Varicose veins are a vascular pathology associated with thinning of vessel walls and formation of aneurysmal swellings.The disease occurs in both young and old people, and is more common in women.The main method of treating varicose veins is surgery.However, this surgery is only suitable for patients with severe forms of the pathology.The initial stages of varicose veins are suitable for medical treatment and traditional medical medications.How do folk remedies treat varicose veins in the legs?What is needed for this?Under what circumstances should you stop using herbal recipes and consult a doctor?
Causes of varicose veins in legs
The underlying cause of varicose veins is weakening of the venous valves in the network of blood vessels in the legs and loss of muscle tone in the blood vessel walls.The described phenomenon causes some of the blood in the venous vessels to start flowing downward, overloading the vessels and stretching them.Subsequently, the muscle fibers responsible for directing blood flow atrophy, and the nerve endings that control venous tone die.The disease has progressed to a stage where it is no longer curable with treatments.
Varicose veins do not develop spontaneously without exposure to triggering factors.
The latter include:
- Overweight (BMI 27 kg/m2 and above);
- Long-term static loads, standing in one place (surgeon, salesperson, loader);
- Genetic predispositions and congenital weaknesses in the venous valve mechanism;
- Thrombophlebitis;
- chronic alcoholism;
- Hormonal imbalances, including those that occur during pregnancy in women;
- constipate;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Of course, the presence of predisposing factors does not guarantee the development of symptoms of the disease.However, the likelihood of events developing is greatly increased.
Notice:Varicose veins may also be iatrogenic.Changes occur during hormonal medications used to treat osteoporosis and during menopause.If signs of varicose veins appear in this case, the existing drug regimen should be discontinued and a new one should be chosen.Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to correct the vein condition.
How to identify varicose veins in time?The first sign!
Prompt diagnosis of varicose veins allows for successful vein treatment without the use of complex medical techniques.Unfortunately, the first signs of the disease are often ignored, leading to patients seeking help until it is too late.
To avoid this, you should consult your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:
- Heaviness in the legs, aggravated by standing upright;
- Pain in the shin area;
- telangiectasia;
- The veins are locally dilated and still have a soft consistency and tend to collapse when pressed.
In the later stages of the disease, patients experience brief pain that worsens after walking for long periods of time and standing upright for long periods of time.Visually, the ankle area appears pale and swollen.At this stage, conservative treatment is still possible, but it does not stop the process, but only slows it down.
People who frequently experience heaviness and pain, leg cramps and itchy skin, which are evidence of nutritional disorders, should not rely on folk remedies and medicinal treatments.The patient's veins were significantly dilated, deformed, and tight.Only surgery can correct the situation here.
Stages of varicose veins in legs
There are 4 stages of development of vasodilation in the legs.In the first stages of the disease, symptoms may not appear at all.In some cases, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, rapid fatigue, and telangiectasia.The patient complains of periodic swelling of the legs, but this is easily relieved by taking mild diuretics.
By the beginning of the second stage, the symptoms of the disease intensify and its signs become more vivid and obvious.The patient complained of pronounced nodules in the veins, periodic numbness and itching in the pathological area, and transient pain.On examination, swelling and pasty tissue were seen in the legs.
By the third stage of varicose vein development, the patient's condition worsens significantly.The affected veins become noticeably thicker, deformed, stiff, and painful.The pain becomes permanent.The risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism is high.Nutritional ulcers may form.
Notice:Damage to the dilated veins in the third stage of varicose veins can lead to heavy bleeding, which can only be stopped in a medical facility.
primary varicose veins
Primary varicose veins are a disease in which vascular changes develop independently under the influence of predisposing factors and the patient's genetic predisposition.Major problems include enlargement that occurs in women during pregnancy, while standing at work, and obesity.The disorder can also be caused by wearing underwear that is too tight, squeezing blood vessels and disrupting normal blood flow.
secondary varicose veins
Secondary varicose veins are the result of another disease, as a result of which the structure of the venous valves, their tension, and the structure and muscular layer of the vessel walls are destroyed.Secondary disease occurs after certain infectious processes, with tumors or vascular damage.
Treat varicose veins with folk remedies at home
As mentioned above, folk remedies for varicose veins are effective only in the initial (stage 1-2) stages of the disease.The use of traditional medical methods should be carried out after consultation with the attending physician and a qualified assessment of the effectiveness of the selected medicine.Today, herbalists consider the following herbs to be the best:
Apple cider vinegar for swollen feet
To reduce swelling, vinegar can be used topically in the form of a compress or bath.This product helps increase the tension of blood vessel walls, relieve swelling, and activate blood circulation.This medication should be handled with caution because it may cause chemical burns to the skin if used incorrectly.
