Varicose veins on the legs are a chronic disease in which the lumen of the veins increases, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the extremities, blood stagnation and swelling. This then leads to inflammation and the formation of blood clots. Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies occurs at an early stage of venous changes; the progression of the disease requires taking medication. Different stages of the pathological process are shown in the photo.
Effective home recipes
Folk remedies for varicose veins are recommended for prophylaxis. They contain natural products and herbs that allow them to affect the cause of the pathology without causing harm. The goal of treatment is to improve blood circulation through:
- Cleansing blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- blood thinning;
- Strengthening the 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 mixed thoroughly. Place in a glass container and store in a dark place for a week. Take the composition in 4 small spoons daily for 30 days.
You can make compresses and wraps from the mixture. The duration of the procedures without irritation is about an hour.
buckeye
Another effective folk treatment for varicose veins is chestnut. Its use is due to the content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins and flavonoids. For venous pathologies, beech-based products have an anti-inflammatory, tonic effect, strengthen the capillary walls, improve blood circulation and help relieve swelling. To prepare medicines, 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. Let it rest for 14 days, shaking the container 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 it with cellophane and wrap a towel over it. During the procedure you must lie with your limbs elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two spoonfuls of warm water (200 ml), leave in a dark place for 6 hours, then bring to the boil and leave for another hour. Take 75 ml morning and evening for 14 days, take a break for a week, the 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, as it relieves spasms and inflammation, restores metabolism and relieves pain. From the seeds of the plant, the medicine is prepared in the form of a tincture, part of which is poured into a glass container and filled with 5 parts of 70% alcohol. Close the jar tightly, place it in a dark place for a week, shaking 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, consume after 30 minutes. The treatment lasts one month and is repeated after six months.
If allergies and intolerances occur, this product is contraindicated. It is important not to exceed the dosage as the plant is poisonous and causes vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, nervous restlessness and hallucinations. The use of Datura is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding and glaucoma.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Natural apple cider vinegar contains all the valuable components of the apple, but in a concentrated form. When used 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 in the form of:
- Compressed.Soak a napkin in warm vinegar, apply it to problem areas and hold until the cloth is completely dry.
- Wraps.The gauze is folded into several layers, moistened with a vinegar solution and the excess liquid is squeezed out. The fabric is placed on the limbs, covered with cellophane on top and insulated with a towel.
- Rub it in.Gently soak the sore limbs with a cloth soaked in vinegar and leave until the moisture dries; rinsing is not necessary.
The procedures are carried out lying down; it is necessary to raise the limbs and place a pillow under the legs to reduce the load on the veins. For sensitive skin, vinegar is diluted 1: 1 with water to avoid irritation.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (one teaspoon) and water (200 ml) and drink in the morning after sleeping. If you have gastrointestinal diseases, you should avoid consuming apple cider vinegar as there is a risk of the disease worsening.
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. To make a compress, rub the soap, knead acetylsalicylic acid (10 tablets) and dissolve in vodka (250 ml). The components are mixed and applied to the painful areas, bandaged and kept for 30 minutes.
- An effective remedy for phlebitis is cabbage leaf, which is used in the form of compresses. It is beaten to release the medicinal juice, one side is smeared with vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein and left for a day. The compress is secured at the top with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins can be used internally and externally. Tea with the addition of a small piece of root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of venous diseases, especially in overweight patients. To make a compress, the spice is rubbed and mixed with honey. The paste is applied for 3 hours, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a towel on top.
- A compress made from woodlice and burdock will help restore lightness to your legs. First, a delicate woodlice is applied to the diseased area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on it and fixed with a bandage. Woodlice are replaced when the grass dries, burdock - after 2 hours. They carry out the procedures over a long period of time until improvement occurs.
You can also use baths or massages with aromatic oils; Esters of juniper, mint, lavender and lemon are suitable. Chamomile, almond, peach and rosemary oil have proven to be effective.
Pharmacy products
Treatment of ulcers that appear on the legs due to varicose veins includes the prescription of drugs with local and systemic action.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics; their action targets areas of microcirculation in the extremities. The drugs improve the tone of the veins, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Due to the increased lymphatic drainage, swelling also disappears. Medications have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonics are used to prevent the disease, in the ongoing therapy of varicose veins and thrombosis, and before and after vein operations.
Saponins include horse chestnut, and plant extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. A rutin-based ointment is prescribed for local use.
blood thinner
Anticoagulants are intended to improve blood circulation and prevent blood clots. Glycosaminoglycan products are applied topically. Antiplatelet drugs fight blood congestion.
