Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins
By Emma Suttie, D.Ac
Varicose veins are unsightly, sometimes painful, swollen, knotted veins, usually in the legs. They are the result of poor circulation and weakened elasticity in the walls of the veins (that carry blood back to the heart). There are many factors that can contribute to varicose veins, like heredity, standing for long periods, lack of exercise, being overweight, pregnancy and poor nutrition can all contribute to varicose veins.
Dietary Factors
One of the most important things to eat to improve varicose veins is to eat more fiber. When we strain or hold our breath when we pass stool it puts added pressure on the veins in the rectum which can lead to hemorrhoids (just vericose veins in your anus). If you want to have stools that flow freely, then more fiber in your diet is the way to do it.
Adding vitamin C, vitamin E and garlic to your diet to help combat varicose veins.
Another consideration is to always try to avoid processed foods. The biggest baddies (the 4 evils) are processed oil, sugar, flour and rice. Always seek out the healthy, unprocessed alternative to each. Cold pressed oils, eating fruits like blueberries (which will also add fiber and antioxidants) instead of sugary snacks, whole wheat, spelt and other whole grain flours, and brown or wild rice will improve your nutrition and add fiber to your diet.
Add Foods Containing Rutin to Your Diet
The best foods to combat varicose veins are ones that contain rutin. Rutin is part of a large family of riboflavanoids which have multiple effects on the body, the most important of which is to reduce the fragility and permeability of capillaries which reduces your risk of developing new varicose veins.
Rutin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, vaso protective (protects the blood vessels) and anti-thrombotic (protects from blood clots) properties. Pretty awesome!
Natural Sources of Rutin
• Buckwheat
• Apple (especially the skin, so try to buy organic to avoid pesticides)
• Cherries
• Grapes
• Blackberries
• Apricot
To avoid or improve varicose veins, one should eat a diet high in fiber, vitamin E, vitamin C and rutin (a riboflavonoid found in buckwheat and the pith of citrus fruits). Also, use garlic as a supplement and/or use it in cooking.
Supplements
One of the best supplements you can take for varicose veins is horse chestnut. It has the specific action of strengthening the walls of blood vesels.
What Can I Do?
• Exercise gently
• Do not sit with legs crossed
• Avoid standing for long periods
• Rest with legs raised
• Sleep with legs slightly elevated
• Inverted yoga postures are beneficial
• Don't take hot baths
Beneficial Aromatherapy Oils
Cypress, geranium, rose, yarrow, Virginian cedarwood, clary sage, frankincense, myrrh
Notes
Cypress and rose are extremely helpful to tone blood vessels and reduce dilation
Massage Oil/Cream Recipe for Vericose Veins
Make up a massage oil or cream containing 7-10 drops each of geranium (or 5 drops of rose), yarrow and cypress oil in 2fl oz/50ml calendula oil or cream and rub gently into the area around or above the veins. DO NOT apply pressure directly to them or below them, and work up the legs towards the heart. Elevate your legs after the massage. Repeat this massage daily.
To Help Swelling
To help reduce swelling, apply local cold compresses soaked in witch hazel.
Improving the Circulatory System
Take warm (not hot) baths with 8-10 drops of a circulatory stimulant such as rosemary or juniper can help improve the condition of the circulatory system as a whole.
Leg Exercises for Varicose Veins
A list of beneficial leg exercises for varicose veins
