist for further treatment.
Can varicose veins go away naturally?
In most cases, varicose veins will not go away on their own. If you let them continue to worsen over time, you increase your risk of blood clots and further complications such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. However, there are natural remedies that can work in conjunction with a doctor's care to reduce the appearance of varicosities, so they do not have to be permanent.
How can I permanently cure varicose veins?
Minimally invasive vein surgery can cure varicose veins, speak with a vein doctor today
Varicose veins cannot be permanently cured without surgery, laser treatment, or sclerotherapy. There is no other natural solution to get rid of them once and for all. However, you can reduce the appearance of varicosities using natural remedies and then undergo a laser procedure by a doctor to remove their appearance altogether.
What is the best non-surgical treatment for varicose veins?
There are many non-surgical treatments for varicose veins, but the two most common are sclerotherapy and radiofrequency ablation. Sclerotherapy uses a chemical solution to destroy the appearance of varicosities without surgery, while radiofrequency ablation employs the use of radiofrequency energy to treat and resolve the underlying cause of varicose veins.
How to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?
As a pregnant woman, you have an increased blood flow to your uterus and breasts. Because of this, you are at risk for developing varicose veins if you do not take proper care of yourself. Make sure to wear compression stockings or socks as well as avoid sitting or standing in the same position for too long. Keep active and never cross your legs or ankles while sitting or standing.
Conclusion
Varicose veins can be painful and unsightly, but there are many natural remedies that you can use to ease the pain and improve their appearance. If they do not work after several weeks, consider seeing a doctor for more advanced treatment such as surgery or laser therapy.
Or schedule a consultation today! Our providers are board-certified vein specialists and have extensive experience in helping patients deal with various venous diseases.
Always consult a medical professional before taking any supplements
