Varicose veins develop when the tiny valves in the veins weaken and could not stop the deoxygenated blood from moving backwards. The deoxygenated blood instead of flowing towards the heart collects in the vein, which becomes enlarged and varicose vein develops.
Varicose veins are a common problem in older adults, pregnant women and overweight people. In some cases it causes severe pain, whereas in others, despite the unpleasant appearance of the enlarged or twisted vein, it does not cause any discomfort. Nevertheless, varicose veins respond to natural remedies, especially at the early stage when the symptoms are mild in nature. To get rid of varicose or spider veins naturally, here are some easy options.
Cayenne Pepper
Speeding up blood circulation prevents blood from pooling in the veins. Hot peppers are best known for stimulating circulation and can help in warding off varicose veins naturally. Moreover, they also help in reducing pain related to varicose veins. If you can tolerate the hotness of cayenne pepper, take a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a glass of water two to three times a day.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is widely recommended in European folk medicines to reduce varicose veins. It works by repairing the damaged valves. Aesicin, a bioactive constituent of horse chestnut, by sealing the breakages in the capillary walls, reduces backward flow of the blood.
Pineapple Juice
Fibrin is a type of protein that deposits in the tissues around the enlarged vein and worsens its appearance and increases discomfort by making the vein lumpier. Pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps in breaking down fibrin. To reduce the appearance of varicose veins naturally, drink a glass of pineapple juice twice daily or take a good quality bromelain supplement.
Exercises
Exercises that help in strengthening the leg muscles are best suited for people with varicose veins. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming and rowing aid contraction of the leg muscles, and force the blood to move out of the veins.
Cold Compress
Applying cold compress to the enlarged veins helps in reducing the swelling and boosts circulation. For best results add few drops of witch hazel tincture to the cold compress. The astringent activity of witch hazel aids contraction of the enlarged veins.
French Maritime Pine Bark Extract
Pycnogel, the key bioactive constituent of French maritime pine bark, helps in strengthening the veins and improves circulation. Regular intake of supplements containing French maritime bark extract helps in shrinking the enlarged veins.
Clay Poultice
Clay poultice is widely recommended in Indian folk medicines for reducing the swelling of the veins. Prepare a thick paste by blending fuller’s earth with water and cover the affected area with the paste. Leave it overnight. The clay poultice helps in absorbing the toxins and facilitates healing.
Vinegar Compress
Appling vinegar compress on the enlarged veins helps in reducing the swelling and improves circulation. When applied daily it gradually helps in shrinking the enlarged veins. For best result, use apple cider vinegar.
Butcher’s Broom
In the European folk medicines butcher’s broom is widely used for reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. The rhizome of the plant contains a bioactive compound that helps in reducing inflammation and strengthens the blood vessels. To reduce the appearance of varicose veins, take supplements that contain butcher’s broom extract.
Gotu Kola
In the traditional Indian medicine, the herb gotu kola is widely used for healing varicose veins. Regular intake of gotu kola extract helps in strengthening the connective tissues and improves blood flow.
