Varicose veins, most commonly experienced in the legs and feet, are often treated as a purely cosmetic concern. But they can cause serious discomfort to those who have them and could indicate high blood pressure and poor circulation. A varicose vein develops when the muscular wall of the vein is weakened and stretched out by the blood flowing through it. Because of this stretching, the valve that lets blood in or out of the heart stops closing, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow upward, causing pooling and swelling. While surgical removal of varicose veins may be necessary in severe cases, most people can keep them under control naturally. Here are some things you can do.
Gentle Exercise
When it comes to varicose veins, exercise tops the list for preventive care. The reason for this is twofold. Toning the muscles provides extra support to veins, while regularly getting the heart pumping keeps blood from pooling and creating too much outward pressure on them. For people already dealing with varicose veins, low-impact exercise is recommended in order to avoid further bulging. Yoga is especially beneficial because it focuses on deep breathing, which provides the blood with more oxygen, helping it move with even more ease through the veins. Additionally, yoga incorporates poses that manipulate the direction of blood flow, keeping the circulatory system in tip-top shape.
Elevation
A simple way to minimize discomfort caused by varicose veins is to elevate the legs at least a few inches above the heart, allowing pooled blood to make its way out of the damaged veins. The most effective method is to lay on the floor with your legs leaning on a wall, perpendicular to the upper body, but you can also just prop them up on a desk or some pillows if that’s not an accessible option.
Massage
Another way to help pooled blood move toward the heart and out of the vein is to massage the legs, working from the feet up to the pelvis, keeping the legs elevated if possible. Avoid applying direct pressure to bulging veins, which can cause pain and further damage.
Compression Stockings
If you struggle with varicose veins and your job requires you to sit or stand all day, compression stockings can help decrease pooling by supporting veins from the outside. They can be bought at most pharmacies and big-box stores. Keep the stockings by your bed at night so you can put them on before you stand up in the morning and blood has a chance to pool.
Fiber
Constipation, due to the stress and pressure it can bring to leg veins, can be a major contributor to the formation of varicose veins. A diet rich in whole foods and low in refined grains and sugars will not only provide you with the fiber needed to keep you regular, but it will also provide the walls of the veins with the vitamins and minerals needed to stay strong.
Berries
Dark-colored berries are especially helpful to consume if you are trying to combat varicose veins. This is because vitamin C, flavonoids, and antioxidants all work to strengthen vein walls, and berries contain all three. A good way to incorporate enough berries into your diet to treat varicose veins is to drink one to two servings of fresh berry juice each day.
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)
Gotu kola, or centella asiatica, is a tropical plant that grows in marshes or very moist soil. When taken in the form of a tea, tincture, or extract, it may help treat varicose veins by improving blood flow and reducing swelling. In fact, a study conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center found that venous insufficiency (weak veins) improved in people who took gotu kola compared to those who took a placebo. Another study also showed via ultrasound tests that people who took gotu kola experienced less fluid leakage from veins.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, originally discovered and used by Native Americans for swelling and irritation, is a common and effective external method for treating varicose veins. The tannins in witch hazel provide an astringent quality that tightens and strengthens protruding veins while also working to reduce inflammation. For use on varicose veins, apply a cold compress made of a washcloth soaked in distilled witch hazel over the veins or points of swelling twice a day.
The most effective natural regimen for preventing and reducing varicose veins includes a combination of the methods listed above. Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing intense pain, ulcers, or bleeding from the veins, or if the veins are red in color.
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