To use an apple cider vinegar foot bath, pour 10 liters of cold water into a basin and add 0.5 liters of vinegar.After that, you need to put your feet into the final solution.The duration of the procedure was 7 minutes and the frequency was once a day.The course of treatment can be 2-3 months or longer.The bath water temperature should not be lower than 20℃.
To apply the compress, dilute vinegar with cold water in a ratio of 1:4 (vinegar:water).Soak a soft cloth or gauze in the resulting solution, then take it out, wring it out until moist and apply it to your calves.Place plastic wrap over the fabric and tie a bandage.The duration of this procedure does not exceed one hour.Perform compressions every other day for 1-2 weeks.
Notice:If severe burning or discomfort occurs during the procedure, treatment should be discontinued.The wrong concentration of vinegar can have negative effects on your skin, including causing burns.
Lotions and compresses made from clay
Blue or green clay is used to treat varicose veins.Before use, dilute with water to form a liquid dough.The resulting composition is applied to soft tissue and applied to the diseased area.You can wrap a bandage over the fabric for convenience, but it's not necessary.Leave the compress on for 40-80 minutes.The procedure should be performed every other day, 2-3 months or more until satisfactory results are obtained.
Acacia flower tincture
Tinctures are easy to make yourself.To do this, take 8 tablespoons of dried and crushed white acacia flowers, put them in a container of sufficient size and pour 20 ml of vodka.The resulting mixture was tightly covered and placed in a dry, dark place for 10 days.For better extraction of medicinal substances, it is recommended to shake the liquid every day.Strain the resulting tincture through a layer of gauze and use it on your feet.
The tincture should be used before bedtime after rinsing your feet with cold water.Thoroughly wipe the calves and other areas with varicose veins with the composition and allow to dry.After this, it is recommended to place the limb on the roller so that it is in a higher position.The course of treatment lasts for 3 months and the frequency of treatment is once a day.
Horse chestnut treats varicose veins in legs
To treat varicose veins, horse chestnut is used in the form of an alcoholic tincture.To do this, crushed fruit is mixed with 96% ethanol in a ratio of 1:3 and soaked for two weeks.After this, the product is filtered and used for compresses.
To apply horse chestnut tincture as a compress, you need to dip a soft cloth into the preparation, squeeze it well, and then apply it to the affected area.After that, the fabric is covered with polyethylene and several layers of absorbent cotton or thick fabric are applied on top.Leave the compress on for 30-40 minutes, then wrap the legs in a warm blanket.
It is recommended to perform this procedure every other day before bed.The course of treatment is 1-2 months and can be extended if necessary.
Using tomatoes to treat varicose veins
To treat varicose veins, use green tomatoes, which contain substances similar to acetylsalicylic acid.They have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.For therapeutic purposes, tomatoes are cut into rounds, applied to the affected area and fixed with plastic wrap.The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours (overnight with tomato compress).The course of treatment is carried out every day at bedtime until the external manifestations of the disease disappear (usually no more than 3 months).
Cabbage processing
Cabbage, like tomatoes, has a certain protective effect on blood vessels.Sprinkle the leaves of the vegetable with water and put them in the ordinary compartment of the refrigerator for a day.After the prescribed time, the product is applied to the legs and fixed with polyethylene.The duration of surgery is 5-6 hours and the frequency is once a day.The course of treatment lasts for 1 month.
Treat with potatoes
To eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins, peel, wash and grate several large potato tubers with a fine grater.The vegetables should have a paste-like consistency.Apply the resulting product to the legs and feet, spreading it over the skin.No additional fixation of the pulp in the leg was performed.The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, the frequency is daily, and the duration of the course is 2 months.
Apitherapy for varicose veins: honey, propolis, dead bees, poison
Dead bees and honey, propolis and other bee products contain anti-inflammatory and heparin-like substances that help thin the blood.To treat varicose veins, honey and propolis are applied externally, the dead fruit is taken internally, and poison is applied to the affected area in the form of a bee sting.
Apply a honey compress according to the general rules for applying a compress.To do this, apply the substance on a cloth or gauze, apply it to the affected area and cover it with polyethylene.Next, insulate the bandage with cotton wool and secure it with a bandage.Propolis hot compresses are technically no different than honey hot compresses.The pharmaceutical composition is prepared by mixing propolis and vodka in a ratio of 1:5.The duration of honey treatment is 2 hours, once a day; propolis – 40 minutes, once a day.The frequency of operation is once every other day for 2-3 months.
Dead Bee is used in the form of an alcoholic tincture.To prepare it, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the drug and mix it with 200 ml of 70% ethanol or vodka.Thereafter, the drug is infused in a dark, dry place for 3 weeks.Take 20 drops of tincture 3 times a day for 2 weeks.You can repeat the session after an equal rest period.
