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Natural treatments for varicose veins – parsley, garlic and olive oil

Varicose veins are a very common problems in which abnormally enlarged veins appear close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins usually occur in the thighs and halves when the veins develop poorly functioning valves or weakened walls, which are regulating the blood flow. There was one study in which is said that the varicose veins are affecting 10% of men and 25% of women [1]. Varicose veins are causing heaviness in the legs, tingling, throbbing, feelings of burning, restlessness, fatigue, and pain. The appearance of bulging veins is also a reason why many people are concerned about.

The most common factors which can lead to varicose veins are hormonal changes in the body during menopause, puberty, and pregnancy, use of birth control pills, obesity, and occupations that require a lot of standing and heredity. There are some medical and surgical treatments for varicose veins which can be very expensive. You can try some of the below-mentioned home remedies for varicose veins because they can help to decrease the severity of varicose veins as well as to reduce some of the discomforts that they can cause. You need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies. You should regularly go swimming, bicycling, or walking to improve the blood circulation in the legs. [2]

9 Home remedies for varicose veins

Witch hazel

This is a very effective natural cure which can strengthen the blood vessels and it can reduce the symptoms of varicose veins. It is astringent but also it has gallic acid and several essential oils which can help to reduce the pain as well as the swelling [3]. You should soak a washcloth in witch hazel and then place it on the affected area. You should do this natural treatment 2 or 3 times per day for 1 or 2 months. Also, you can fill a bathtub with lukewarm water and add ten to twenty drops of distilled witch hazel. You should soak your legs in this home remedy for at least fifteen minutes. Then, you should wash your legs with clean water and pat them dry. You should follow this home remedy once per day for a period of one or two months.

Parsley

This natural cure is rich in Vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant that can encourage the production of collagen and it can aid in cell repair and reproduction. Also, it has rutin which is playing an important role in strengthening the capillaries and this is a reason why it can be used as a natural treatment for reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. You should boil a handful of chopped fresh parsley in one cup of water for 5 minutes. You should remove it from the heat, cover it and then allow this home remedy to cool to lukewarm. Then, you should strain this home remedy. You should add one drop of marigold essential oil and one drop of rose essential oil. You should put this home remedy in the refrigerator for several minutes. You should use a cotton ball to apply this home remedy to the affected area. You should do this natural treatment for several months to see positive results. Also, you can try to eat raw parsley as often as you can.

Natural cures for varicose veins

Butcher’s broom

This natural cure is very effective for relieving discomfort and aches that are caused by varicose veins. It has a compound called ruscogenins which can help to reduce inflammation while constricting the blood vessels due to its anti–elastase and anti-inflammatory activity. You should take 100 mg of Butcher’s broom 3 times a day. Butcher’s broom supplements are created by seeds and roots of this plant. They have Vitamin B and Vitamin C along with zinc, silicon, selenium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, chromium, and calcium. These vitamins and minerals will strengthen, tighten and decrease the inflammation in the veins and they can improve the blood flow up the legs. People who suffer from benign prostate hyperplasia or who have high blood pressure should not take this herb without talking with their doctor.

Marigold

It is a known fact that the marigold flower is a rich source of Vitamin C and flavonoids which can stimulate the production of collagen and aid in cell repair and reproduction. Also, this natural cure can improve circulation and it can help to alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. You should boil one cup of marigold flowers in 4 cups of water for 5 minutes. You should soak a cotton cloth in this home remedy and then place it on the affected area. You should let it stay there until it completely cools. You should repeat this natural treatment several times per day for a period of a few months until you see improvement in your condition. Also, you can eat fresh marigold petals. [4]

Horse chestnut seeds

These seeds are a very effective home remedy for varicose veins. They have anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory properties which can increase the venous tone and in turn, they will reduce the appearance of the varicose veins.

