Varicose veins on the legs are a chronic disease in which the lumen of the veins increases, which leads to poor circulation in the extremities, blood stagnation and swelling. Subsequently, inflammation develops and blood clots form. Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is carried out at an early stage of changes in the veins; the progress of the disease requires taking medications. Different stages of the pathological process are presented in the photo.
Effective home recipes
Folk remedies for varicose veins are recommended for use as prophylaxis. They contain natural products and herbs, which allows them to influence the cause of the pathology without harm. The goal of treatment is to improve blood flow by:
- cleansing blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- blood thinning;
- strengthening vascular walls.
Garlic and lemon
The use of lemon and garlic allows you to achieve a positive result at the stage of formation of the vascular network. The product cleanses blood vessels, makes them elastic, and relieves inflammation.
To prepare the composition, squeeze the juice from 6 lemons, add chopped garlic (5 cloves), honey (two glasses) and golden mustache (three leaves). The ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Place in a glass container and store in a dark place for a week. Take the composition daily for 30 days, 4 small spoons.
You can make compresses and wraps from the mixture. The duration of the procedures in the absence of irritation is about an hour.
horse chestnut
Another effective folk treatment for varicose veins is chestnut. Its use is due to the content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins, and flavonoids. For vein pathology, beech tree-based products have an anti-inflammatory, tonic effect, strengthen capillary walls, improve blood flow, and help relieve swelling. To make medicine, not only the fruits are used, but also the inflorescences of the tree:
- Dried flowers (4 spoons) and crushed fruits (6 pieces) are poured with 500 ml of alcohol. Leave for 14 days, shaking the vessel regularly. Before use, dilute 2 tablespoons of the product in 5 tablespoons of water. The napkin is moistened in the resulting solution and wrapped for 2 hours. To enhance the effect, cover with cellophane and wrap a towel on top. During the procedure, you must lie with your limbs elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two spoons with warm water (200 ml), leave for 6 hours in a dark place, then bring to a boil and leave for another hour. Take 75 ml in the morning and evening for 14 days, pause for a week, the course of treatment lasts up to six months.
The alcohol tincture is taken orally for a month, 30 drops three times a day.
Datura seeds
Datura is used in the fight against varicose veins due to its ability to relieve spasm and inflammation, restore metabolism, and reduce pain. The medicine in the form of a tincture is prepared from the seeds of the plant, one part of which is poured into a glass container and filled with 5 parts of 70% alcohol. Close the jar tightly, put it in a dark place for a week, shake the contents periodically. The hood is used:
- In the form of compresses for star-shaped and painful areas: 25 ml per 100 ml of water.
- For internal use, 2 drops diluted in water (25 ml) are sufficient. Take three times a day, you can eat after 30 minutes. The course of treatment lasts a month and is repeated after six months.
This remedy is contraindicated if allergies and intolerances occur. It is important not to exceed the dosage, since the plant is poisonous, causing vomiting, heart rhythm disturbances, nervous agitation, and hallucinations. During pregnancy, breastfeeding and glaucoma, the use of Datura is strictly contraindicated.
Apple vinegar
Natural apple cider vinegar includes all the valuable components of apples, but in concentrated form. When applied externally, vinegar relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation, and eliminates swelling. When used internally, antioxidants, acids and enzymes restore metabolism, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and remove toxins. For varicose veins, only a natural product is used, which is used in the form of:
- Compresses.Soak a napkin in warm vinegar and apply it to problem areas and hold until the tissue is completely dry.
- Wraps.The gauze is folded into several layers, moistened in a vinegar solution, and the excess liquid is squeezed out. The fabric is laid out on the limbs, covered with cellophane on top and insulated with a towel.
- Rubbing it in.Gently soak the sore limbs with a cloth soaked in vinegar and leave until the moisture dries; no need to rinse.
