Varicose veins are enlarged veins close to the surface of the skin. Varicose veins occur when defects of the wall of the vein cause the vein to become dilated. Blood then pools in these areas causing the unsightly blue bulge commonly associated with varicose veins. Varicose veins can be free of pain, but are sometimes associated with an aching or heavy feeling.
Genetics can lead to weakness of the wall of the veins and predispose a person to this condition. Also, pregnancy, strenuous lifting, standing in one place for long periods of time, and a diet low in fiber can all lead to stress on the vein walls resulting in varicose veins. Varicose veins often appear during pregnancy because of the additional volume of blood manufactured to feed the fetus. If you are prone to varicose veins wearing supportive hose during times of stress to the veins, such as pregnancy or standing for long periods of time. Try lying on your back and raising your feet above your head periodically to encourage blood flow. Simply walking, rather than standing in one place will allow blood to flow rather than pooling.
Nutritional Treatment
A diet high in fiber is one of the best nutritional treatments and preventative measure for varicose veins. Whole grains, bread and cereals, beans, flaxseed and fresh fruits and vegetables will provide the fiber necessary to prevent and treat varicose veins. A diet full of highly refined grains, sugars and junk foods can contribute to a variety of health problems including weakness of the vein walls.
Flavanoid rich foods including fruits, berries, herbal green or white teas, ginkgo biloba, onions, parsley and red wine can be helpful in treating varicose veins. Flavanoid rich foods are helpful due to their powerful antioxidant capabilities. In general berries and grapes with the darkest, richest color have the most antioxidant capabilities.
People with varicose veins frequently have a decreased ability to digest fibrin. The fibrin is deposited in the tissue, or fat stores, near the varicose vein causing a hard lumpy appearance. Cayenne pepper, garlic, onion, and pineapple and ginger all aid in the breakdown of fibrin and improve overall cardiovascular health. If you suffer from fibrin deposits these foods should be eaten liberally.
Essential Oils
A compress of essential oils and witch hazel can effectively minimize the appearance of varicose veins. Mix 6 drops of cypress, lemon and bergamot essential oils with ¼ cup of witch hazel. Apply this to the effected area to reduce swelling. Cooling the mixture before application aids in reducing the swelling of varicose veins as well.
Herbs
A common herb used to remedy varicose veins is horse chestnut. Adults should take 250 milligrams two times per day, for 3 months. Do not take horse chestnut while pregnant without consulting your physician. This herb improves the strength of vein walls. After you have taken the horse chestnut for 3 months, reduce the amount taken to 250 milligrams once per day as a maintenance plan.
Another herb that is known for improving the strength of vein walls is gotu kola. As an herbal extract, adults should take 2 hundred milligrams 3 times each day for best results. Gotu kola can also be taken as a dried herb in the form of a capsule or in the preparation of tea from the dried leaves. The tea should be drunk 3 times per day for the treatment of varicose veins.
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Heather Schulte - Heather Schulte is a freelance writer based in the Midwest. She writes web content for a variety of publications such as Suite101, eHow, ...
