Varicose veins are a pretty common issue. They’re identified as abnormally large veins near the skin’s surface. They most commonly appear in the calves or thighs. They tend to be caused by a weakening of the vein walls or poorly functioning valves, which regulate blood flow. Approximately 25% of women in the US experience varicose veins and so do 10% of men.

Some people find that their varicose veins cause them to feel pain, fatigue, restlessness, and a burning, throbbing or tingling sensation. They may also make your legs feel heavy.

Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are often hereditary, but people who are obese are at a higher risk due to the extra pressure that it placed on their legs. Other causes include…

• Taking certain birth control pills
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Hormonal changes in puberty
• Menopause
• Sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time.

Home Remedies for Varicose Veins

Many people with varicose veins found that the bulging appearance of the veins makes them uncomfortable and shy about the way their legs look. Thankfully, there are a few home remedies you can try to combat those veins.

1. Exercise

Getting regular exercise encourages better circulation of blood to you and stops blood collecting in your veins. It also helps to lower high blood pressure, which could otherwise increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Try to take part in exercises that place less strain on your calf muscles as these will be best for preventing varicose veins. Some examples may include swimming, yoga, cycling, and walking, running, or jogging.

 

2. Compression Stockings

Wearing compression stockings all day is a great way to tackle varicose veins at home. In fact, it’s often one of the first remedies suggested to people suffering from varicose veins. The stocking gently squeezes your legs and help to improve your blood flow and reduce the appearance of varicose veins and prevent the development of new ones.

 

3. Choose Non-Restrictive Clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can often restrict blood flow and increase your risk of developing varicose veins. Instead, opt for loose-fitting comfortable clothes. Make sure that your clothes fit you well. Get rid of any clothes that are too tight on you/too small.

4. Elevate Your Legs

Keeping your legs elevated so that they are level with your heart can help to improve blood circulation and reduce the pressure on the veins in your legs. As a result, this can help to decrease your risk of developing varicose veins. If you know you’re going to be sat down for long periods of time then you should look to keep your legs elevated during this time.  

 

5. Massage

If you don’t have compression stockings, you could try giving your calves the occasional massage to help stimulate blood flow. Make sure you don’t massage too hard on the veins themselves though as this could damage them and the surrounding tissues. You can do this yourself or have someone do it for you.

 

6. Keep Moving

Try to avoid being sat still for long periods of time. Try to get up and move around or change position every so often to help maintain a good flow of blood to your legs. You should also try to avoid sitting with your legs crossed as this can restrict the flow of blood.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a very effective home remedy for varicose veins. It’s a natural body cleansing product and also helps to improve the flow and circulation of blood to your legs. Simply apply a few drops of apple cider vinegar to the area when your varicose veins are most noticeable and gently massage it into your skin. Repeat the application of vinegar every morning and night over a period of a few months and you should notice your varicose veins decrease in size.  

 

8. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper is often considered a miracle home remedy for varicose veins. This is because it’s a rich source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which work to increase blood circulation and eases the pain of congested and swollen veins. Just add a teaspoon of powdered cayenne pepper to a cup of hot water and mix well. Drink this cayenne pepper drink at least three times a day every day over a two-month period.

9. Olive Oil

To treat and prevent varicose veins, increasing blood circulation is essential. Massaging a little olive oil into your skin can do just that! Massage a few drops of olive oil into your skin twice a day for two months and you should start to notice the appearance of your varicose veins improving.

 

10. Garlic

Garlic is great at reducing inflammation, which makes it an effective home remedy for varicose veins. It also helps to break down harmful toxins that may otherwise build-up in your bloodstream and block your veins. As a result, garlic helps to improve your circulation and blood flow. Create a mixture consisting of six sliced garlic cloves, the juice from three oranges and two tablespoons of oil. Leave the mixture to sit for twelve hours before massaging a small amount of the liquid into your skin using your fingertips. Keep massaging for fifteen minutes and then wrap your legs in a cotton cloth to leave the mixture on your skin overnight. In the morning you can rinse your skin thoroughly. After several months of doing this, you should see your varicose veins improve.