The procedures are carried out lying down; it is necessary to elevate the limbs and place a cushion under the legs to reduce the load on the veins. For sensitive skin, to avoid irritation, vinegar is diluted with water 1: 1.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (a teaspoon) and water (200 ml), drink in the morning after sleep. Apple cider vinegar should not be consumed if gastrointestinal diseases are present, as there is a risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Popular recipes
There are many folk recipes for varicose veins on the legs that can eliminate the signs of pathology. Here are some of them:
- Laundry soap is used in combination with acetylsalicylic acid powder to relieve pain and eliminate vascular defects. For a compress, grate the soap, knead acetylsalicylic acid (10 tablets) and dissolve in vodka (250 ml). The components are mixed and applied to painful areas, bandaged and kept for 30 minutes.
- An effective remedy for inflammation of the veins is cabbage leaf, which is used in the form of compresses. It is beaten to release the medicinal juice, one side is coated with any vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein, left for a day. The compress is secured on top with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins involves internal and external use. Tea with the addition of a small piece of root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of vein disease, especially in overweight patients. For a compress, the spice is grated and mixed with honey. The paste is applied for 3 hours, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a towel on top.
- A compress of woodlice and burdock helps restore lightness to your legs. First, a tender woodlice is applied to the diseased area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and secured with a bandage. Woodlice is replaced when the grass dries, burdock - after 2 hours. They do the procedures for a long time until there is improvement.
Additionally, you can use baths or massage with aromatic oils; esters of juniper, mint, lavender, and lemon are suitable. Chamomile, almond, peach and rosemary oils have proven themselves well.
Pharmacy products
Treatment of ulcers that appear on the legs due to varicose veins involves the prescription of pharmaceutical drugs of local and systemic action.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics; their action is aimed at areas of microcirculation in the extremities. The drugs improve the tone of the veins, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Also, due to increased lymph outflow, swelling goes away. Medicines have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used to prevent the disease, in course therapy for varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after surgery on the veins.
Saponins include horse chestnut, plant extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. For local use, an ointment based on rutin is prescribed.
Blood thinners
Anticoagulants are indicated to improve blood flow and prevent blood clots. Glycosaminoglycan products are used topically. Antiplatelet drugs combat blood stagnation.
Anti-inflammatory
Internal varicose veins are accompanied by severe pain, inflammation and tissue swelling, and increased temperature. In order to reduce symptoms, prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of the vascular walls, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern techniques
Treatment options for varicose veins on the legs are varied; the choice of one method depends on the severity of the disease. At the initial stages, an integrated approach is used, which involves wearing compression garments, gymnastic exercises, hirudotherapy, and taking medications. Symptoms and cosmetic defects of small veins are eliminated using minimally invasive procedures - sclerotherapy and laser. Serious problems can be solved by surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method for eliminating varicose veins and is used at an early stage of the disease when spider veins appear. The event involves the injection of a sclerosant into the damaged area, which leads to gluing of the vein walls and impedes blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without a trace.
Laser method
Laser coagulation involves gluing a vein with a laser beam to stop the flow of blood. The operation is carried out in the absence of inflammation and blood clots, with a smooth course of the vessel trunk up to 1 cm wide. After local anesthesia, a laser light guide is inserted into the vein through a puncture and, under the control of an ultrasound machine, it moves to the affected area. The energy generated by the emitter is absorbed by hemoglobin, and the generated heat solders the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, there are no bruises or scars left on the body, and no relapses occur in the area.
Leeches
Hirudotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins is widely used, but it is not recommended to resort to this type of therapy on your own; only a phlebologist should prescribe the procedure. The effect is achieved due to the content of the hirudin peptide in the salivary glands of leeches. Penetrating under the skin, the substance has a therapeutic effect:
- thins the blood;
- prevents thrombosis;
- dilates blood vessels;
- relieves inflammation;
- eliminate swelling.
By reducing the volume of circulating blood, annelids eliminate the load on the vessels of the extremities. Treatment with leeches is allowed at an early stage of the disease, but does not have a lasting effect, so the symptoms of the pathology may recur over time. Leeches are contraindicated for ulcers and injuries.