Horse chestnut seeds have a component known as aescin which can improve the elastic strength of the veins and it can improve the release of enzymes that damage the capillary walls. There are some studies in which is said that the horse chestnut seed is an effective short–term treatment for the symptoms of varicose veins. You can buy horse chestnut seed gel in the market. You should use this gel externally on the affected area two times per day. When you are using it on regular basis, then it can significantly reduce the leg swelling and pain.

Also, you can take horse chestnut supplements. The most common dosage of these supplements is 300 mg two times per day. You should not take raw horse chestnuts because these seeds have high amounts of a toxic compound called esculin. Nursing women or pregnant women should not take this home remedy. [5]

Garlic

This is one of the best home remedies which can help to reduce the inflammation and the symptoms of varicose veins. It can improve circulation and break up the harmful toxins in the blood vessels. You should slice up 6 garlic cloves and you should put them in a clean glass jar. You should extract the juice from 3 oranges and add it to the jar. Also, you should add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. You should let this mixture to stay for about twelve hours. You should shake the jar and then put a few drops of this home remedy on your fingers. You should massage the inflamed veins with this home remedy in a circular motion for fifteen minutes. You should wrap the area with a cotton cloth and let it stay there throughout the night. You should repeat this natural treatment on daily basis for several months. Also, you can include fresh garlic in your diet. [6]

Olive oil

It is very important to increase blood circulation for the treatment of varicose veins. When you are massaging with olive oil, then it can help to increase circulation which means it can reduce inflammation and pain. You should mix equal amounts of Vitamin E oil and olive oil and you should warm it slightly. You should massage the veins with this warm oil for several months. You should do this home remedy for one to two months. Also, you can mix 4 drops of cypress essential oil in 2 teaspoons of warm olive oil and massage it with this home remedy. [7]

Cayenne pepper

This natural cure is considered a miracle treatment for varicose veins. It is rich in bioflavonoids and Vitamin C. It can increase blood circulation and it can ease the pain of congested and swollen veins. You should add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder to one cup of hot water and you should stir it well. You should drink this home remedy 3 times per day for a period of one or two months. [6]

Apple cider vinegar

This is one of the best home remedies for varicose veins. It can improve blood flow and circulation and it is a natural cleansing product. When your blood starts flowing naturally, then the swelling and heaviness of the varicose veins will decrease to a great extent. You should apply undiluted apple cider vinegar on your skin over the varicose veins and you should gently massage the area. You should do this natural treatment every day before you go to bed and then again in the morning. You should follow this home remedy for a few months to reduce the size of varicose veins. Also, there is another option and that is to add 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to one glass of water and stir it well. You should drink this home remedy two times per day for at least one month to see positive results.

References:

[1] Kurz X, Lamping DL, Kahn SR, et al. Do varicose veins affect quality of life? Results of an international population-based study. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2001;34(4):641-648.

[2] Abramson JH, Hopp C, Epstein LM. The epidemiology of varicose veins: A survey in western Jerusalem. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 1981;35:213-217.

[3] Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment report on Hamamelis virginiana L., Cortex, Hamamelis virginiana L., Folium, Hamamelis virginiana L., Folium et Cortex aut ramunculus destillatum. European Medicines Agency: Evaluation of Medicines for Human Use. 2009.

[4] kaur K, kaur R. Marigold: Beyond beauty and decor. American Journal of Phytomedicine and Clinical Therapeutics. 2013;1(5):480-85.

[5] Dudek-Makuch M, Studzinska-Sroka E. Horse chestnut – efficacy and safety in chronic venous insufficiency: an overview. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. 2015;25(5):533-541

[6] Panneer Selvam T, Palanivel M, Coutinho J. A investigation of varicose veins treatment. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing. 2014.

[7] Mor D, Dande P. Varicose veins: An overview of current and herbal treatments. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2017.

Hanan Marshal
Hanan Marshal
Hanan, a medical student (MBBS) having passion for writing and is very much interested in holistic living along with nature. He is very much interested in doing community service and watches anime and play PS4 during his free time. You can reach him through [email protected]

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