Anti-inflammatory
Internal varicose veins are accompanied by severe pain, inflammation and swelling of the tissue, as well as an increased temperature. To relieve symptoms, prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of the vascular walls, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern techniques
There are many treatment options for varicose veins on the legs; the choice of a method depends on the severity of the disease. In the initial phase, an integrated approach is used, which includes wearing compression clothing, 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 resolved through surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method of eliminating varicose veins and is used in the early stages of the disease when spider veins appear. A sclerosing agent is injected into the damaged area, which causes the vein walls to stick together and restricts blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without a trace.
Laser method
Laser coagulation involves blocking a vein with a laser beam to stop blood flow. The operation is carried out in the absence of inflammation and blood clots, with a smooth course of the vascular trunk, which is 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 device, it moves to the affected area. The energy generated by the emitter is absorbed by the hemoglobin and the heat generated solders the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, no bruises or scars remain on the body and there are no relapses in the area.
leech
Hirudotherapy is widely used in the treatment of varicose veins, but it is not recommended to resort to this type of therapy alone; the procedure should only be prescribed by a phlebologist. The effect is achieved due to the content of the hirudin peptide in the salivary glands of leeches. By penetrating under the skin, the substance has a therapeutic effect:
- thins the blood;
- prevents thrombosis;
- dilates blood vessels;
- relieves inflammation;
- Eliminate swelling.
By reducing circulating blood volume, annelids relieve pressure on the vessels of the extremities. Treatment with leeches is permissible at an early stage of the disease, but it does not have a lasting effect, so symptoms of 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 severe pain occurs and extensive damage to the veins is diagnosed. If there is a threat of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is disrupted and ulcers may form. The aim of the operation is to remove the affected vein. To carry out the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of vascular destruction and the complications of the disease.
- In traditional phlebectomy, the saphenous vein is ligated through incisions in the groin and ankle. It is then extracted using a rigid probe.
- Stripping involves removing a section of the vein trunk.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations; it allows a section of a problematic vein to be removed through a puncture in the skin. The surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, pulls out the vein, then ligates the vessel and removes the damaged part.
Surgery for varicose veins is an effective method of treatment that does not cause relapses. The technology for performing manipulations has been developed over decades, so complications rarely occur.
diet
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps to normalize pressure in blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity and improve blood circulation. Proper nutrition ensures strengthening of the walls of blood vessels and restoration of tone, as well as a reduction in edema and excess weight. Recommended products for illness:
- Fruits and berries are a source of valuable elements for the body, vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamins C, A and E are particularly important.
- Cabbage, carrots, whole wheat bread and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but promotes long-term nutrient supply, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines, and reduces weight.
- Dried fruits, an alternative to sugar and sweets, help thin the blood. Spices like curry, thyme and ginger have these properties.
- Animal fats should preferably be replaced with sunflower or olive oil.
- Legumes and nuts should be included in the diet as plant-based protein sources.
- Sea kale is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains microelements and fiber. In addition, seaweed reduces appetite.
- Seafood and fish are rich in easily digestible proteins and amino acids.
- It is allowed to eat lean meat. The liver is necessary for the production of hemoglobin and the supply of oxygen to the vascular cells.
- Lemonade is replaced by 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 and not overeat, especially at night.
To thin the blood, it is recommended to brew herbal teas made from lemon balm, raspberries, currant leaves, St. John's wort, linden blossoms, 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, increases 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 vein walls, poor blood circulation and an increased risk of thrombosis.
- Due to the content of fast carbohydrates, sweets have a negative effect on weight and cholesterol production, cause a strong release of insulin into the blood and tire the pancreas. This causes the sugar content in the body to increase.
- It is necessary to reduce salt intake to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid.
Harmful foods also include fatty meats, fried foods, canned foods, 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 the vascular walls, and relieve swelling. Low physical activity leads to stagnation, which becomes the cause of varicose veins. Hiking, cycling and swimming are therefore recommended for people with vein problems. Before starting therapeutic exercises, you should consult your doctor. The specialist selects exercises according to the degree of the disease and gives recommendations for their implementation. The following exercises can be done for the legs:
- While lying down, alternately lift your limbs. First it is performed lying on your back, then on your stomach.
- The "bicycle" exercise is similar to pedaling only while lying down. The legs are supported.
- Rolling from toe to heel is performed up to 20 times.
- As you lift your hips up, you need to alternately march on your toes and then on your heels.
- Stand upright, inhale, slowly stand on tiptoes and return to the starting position as you exhale.
- To relieve the strain on the veins, you need to lie down and relax, raising your legs to an angle of 20 ° and placing a pad or pillow. Breathing should be even and calm.
The gymnastics takes place in the morning and evening for 15 minutes each 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.