Varicose veins are swollen veins, commonly found in ankles and legs. These are painful and cause redness in the skin. Other symptoms include skin itching, ankle swelling, heavy legs, skin discoloration etc. Standing for long time and abdominal pressure can also lead to varicose veins.
The reason behind this is that there is a problem in the blood flow from legs to heart. The veins help in the flow of blood from legs to heart. Varicose veins are caused in the superficial veins inside the legs. Spider veins are also similar to varicose veins. When the veins do not work properly, blood remains in the legs causing inflammation and swelling.
Though these are not serious but severe cases may cause skin ulcer, blood clotting, acute fat necrosis, carcinoma etc. Complicated case includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which is serious. These are more prevalent in women than men. There are a number of factors that cause varicose veins viz. leg injury, pregnancy, menopause, pregnancy, aging etc.
There are surgical and non surgical methods for the treatment of varicose veins. Other than these, there are natural methods as well. A number of medicinal herbs can be used to treat varicose veins naturally. These are easily available at home and are safe to use.
Top Herbal Remedies for Varicose Veins
Lemon Oil
Add lemon oil in lukewarm bath water and soak feet in it. This remedy would be helpful in curing varicose veins. Add fifty drops of rosemary cineol and ten drops of juniper berry in twenty drops of lemon. Add this mixture in four ounces of carrier oil or lotion. Apply this over the affected area for two to three times in a day. It acts as an astringent and mental stimulant.
For the treatment of spider veins, mix two to three drops of lemon oil in jojoba and avocado or almond oil. Massage this over the affected area to get relief. Lemon contains bioflavonoid, citric acid, magnesium, pectin etc. that help in fighting against infection. Mix rose water or honey in lemon juice that can be applied over the affected area.
Castor Oil
Castor oil is useful in the treatment of varicose veins and in relieving stomach pain as well. To use it, soak a piece of cloth in castor oil and apply on the affected area. Keep this for twenty to thirty minutes. This oil pack can be kept in refrigeration and can be used a number of times. It is very effective in curing skin infections. It improves lymphatic circulation and reduces inflammation.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is also used in combination with other medicinal herbs like witch hazel. Witch hazel is a very good medicinal herb that heals the skin. Aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil and other essential oils like peppermint, orange and rosemary can be used as additives in this herbal remedy.
Lemon can be combined with lemon, eucalyptus and lavender for the treatment of varicose veins. Prepare lemon balm tea by adding two teaspoons of lemon balm in one cup of water. Soak for ten to fifteen minutes. This herbal tea has a number of beneficial properties. It can also be used in tincture form by adding alcohol in it.
Broom Vein
A decoction can be prepared from two tablespoons of chopped broom, one tablespoon ginkgo leaf and one tablespoon ginger mixed in three cups of cold water. Boil broom and ginger together for twenty minutes. Pour this decoction over leaves of ginkgo herb and drink when cooled. This decoction is helpful in proper blood circulation and in the treatment of varicose veins.
St. John’s Wort Oil
This oil is useful in treating damaged skin. It can also be combined with other essential oils. The herbal remedy can be prepared by combining one part of St. John’s Wort herb with three parts of olive oil. Flowers, leaves and stems of this medicinal herb have medicinal properties. Cover it with olive oil and warm for two weeks.
Vinegar
Soak a piece of cloth in vinegar and apply over the affected area. Honey with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar can be added in water that is helpful in improving blood circulation. Drink one glass of water mixed with vinegar on daily basis. Soak a piece of cloth in apple cider vinegar solution and apply over the affected area. It would provide relief from pain and inflammation.
Reishi
Tea prepared from reishi is useful in curing varicose veins. It can be consumed in morning time and is helpful for blood circulation and energy. Reishi can be combined with nettle root, hawthorn berries and half part of ginger root in dried form to prepare this herbal tea. Add all these ingredients in four cups of water and boil for fifteen minutes.
Horse Chestnut
It is a good herbal medicine that strengthens veins and capillaries. It contains aescin which has medicinal properties. Horse chestnut, in combination with castor oil or olive oil is useful in the treatment of varicose veins.
Butchers broom and comfrey can be used with this herb. Horse chestnut can be consumed in the form of tincture. This tincture can be prepared from nuts and leaves. To prepare it, chop the nuts and cover it with vodka. Store it in a dark place for four to six weeks. To prepare oil, chop the fresh leaves and cover with castor oil or olive oil. Keep it under solar infusion for three to four weeks and strain it.
Hemorrhoid
Hemorrhoid can be used for curing varicose veins. The combination of hemorrhoid with other herbs is a useful remedy. Combine four tablespoons of witch hazel with half tablespoon of comfrey tincture, half tablespoon of horse chestnut in tincture form and fifty drops of lavender essential oil. Apply this blend over the affected area that would be useful in treating varicose veins.
Witch Hazel
This medicinal herb has a soothing effect for the treatment of varicose veins. Use cotton ball and apply this herb over the affected area. Frozen form of this herb is useful in reducing swelling and inflammation.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