 

11. Butcher’s Broom

Butcher’s broom is great at relieving the aches and discomfort caused by varicose veins. It contains a compound known as a ruscogenin (RUS) which helps to reduce inflammation.  Not only that, but butcher’s broom is also a rich source of vitamins B and C along with minerals like calcium, chromium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, silicon and zinc. Together, these vitamins and minerals can help to strengthen and tighten your veins, reducing inflammation and improving your blood flow.

 

12. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel can help to strengthen your blood vessels and so reduces the symptoms of varicose veins. It also contains gallic acid which helps to reduce the pain and swelling caused by varicose veins. Soak a clean cloth or cotton pad in witch hazel and apply it to the area where your veins are most noticeable. Wipe the area gently with the witch hazel, twice a day for two months. You could also try adding ten drops of distilled witch hazel to your bath water and soaking your legs for fifteen minutes.

13. Horse Chestnut Seeds

Horse chestnut seeds have been used as a home remedy for varicose veins for generations. They have an anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effect that helps to reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Horse chestnut seeds also contain aescin which helps to improve the elastic strength of your veins and prevents your capillary walls from becoming damaged. This all adds up to a much lower risk of developing varicose veins.

 

14. Parsley

Parsley contains a compound called rutin, which plays a key role in strengthening your capillaries. This makes it a great home remedy for varicose veins. All you need to do is boil a handful of chopped parsley in a cup of water for five minutes. Then cover the liquid and let it cool before straining it. Then, using a cotton ball or pad, apply the liquid to the area where your veins are most prominent. Repeat this application every day for several months.

15. Grape Seed Extract

Grape seed extract has been used in alternative medicine for centuries. It’s well-known for its ability to reduce the symptoms and appearance of varicose veins. This is thought to be because of its high vitamin E and antioxidant content which help to reduce swelling.

 

16. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing varicose veins, especially as you age. This is because excess body weight places more pressure on your veins and can cause inflammation. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle to maintain your weight can act as a great home remedy for varicose veins.

17. High-fiber Foods

Getting enough fiber into your diet can help to prevent constipation and bloating, which would otherwise place extra pressure on your veins and increase your risk of varicose veins. Good sources of fiber include flaxseeds, vegetables, and fresh fruit.

 

18. High-antioxidant Foods

The antioxidants in green veggies and citrus fruits help to strengthen your veins, fight inflammation and improve arterial health. Try to include more foods that are high in antioxidants into your diet to avoid developing varicose veins.

 

19. Magnesium

Magnesium is another great mineral to help fight and treat varicose veins. Try to include more leafy greens, avocados, and bananas into your diet as a way of increasing your magnesium intake.

20. Pine Bark Extract

Pine bark extract contains high levels of antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation and visibly reduce the appearance of your varicose veins. You can take pine bark extract orally to improve your collagen production and help restore the elasticity of your blood vessels. This will help reduce your blood pressure, improve your circulation and reduce your risk of varicose veins.

 

21. Pot Marigold

Pot marigold is can be used as a home remedy for varicose veins and many other skin problems. Just add pot marigold petals to some boiling water to create a warm compress or add them to your bath water. Their anti-inflammatory qualities will help promote collagen production so that your blood vessels can flex normally and will also help reduce inflammation. This will help to drastically improve the appearance of your varicose veins.

22. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile is known for its soothing properties and can help to relieve the heaviness and discomfort caused by varicose veins. Mix a small amount of chamomile oil with some coconut oil and rub this into your legs before bed each night.  After a few months, your varicose veins should start to improve.

 

23. Bilberry

Bilberry has potent antioxidant qualities which help to strengthen your blood vessels and protect them from damage. It also helps to dilate your blood vessels which help to lower your blood pressure and improve circulation.

Which of these home remedies will you try to reduce the appearance of your varicose veins? Do you know any other home remedies for this health problem? If so, comment below!

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350649

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-varicose-veins#the-bottom-line

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321703.php

https://www.holistichealthherbalist.com/best-herbal-remedies-varicose-veins/