Varicose veins on 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. After that, inflammation develops and blood clots form. Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies is carried out in the early stages of changes in the veins, and the progress of the disease requires taking medication. The photo shows different stages of the pathological process.
Effective home recipes
Folk remedies for varicose veins are recommended as prophylaxis. They contain natural products and plants, which allows them to affect the cause of the pathology without harm. The goal of treatment is to improve blood flow through:
- cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- blood thinning;
- strengthening of vascular walls.
Garlic and lemon
The use of lemon and garlic makes it possible to achieve a positive result in the phase of formation of the vascular network. The product cleans blood vessels, makes them elastic and relieves inflammation.
To prepare the composition, squeeze the juice of 6 lemons, add chopped garlic (5 cloves), honey (two glasses) and golden mustache (three leaves). Mix the ingredients well. Place in a glass container and leave in a dark place for a week. Take the composition daily for 30 days, 4 small spoons.
You can make poultices and poultices from the mixture. The duration of procedures in the absence of irritation is about an hour.
horse chestnut
Another effective folk treatment for varicose veins is chestnut. Its use is due to the content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins and flavonoids. In vein pathology, products based on beech are anti-inflammatory, tonic, strengthen capillary walls, improve blood flow and help relieve swelling. Not only the fruits, but also the blossoms of the tree are used to make the medicine:
- Dried flowers (4 spoons) and crushed fruit (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 moistened in the resulting solution and wrapped for 2 hours. To enhance the effect, cover with cellophane and wrap a towel on top. During the procedure, you must lie with your limbs elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two tablespoons of warm water (200 ml), leave for 6 hours in a dark place, then boil and leave for another hour. Take 75 ml in the morning and in the evening for 14 days, take a break for a week, the course of treatment lasts up to six months.
Alcoholic 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 spasm and inflammation, restore metabolism and reduce pain. The medicine in the form of a tincture is prepared from the seeds of the plant, one 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 occasionally. The hood is used:
- In the form of poultices 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, because the plant is poisonous, causes 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 includes all the valuable components of apples, but in a concentrated form. When applied externally, vinegar relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation and removes 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 in the form of:
Compresses. Soak a napkin in warm vinegar and apply it to the problem areas and hold until the tissue is completely dry.Wraps. The gauze is folded in several layers, moistened in a vinegar solution, and the excess liquid is squeezed out. The fabric is laid on the limbs, covered with cellophane on top and insulated with a towel.Rubbing it. Gently soak sore 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, dilute vinegar with water 1: 1.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (a teaspoon) and water (200 ml), drink in the morning after going to bed. Apple cider vinegar should not be consumed if gastrointestinal diseases are present, as there is a risk of worsening the disease.
Popular recipes
There are many folk recipes for varicose veins on the legs that can eliminate 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 the poultice, grate the soap, mix in acetylsalicylic acid (10 tablets) and dissolve in vodka (250 ml). The components are mixed and applied to painful places, bandaged and kept for 30 minutes.
- An effective remedy for vein inflammation is a cabbage leaf used as a poultice. It is whipped to release medicinal juice, one side is coated with any vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein, and left for a day. The compress is fixed from above with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins includes internal and external use. Tea with the addition of a small piece of the root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of vein diseases, especially in overweight patients. For the coating, the spice is grated and mixed with honey. The paste is applied for 3 hours, covered with polyethylene and wrapped from above with a towel.
- The lice and thistle compress restores lightness to your feet. First, a gentle ointment is applied to the affected area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and secured with a bandage. Ears are replaced when the grass dries, thistle - after 2 hours. They do the procedures for a long time until there is an improvement.
Additionally, you can use baths or massage with aromatic oils, juniper, mint, lavender, lemon esters are suitable. Chamomile, almond, peach and rosemary oils have proven themselves well.
Pharmaceutical products
Treatment of leg ulcers that appear due to varicose veins involves the prescription of local and systemic pharmaceutical drugs.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics whose action is aimed at the areas of microcirculation in the extremities. Medicines improve vein tone, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Also, due to increased outflow of lymph, the swelling disappears. Medicines have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used for disease prevention, in the treatment of varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after vein surgery.
