Got a Veiny Problem? – Varicose Veins and Home Remedies

Varicose veins get its name from the Latin word, “varix” meaning “twisted”, which is fitting as these veins are defined as visible bluish-purple veins that have been enlarged and twisted.[1] Veins that usually fall victim to being varicosed usually reside in the legs as these veins must work against gravity to push blood towards the heart; and as our legs not only support the brunt of our full weight but must also carry us from A to B on a daily basis, these veins can be easily weakened, causing blood to collect in them, which results in them in becoming enlarged and twisted.

Varicose veins are generally not much of a health concern as they are an aesthetic concern but sometimes they can cause discomfort, pain, itching, cramping or swelling.[2] If any of these symptoms manifest themselves, then it’s best to consult your local doctor to see what can be done to alleviate the issue.

However, if varicose veins develop and the only issue is how unsightly they look, then why not try out one of the following home remedies to manage the condition and minimize potential physical symptoms.

Exercise

It comes as of no surprise that exercising not only helps blood circulation but it also keeps those veins in your legs in optimal shape.[3] Regular, low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking, cycling or yoga encourages blood circulation, which helps blood flow to where it needs to go; and it also reduces an individual’s blood pressure, which has been implied to be another contributing factor to the development of varicose veins.[4]

Horse Chestnut Extract

If you’re willing to give alternative medicine a try, the herb, horse chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) has been deemed a popular supplement for remedying varicose veins, as well as chronic enous insufficiency – a condition related to varicose veins.[5]

Horse chestnut extract become an advisable remedy for varicose veins when in 2006, researchers with the Cochrane collaboration conducted a study of individuals suffering from varicose veins – some individuals were orally given the horse chestnut extract while others were given a placebo.[6] Those who did not take the placebo reported that they saw an improvement in the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency as well as a significant reduction in leg pain and swelling.[7]

*However, it should be noted that horse chestnut extract should only be used a short-term course of treatment as there may be side effects to ingesting this herb, some of which include nausea, headaches, vomiting and diarrhea.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are designed to be tight around the ankles and loose in the calves, knees and thigh area so as to squeeze the individual’s legs, improve circulation and encourage proper blood flow upwards towards the heart.[8] While there is no evidence to support compression stocking stopping varicose vein from developing or worsening, they do help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins – discomfort, swelling and pain.[9]

In conclusion, if you’re bothered by the appearance of a network of bluish-purple veins snaking around your calves and legs and/or have developed physical symptoms associated with varicose veins but don’t want to fork out cash for cosmetic surgery, consider one of the following treatments mentioned in this article.

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