What Exactly are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins is also known as apasphit shira/ suje huye nas (Hindi/Urdu), fugun kadak zalelya nasa / ghathi (Marathi), Curul cirai nalankalil (Tamil). Varicose veins are a condition in which veins become enlarged, dilated or thickened. Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins, most commonly found in the legs but also in the rectum (where they are known as hemorrhoids), the scrotum, and the esophagus. Varicose veins are different from spider veins. Spider veins are smaller and involve the capillaries instead of the veins. They usually show up on the surface of the skin like a spider web and can be blue or red in color. These veins most often occur on the legs, but they can become present on the face as well.
What Causes Varicose Veins?
Veins carry circulated impure blood back to the heart so that it can be filled with oxygen again and used by the body. To keep blood moving toward the heart, veins have a valve. When this valve becomes weak or damaged, some blood can pool in the veins and swell. These varicose veins are then visible under the skin, most often in the legs. The swelling is caused by a weakness in the valves of the veins, which leads to increased pressure on the vein walls. This can be the result of deep vein thrombosis, obesity, pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, constipation, prolapse, lack of exercise, smoking, wearing tight clothing or it may be hereditary. Pregnancy may cause varicose veins due to increased pressure in the pelvis and abdomen, which slows down the flow of blood from the lower extremities to the heart. The veins of the legs are the largest in the body and they carry the blood from the lower extremities upwards towards the heart. The direction of circulation in these vessels is largely determined by gravity. Some common symptoms includes extremely sore, swollen, and tender veins, swelling of the legs, bruising and discoloration, burning sensation, aching calves, irritated and flaky skin. In severe cases, a vein may rupture and bleed. Blood collecting in the lower part of the legs and the skin becomes purplish and pigmented, leading to what is known as varicose eczema or varicose ulcers. Both conditions cause severe pain.
6 Great Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
- Reduces Swelling: Boil 1 cup water. Add 1 teaspoon (4 g) dried horse chestnut seeds and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow the tea to cool. Soak a piece of clean gauze or cloth in the mixture and apply to irritated tissue as needed. Horse chestnut seed extract is a traditional treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Constituents are anti-inflammatory, astringent, and a tonic to veins, which reduces swelling and bleeding. Horse chestnut may also be applied to the skin overlying varicose veins as a lotion, ointment, or gel.
- Improves Blood Flow and Circulation: Gotu kola infusions, taken as a beverage, will improve circulation in the legs and treat varicose veins. Gotu kola is a small creeping plant grows in the wild throughout India.
- A mustard poultice may help to encourage circulation in the area.
- Tighten Irritated Tissues: Apply witch hazel externally (as a decoction, tincture, or cream) for the treatment of bruising, hemorrhoids, or varicose veins. Witch hazel tones and tightens irritated and over relaxed tissue. Either witch hazel water or cream makes a first-rate application for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, controlling inflammation and toning distended veins. Thread veins can also benefit.
- Soothe Muscular Cramp: Cypress is a circulatory tonic, which can improve poor circulation, relieve fluid retention, and soothe muscular cramp, and can be applied gently to varicose veins. Add 5 drops cypress and 10 drops geranium oil to 5 teaspoons (25ml.) vegetable oil. Starting at the ankle, gently stroke up the legs toward the heart.
- Treat Circulatory Problems Naturally: The juice or extract of blackcurrant can be taken daily for several months to help improve circulatory problems, such as capillary fragility and varicose veins. Blackcurrant has high levels of antioxidant anthocyanins, the fruit and leaves can be taken long term as a treatment to strengthen the circulation, including the capillaries.
Tips to Prevent Varicose Veins
- Raw beetroot should be eaten daily, for its healing and strengthening action.
- When on a long plane or train trip get up and walk around every half an hour. If on a long trip by car, stop once in a while and get out to stretch your legs.
- Increase your intake of dietary fiber, which will prevent constipation.
- Walking is beneficial as the movements of leg muscles help push the blood upwards.
- Increase your intake of vitamins E and C, and bioflavonoids, which improve blood vessel health. Dark-colored berries, such as blackberries and blueberries, and cherries contain anthocyanins and vitamin C, as well as other beneficial nutrients for health.
- When you are reading or watching television, elevate your feet and rest your legs on a chair or stool.
- Sleeping with feet raised slightly above the level of the heart helps the blood flow away from ankles.