Saponins include horse chestnut, herbal extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. An ointment based on rutin is prescribed for local use.
Blood thinners
Anticoagulants are indicated to improve blood flow 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 tissue swelling, and increased temperature. In order to reduce the symptoms, prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of the vascular walls, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern techniques
There are different treatment options for varicose veins on the legs, and the choice of one 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 medication. Symptoms and cosmetic defects of small veins are eliminated by minimally invasive procedures - sclerotherapy and laser. Serious problems can be treated with surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method for removing varicose veins and is used in the early stages 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 impede blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without a trace.
Laser method
Laser coagulation involves gluing the vein with a laser beam to stop the blood flow. The operation is performed in the absence of inflammation and blood clots, with a smooth course of the vein stem up to 1 cm wide. After local anesthesia, a laser light guide is introduced into the vein through a puncture and, under ultrasound control, moves to the affected area. Hemoglobin absorbs the energy generated by the emitter, and the generated heat solders the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, no bruises or scars remain on the body, nor do recurrences occur in that area.
Leeches
Hirudotherapy in the treatment of varicose veins is widely used, but it is not recommended to resort to this type of therapy independently, only a phlebologist should prescribe the procedure. The effect is achieved by the hirudin peptide content 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 burden on the blood vessels of the extremities. Treatment of leeches is allowed in the early stages 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 the person feels severe pain and diagnoses extensive vein damage. When there is a risk of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is disturbed and ulcers may form. The operation is aimed at removing the affected vein. To perform the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of blood vessel destruction and the complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves ligation of the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. It is then retrieved using a rigid probe.
- During stripping, part of the venous trunk is removed.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations, it allows you to remove part of the problematic vein through a puncture on the skin. The surgeon inserts the hook into the hole, pulling out the vein, then ligates the vessel and removes the damaged part.
Varicose vein surgery is an effective treatment method that does not cause recurrences. The technique of performing manipulations has been developing for decades, so complications are rarely observed.
Diet
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. Products recommended 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 bread and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but promotes long-term supply of nutrients, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines and reduces weight.
- Dried fruit, an alternative to sugar and sweets, helps 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 plant proteins.
- Sea kale 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 easily digestible proteins and 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 by freshly squeezed juices and fruit drinks. It is good to cook currant and raspberry leaves.
To remove toxins and restore water balance, it is important to drink water - at least 2 liters a day. It is necessary to eat small meals, not to overeat, especially at night.
For blood thinning, it is recommended to brew herbal teas made from lemon balm, raspberry, currant leaves, St. John's wort, linden flower, mint, thyme.
In order to improve the condition of the veins, it is necessary to exclude harmful foods from the diet:
- Alcohol poisons the body, causes swelling, raises blood pressure and damages the circulatory system.
- Fats lead to weight gain and deposition of cholesterol plaques. The process leads to inflammation of the vein 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 sudden release of insulin into the blood, tiring the pancreas. As a result, the sugar in the body increases.
- It is necessary to reduce the intake of salt in order to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid.
Harmful foods include fatty meat, fried food, canned food, smoked food and coffee.
gymnastics
Gymnastics for varicose veins is part of the prevention and treatment of the disease. Exercises help 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 select exercises that correspond to the degree of the disease and give recommendations for implementation. The following exercises can be performed for the legs:
- While lying down, lift your limbs alternately. It is first performed lying on the back and then on the stomach.
- The "bicycle" exercise is similar to pedaling only in a lying position. The legs are supported.
- Flipping from toe to heel is performed up to 20 times.
- Raising your hips high, you must alternately march on your toes and then on your heels.
- Stand up straight, while inhaling, slowly raise yourself up on your toes, and exhale and return to the starting position.
- To relieve the veins, you need to lie down and relax, raise your legs at an angle of 20°, place a support or a pillow. Breathing should be even 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 the limbs. If it is difficult to perform the entire complex, you should start with simple movements.