Varicose veins of the legs are a chronic disease in which the lumen of the veins increases, leading to poor circulation in the extremities, blood stagnation and swelling. Subsequently, 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; progression of the disease requires medication. Different stages of the pathological process are shown in the photo.
Effective home recipes
Folk remedies for varicose veins are recommended for prophylactic use. They contain natural products and herbs, which allows them to safely influence the cause of the pathology. The goal of treatment is to improve blood circulation by:
- clean blood vessels of cholesterol deposits;
- anticoagulant;
- strengthen the vascular walls.
Garlic and lemon
The use of lemon and garlic allows you to achieve a positive result at the stage of vascular network formation. The product cleans 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 daily 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 approximately one hour.
horse chestnut
Another popular effective treatment for varicose veins is chestnut. Its use is due to its content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins and flavonoids. For venous pathologies, beech-based products have an anti-inflammatory, tonic effect, strengthen capillary walls, improve blood circulation and help relieve swelling. To make 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. Leave for 14 days, shaking the container regularly. Before use, dilute 2 tablespoons of product in 5 tablespoons of water. The towel is moistened in the resulting solution and wrapped for 2 hours. To enhance the effect, cover with cellophane and wrap a napkin on top. During the procedure, you should lie down with your limbs elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two spoons with warm water (200 ml), leave for 6 hours in a dark place, then bring to a boil and leave for another hour. Take 75 ml in the morning and evening for 14 days, take a break 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 tincture is prepared from the seeds of the plant, 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, shake the contents periodically. The hood is used:
- In the form of compresses for starry 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 treatment lasts one month and is repeated after six months.
This remedy is contraindicated in cases of allergies and intolerances. It is important not to exceed the dose, as the plant is toxic, causing vomiting, heart rhythm disturbances, nervous agitation and hallucinations. During pregnancy, breastfeeding and glaucoma, the use of Datura is strictly contraindicated.
Apple vinegar
Natural apple cider vinegar contains 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. For varicose veins, only a natural product is used, which comes in the form of:
- Compress.Dip a towel in hot vinegar and apply it to the problem areas and hold it there until the fabric is completely dry.
- Wraps.Gauze is folded in several layers, moistened in vinegar solution and excess liquid is squeezed out. The fabric is laid out on the limbs, covered with cellophane on top and insulated with a towel.
- Rub it.Gently soak sore limbs with a vinegar-soaked cloth and allow to dry until moisture dries; no need to rinse.
Interventions are carried out in a lying position, it is necessary to elevate the limbs and place a cushion under the legs to reduce the load on the veins. For sensitive skin, to avoid irritation, vinegar is diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (one teaspoon) and water (200 ml), to drink in the morning after sleep. Apple cider vinegar should not be consumed in case of gastrointestinal diseases, as there is a risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Popular recipes
There are many popular recipes for varicose veins on the legs that can eliminate signs of pathology. Here are a few:
- Laundry soap is used in combination with acetylsalicylic acid powder to relieve pain and eliminate vascular defects. For a compress, grate soap, knead 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.
- Cabbage leaf, used in the form of compresses, is an effective remedy for inflammation of the veins. It is beaten to release the medicinal juice, one side is smeared with vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein, left for a day. The compress is fixed on top with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins involves internal and external use. Tea with the addition of a small piece of the root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of venous diseases, especially in overweight patients. For a compress, the spice is grated and mixed with honey. The paste is applied for 3 hours, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a towel on top.
- A woodlice and burdock compress helps restore lightness to your legs. First, a tender woodlice is applied to the diseased area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and fixed with a bandage. Woodlice are replaced when the grass dries, burdock - after 2 hours. They carry out the procedures for a long time until there is improvement.
Additionally, you can use baths or massages 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 appearing on the legs due to varicose veins involves the prescription of pharmaceutical drugs of local and systemic action.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics whose action is aimed at the microcirculation zones of the extremities. The drugs improve the tone of the veins, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Additionally, due to increased lymphatic flow, swelling disappears. Medications have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used to prevent disease, as part of the treatment of varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after surgery on the veins.