Surgical correction of the problem
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, surgical intervention is indicated if a person is experiencing severe pain and extensive damage to the veins is diagnosed. When there is a threat of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is disrupted and ulcers may form. Surgery is aimed at removing the affected vein. To carry out the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of destruction of the vessel and complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves tying the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. Then it is pulled out using a rigid probe.
- When stripping, a section of the venous trunk is removed.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations; it allows you to remove a section of a problematic vein through a puncture in the skin. The surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, pulling out the vein, then ligates the vessel and removes the damaged part.
Surgery for varicose veins is an effective treatment method that does not cause relapses. The technique of performing manipulations has been developed for decades, so complications are observed infrequently.
Diet
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps normalize pressure in blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity and improve its circulation. Proper nutrition ensures strengthening of the walls of blood vessels and restoration of tone, reduction of edema and excess body weight. Products recommended for illness:
- Fruits and berries are a source of valuable elements for the body, vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamins C, A, E are especially important.
- Cabbage, carrots, whole grain bread, and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but it promotes a long-term supply of nutrients, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines, and reduces weight.
- Dried fruits, an alternative to sugar and sweets, help thin the blood. Seasonings such as curry, thyme and ginger have these properties.
- It is preferable to replace animal fats with sunflower or olive oil.
- Legumes and nuts are included in the diet as sources of vegetable protein.
- Sea kale is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains microelements and fiber. In addition, kelp reduces appetite.
- Seafood and fish are rich in easily digestible protein and amino acids.
- It is allowed to eat lean meat. The liver is necessary for producing hemoglobin and supplying vascular cells with oxygen.
- Lemonade is replaced with freshly squeezed juices and fruit drinks. It is good to brew currant and raspberry leaves.
To remove toxins and restore water balance, it is important to drink water - at least 2 liters per day. It is necessary to eat small meals, not to overeat, especially at night.
To thin the blood, it is recommended to brew herbal teas from lemon balm, raspberries, currant leaves, St. John's wort, linden blossom, mint, and thyme.
To improve the condition of the veins, it is necessary to exclude harmful foods from the diet:
- Alcohol poisons the body, causes swelling, raises blood pressure and damages the vascular system.
- Fats lead to weight gain and the deposition of cholesterol plaques. The process leads to inflammation of the venous walls, poor circulation, and increases the risk of thrombosis.
- Due to the content of fast carbohydrates, sweets negatively affect weight and cholesterol production, cause a sharp release of insulin into the blood, tiring the pancreas. As a result, sugar in the body increases.
- It is necessary to reduce your salt intake to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid.
Harmful foods also include fatty meats, fried foods, canned food, smoked foods, and coffee.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics for varicose veins is part of the prevention and treatment of the disease. Exercises help restore blood flow in the veins, arteries and peripheral vessels, strengthen muscles, increase the tone of vascular walls, and relieve swelling. Low physical activity leads to stagnation, which becomes the cause of varicose veins. Therefore, walking, cycling and swimming are recommended for people with problem veins. Before engaging in therapeutic exercises, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will select exercises that correspond to the degree of the disease and give recommendations for implementation. The following exercises can be performed for the legs:
- In a lying position, alternately raise the limbs. First, it is performed lying on your back, then on your stomach.
- The "bicycle" exercise resembles pedaling only in a lying position. Legs are supported.
- Rolling from toe to heel is performed up to 20 times.
- Raising your hips high, you need to alternately march on your toes, then on your heels.
- Stand up straight, while inhaling, slowly rise on your toes, and exhale, return to the starting position.
- To unload the veins, you need to lie down and relax, raise your legs at an angle of 20°, placing a bolster or pillow. Breathing should be uniform and calm.
Gymnastics is given 15 minutes in the mornings and evenings with breaks of 5 minutes. Do not lift weights or overload your limbs. If it is difficult to perform the entire complex, you should start with simple movements.