Varicose veins in 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. Then, 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; disease progression requires medication. Different stages of the pathological process are shown in the picture.
Effective recipes at home
Folk remedies for varicose veins are recommended for use as prophylaxis. They contain natural products and herbs, which allows them to affect the cause of the pathology without harm. The aim of the treatment is to improve blood circulation by:
- cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- blood thinning;
- strengthening of vascular walls.
Garlic and lemon
The use of lemon and garlic allows you to achieve a positive result in the stage of formation of the vascular network. The product cleans blood vessels, makes them elastic and relieves inflammation.
To prepare the composition, squeeze the juice from 6 lemons, add minced garlic (5 cloves), honey (two cups) 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 every day for 30 days, 4 small spoons.
You can make compresses and wraps from the mixture. The duration of procedures in the absence of irritation is about an hour.
horse chestnut
Another popular effective 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 flowering of the tree:
- Dry flowers (4 spoons) and crushed fruits (6 pieces) are poured with 500 ml of alcohol. Leave for 14 days, shaking the container regularly. Before use, dilute 2 tablespoons of the product in 5 tablespoons of water. The napkin is soaked in the resulting solution and wrapped for 2 hours. To increase the effect, cover it with cellophane and wrap a towel on top. During the procedure, you should lie down with your limbs elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two spoons of warm water (200 ml), leave for 6 hours in a dark place, then let it boil and leave for another hour. Take 75 ml in the morning and evening for 14 days, stop for a week, the course of treatment lasts up to six months.
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 spasms and inflammation, restore metabolism and reduce pain. The medicine in the form of a solution is prepared from the seeds of the plant, a 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 cap 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 one month and is repeated after six months.
This medicine is contraindicated if allergies and intolerances occur. It is important not to exceed the dose, as the plant is poisonous, causing vomiting, heart rhythm disorders, nervous agitation and hallucinations. During pregnancy, breastfeeding and glaucoma, the use of Datura is strictly contraindicated.
Apple cider 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 blood vessel walls and remove toxins. Only a natural product is used for varicose veins, which is used in the form of:
Compresses. Wet a washcloth in warm vinegar and apply it to the problem areas and keep it until the tissue is completely dry.The wrappers. The gauze is folded in several layers, soaked in a vinegar solution and the excess liquid is squeezed out. The fabric is stretched over the limb, covered with cellophane on top and insulated with a towel.Rubbing it in. Gently soak the injured limbs with a cloth soaked in vinegar and leave until the moisture dries; no need to rinse.
Procedures are performed 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, to avoid irritation, vinegar is diluted with water 1: 1.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (one teaspoon) and water (200 ml), drink in the morning after sleep. Apple cider vinegar should not be consumed if there is a gastrointestinal disease, as there is a risk of worsening the disease.
Popular recipe
There are many popular recipes for varicose veins in 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 soap, cook 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 the cabbage leaf, which is used in the form of compresses. It is beaten to release the medicinal liquid, one side is smeared with some vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein, it is left for a day. The compress is fixed at the top with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins includes internal and external use. Tea with the addition of a small part of the root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of vein diseases, especially in overweight patients. For a compress, the spice is ground and mixed with honey. The paste is applied for 3 hours, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a towel on top.
- A compress with wood lice and burdock helps restore lightness to your feet. First, a soft wood louse is applied to the diseased area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and fixed with a bandage. Wood lice are replaced when the grass dries, burdock - after 2 hours. They do the procedures for a long time until there is improvement.
In addition, you can use a bath or massage with aromatic oils; juniper, mint, lavender and lemon esters 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 includes the prescription of pharmaceutical drugs with local and systemic action.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics, their action is aimed at microcirculation areas in the extremities. Medicines improve vein tone, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Also, due to the increased output of lymph, the swelling goes away. Medicines have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used for disease prevention, course therapy for varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after vein surgery.
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 circulation and prevent blood clotting. Glycosaminoglycan products are used topically. Antiplatelet drugs fight blood stagnation.
Anti-inflammatory
Internal varicose veins are accompanied by severe pain, inflammation and swelling of tissues and increased temperature. To reduce the symptoms, to prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of the blood vessel walls, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern technique
Treatment options for varicose veins in the legs are varied; the choice of a method depends on the severity of the disease. In the initial stages, an integrated approach is used, which includes 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 with surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method for eliminating varicose veins and is used in an early stage of the disease when spider veins appear. The event involves injecting a sclerosant into the damaged area, which causes the vein walls to stick together and prevent blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without leaving a trace.
Laser method
Laser coagulation involves gluing a vein with a laser beam to stop blood flow. The operation is performed in the absence of inflammation and blood clotting, with a smooth flow 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 the hemoglobin and the heat generated fuses the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, there are no bruises or scars left on the body and there are no recurrences in the area.
bloodsucker
Hirudotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins is widely used, but it is not recommended to resort to this type of therapy yourself; 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 it 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 vein damage has been diagnosed. When there is a threat of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is disrupted and ulcers may form. Surgery aims to remove the affected vein. To perform the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of destruction of the vessel and the complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves ligation of the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. It is then taken out using a rigid probe.
- During stripping, part of the venous trunk is removed.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations; allows you to remove a section of a problematic vein through an incision in the skin. The surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, pulling the vein, then ligates the vessel and removes the damaged part.
Surgery for varicose veins is an effective treatment method that does not cause recurrence. The technique of performing manipulations has been developed for decades, so complications are rarely observed.
diets
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps to normalize the pressure in the blood vessels, reduce the viscosity of the blood and improve its circulation. Proper nutrition ensures strengthening of blood vessel walls and restoration of tone, reduction of edema and excess body weight. Recommended products for diseases:
- 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 breads and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but 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 to thin the blood. Spices 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 cabbage is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains trace elements and fiber. In addition, kelp reduces appetite.
- Seafood and fish are rich in protein and easily digestible amino acids.
- It is allowed to eat lean meat. The liver is necessary for the production of hemoglobin and the supply of vascular cells with oxygen.
- Lemonade is replaced with freshly squeezed juices and fruit drinks. It is good to create blackcurrant 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 drink herbal teas from lemon balm, raspberries, currant leaves, St. John's wort, St. John's wort, 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 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 the intake of salt to prevent the accumulation of excess fluids.
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 to restore blood flow in 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 problematic veins. Before engaging in therapeutic exercises, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will choose exercises that correspond to the degree of the disease and will 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 the back, then on the stomach.
- The "bicycle" exercise resembles pedaling only in a supine position. The legs are supported.
- The rotation from the toe to the heel is performed up to 20 times.
- Raising the hips up, you should march alternately on the toes, then on the heels.
- Stand 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 support or pillow. Breathing should be uniform and calm.
Gymnastics is given for 15 minutes in the morning and in the evening with breaks of 5 minutes. Do not lift weights or overload your limbs. If it is difficult to perform the whole complex, you should start with simple movements.