Saponins include horse chestnut, plant extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. For local use, an ointment based on rutin is prescribed.
Anti coagulants
Anticoagulants are indicated to improve blood circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots. 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, as well as an increase in temperature. In order to reduce symptoms, prevent the development of thromboses and inflammation of the vascular walls, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern techniques
Treatment options for varicose veins on the legs are varied; the choice of a method depends on the severity of the disease. At the initial stages, an integrated approach is used, which involves 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 solved with surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method of removing varicose veins and is used at an early stage of the disease, when spider veins appear. The event involves the injection of a sclerosant into the damaged area, which causes the vein walls to stick together and impair blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without a trace.
Laser method
Laser coagulation involves sticking 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 regular course of the vascular 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 towards the affected area. The energy generated by the transmitter is absorbed by the hemoglobin and the heat generated welds the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, no bruises or scars remain on the body and no relapses occur in the area.
Leeches
Hirudotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins is widely used, but it is not recommended to resort to this type of therapy on your own, only a phlebologist should prescribe the procedure. The effect is achieved due to the content of the peptide hirudin 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 does not have a lasting effect, so the symptoms of pathology may reappear over time. Leeches are contraindicated for ulcers and wounds.
Surgical correction of the problem
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, surgery is indicated if a person experiences severe pain and significant damage to the veins is diagnosed. When there is a risk of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is disrupted and ulcers may form. Surgery aims to remove the affected vein. To carry out the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of destruction of the vessel and complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves tying off the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. It is then extracted using a rigid probe.
- During stripping, a section of the venous trunk is removed.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations, it allows you to remove a section of a problematic vein through a puncture in the skin. The surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, extracting the vein, then ligates the vessel and removes the damaged part.
Varicose vein surgery is an effective treatment method that does not cause relapses. The technique for performing manipulations has been developed for decades, so complications are rarely observed.
Diet
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps to normalize pressure in blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity and improve its circulation. Proper nutrition ensures the strengthening of the walls of blood vessels and the restoration of tone, reduction of edema and excess body weight. Recommended products in case of 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 grain bread and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but it promotes long-term nutrient intake, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines, and reduces weight.
- Dried fruits, an alternative to sugar and sweets, help thin the blood. Seasonings like curry, thyme and ginger have these properties.
- It is better to replace animal fats with sunflower or olive oil.
- Legumes and nuts are included in the diet as sources of plant protein.
- Sea kale is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains microelements and fiber. Additionally, 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 oxygen to vascular cells.
- Lemonade is replaced with freshly squeezed juices and fruit drinks. It is good to brew black currant and raspberry leaves.
To eliminate 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 in the evening.
To thin the blood, it is recommended to prepare herbal teas based on lemon balm, raspberry, blackcurrant leaves, St. John's wort, linden flower, 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 circulation and increases the risk of thrombosis.
- Due to their content of fast carbohydrates, sweets negatively affect weight and cholesterol production, cause a strong release of insulin into the blood, tiring the pancreas. As a result, sugar in the body increases.
- It is necessary to reduce your salt intake to avoid the accumulation of excess fluid.
Harmful foods also include fatty meats, fried foods, canned foods, smoked foods and coffee.
Gymnastic
Gymnastics for varicose veins is part of the prevention and treatment of the disease. Exercises help restore blood circulation 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. This is why walking, cycling and swimming are recommended for people with vein problems. Before embarking on therapeutic exercises, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will select exercises corresponding to the degree of the disease and give recommendations for implementation. The following exercises can be performed for the legs:
- While lying down, alternately lift the limbs. It is first done lying on your back, then on your stomach.
- The "cycling" exercise resembles pedaling only in a lying position. The legs are supported.
- Rolling from toes to heel is performed up to 20 times.
- Raising your hips high, you should walk alternately on your tiptoes, then on your heels.
- Stand straight, while inhaling, slowly rise on tiptoes, exhale and 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 bolster or pillow. Breathing should be even and calm.
Gymnastics is conducted for 15 minutes in the morning and evening with 5-minute breaks. Do not lift weights or overload your limbs. If it is difficult to perform the entire complex, you should start with simple movements.