Varicose Veins - What You Can Do To Treat Them

Varicose veins are the swollen and twisted veins that are especially visible in the legs. They result from the stagnation or sluggish flow of blood in veins that also probably have defective valves or weakened walls. Blood returning to the heart from the legs has to flow up the veins against gravity. This blood is moved upwards by the 'massaging' action of the muscles on the veins. To prevent the blood from flowing backwards, the veins contain valves that are located at frequent intervals along the vein.

When the blood is flowing towards the heart the valves are open and the blood can flow freely. If the blood should start to move backwards the valves close - stopping the reverse movement of the blood. Long periods of standing or sitting, without movement, places a great deal of strain on the veins. Without the 'massaging' of the veins by the muscles the blood tends to 'back up'. The blood pressing downwards against the valves causes the veins to distend - after a time they loose their elasticity. When a number of valves no longer work effectively the blood collects in the veins. The veins gradually become more swollen and distended.

There are a number of factors that can cause the stagnation of pooling of blood in the veins. These factors include:

  • lack of exercise,
  • standing motionless for long periods of time,
  • pregnancy,
  • obesity,
  • sitting cross legged and
  • anything that reduces the circulation to the legs, such as tight clothing or smoking.

Varicose veins tend to develop gradually. There may be a feeling of tiredness in the legs and leg cramps at night. A continual dull ache can develop and ankles can swell. If the veins continue to develop they become thick and hard to touch. There can also be dull or stabbing pains. Because of the poor circulation ulcers can develop on the lower legs. What you can do to treat varicose veins

  • It is essential that you have sufficient exercise - make walking or any exercise that increases the use of the leg muscles a regular part of your routine.
  • Avoid sitting or standing for long periods and ensure that the feet are elevated when sitting for a long period of time, to counteract the effects of gravity.
  • The diet should also be rich in fruit and vegetables so that the nutrients needed to ensure strong venous walls are obtained.
  • Supplement the diet with vitamin B complex and vitamin C. These can be taken as a part of a good non-contaminated vitamin and mineral supplement.
  • Constipation has to be avoided. If you have a problem with constipation or your diet has been lacking in fruit and vegetables you will benefit from colon cleansing.
  • You need to avoid anything that will interfere with your blood circulation. This means that if you smoke you need to quit - try joining a quit smoking program to get the assistance you need.
The herbs can be used to stimulate the peripheral circulation and thereby aid the blood flow in the legs. The appropriate herbs are:
  • cayenne pepper,
  • ginger,
  • prickly ash as bark or berries.
Herbs that strengthen the blood vessels should also be included, for example:
  • hawthorn berries, and
  • horsechestnut.
The following mixture should be of assistance:
  • 3 parts hawthorn berries
  • 3 parts horsechestnut
  • 2 parts prickly ash bark (or berries)
  • 2 parts yarrow
  • 1 part ginger

Combine all the ingredients. Take 1 teaspoon of the herb blend and place into a suitable sized saucepan and pour over the cup of boiling water. Allow this to stand for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the herbs. Drink 1 cup three times per day. When there is local inflammation or pain a lotion or compress of witch hazel will often ease the discomfort. The following (as a compress) can also be used:

  • marigold,
  • comfrey and
  • hawthorn berries.

There are many problems that can develop in the circulatory system and one of these is the development of varicose veins. With the natural therapies for the prevention of circulation problems you are in control. You are able to eat a healthy diet, stop smoking, use nutritional supplement and take herbs for cleansing the arteries and strengthening the heart. What you do and how you live your life will make a difference to your arteries, veins and heart.

Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential vitamin and mineral supplement and many other methods, including herbal remedies.

 

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