Bee venom is administered through a sting.This procedure must be performed by a qualified bee therapist, so it is not recommended to consider the details of its implementation in the form of this article.Bee venom thins the blood, contains more than 50 substances useful to the body, and increases the tension of blood vessel walls.Sting directly into the area affected by varicose veins.
nettle soup
Nettle soup is prepared from the fresh or dried leaves of the plant.In this case, fresh leaves are ground into pulp and dry leaves are pressed into powder.Pour the prepared ingredients with boiling water.The ratio of solid and liquid parts of the composition should be 1:8.Bring the mixture to a boil over low heat for 3-5 minutes.Thereafter, cool, strain and take 1/3 cup (70 ml) orally 3 times daily.The course of treatment is 1 month.
nutmeg soup
Nutmeg decoction is prepared similarly to nettle decoction.The ratio of nuts to water in the mixture should be about 1:5.The nuts are pre-crushed.The finished medicine needs to be taken 3 times daily.The course of treatment is 3-4 months or longer.
Treat with laundry soap
Laundry soap itself has no significant anti-varicose effect.However, it is actively used in the preparation of multi-component ointments.
The following recipes are considered the most effective:
- Mix equal parts laundry soap, Vishnevsky's ointment, honey, aloe vera juice, Ichthyostatin ointment, onion juice and lard.
- The resulting substance is heated to body temperature and applied to the affected area;
- The applied ointment is covered with polyethylene, and the limb is insulated with cotton wool or a blanket.
The duration of administration of the drug is 10 hours, and the frequency of treatment is daily.The course of treatment is 20 times.
Marigold soup
To decoct dried calendula, take 2 tablespoons, pour 400 ml of boiling water, put on fire and cook for 15 minutes.Thereafter, the product is cooled, filtered and taken 4 times a day in 100ml doses.The course of treatment is until the symptoms of the disease disappear.Calendula decoction is recommended as an adjunctive treatment.
Leeches for Varicose Vein Treatment – Leech Therapy
With the help of leech therapy, it is possible to reduce the viscosity of blood, improve its fluidity and prevent the formation of blood clots.Leech therapists use leeches.You should not use this treatment on your own.There are 5 treatments in total, and a 2-month break is required after the treatment.
Possible consequences, contraindications of family therapy
Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible.For treatment to be successful, you must consult your doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Otherwise, treatment may have the following negative consequences:
- Ineffective treatment and worsening of veins;
- allergic reactions and intolerances to the products used;
- Skin burns due to incorrect application of dressings containing burning substances;
- If treatment is performed in the context of existing contraindications, vessel rupture and thromboembolism may result.
Contraindications to varicose vein treatment include grade 3 and 4 pathology.In this case, the disease can only be eliminated through surgery.In addition, conventional medicine is not suitable in cases of high risk of thromboembolism, increased vascular insufficiency, severe disease course with spasm of the calf muscles, large deposits of blood in the affected vessels, and large volumes of the affected area.
Get rid of varicose veins by running
It is possible to run with varicose veins in phases one and two.It is recommended to avoid putting too much pressure on the legs and give priority to jogging and walking.Jogging is not recommended in the presence of blood clots and in advanced stages of the disease.
Varicose veins can be eliminated by running only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet stretched.At this stage, the disease has no clinical symptoms.Therefore, the patient is simply unaware that classes need to be started.When varicose veins are diagnosed, jogging can no longer completely cure the condition.
When to contact a phlebologist?
Varicose veins should be treated as early as possible.The more severe the disease is at this point, the less likely the patient is to be completely cured.It is ideal if a person goes to the clinic at the first signs: heaviness in the legs, severe pain when standing for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition and diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Recommended meals:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- Fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black currants, citrus fruits);
- Blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions are equivalent to a regular moderate diet.Alcohol, salty, spicy, sour and other irritating foods are prohibited.You also shouldn't drink large amounts of coffee, tea, and other diuretic beverages.
Precautions
The basis for preventing varicose veins is to abandon a sedentary lifestyle and allostatic load on the legs.It is recommended to jog short distances or walk several kilometers every day.During the workday, you should take short breaks to do leg exercises specifically.In addition, you must eat the foods described in the previous section and wear compression pants if necessary.Moderate compression can help improve blood flow in superficial veins.
Notice:Walking to your workplace can also help prevent varicose veins if it is 2 to 5 kilometers away from where you live.Forgoing a car in favor of hiking can save you money, prevent the development of varicose veins, and get you in a good mood before you get to work.
Although varicose veins may seem safe, they are a condition that can be life-threatening to humans under certain conditions.This is especially true for later stages of pathological development, during which vessel walls become thinner and their integrity is easily compromised.Therefore, treatment with traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.
To avoid mistakes and using incorrect treatments, you should consult your doctor before starting.