Everyone wants to bare their legs at times, whether it is to keep cool in summer or wearing shorts when hiking, playing sports or going to the gym. People with varicose veins may feel self-conscious because of unsightly, throbbing veins. However, there are natural treatments on hand to help.
Tried and tested methods
Acupuncture – Chinese medical tradition believes varicose veins are due to muscle and tissue weakness, which are governed by the spleen. Acupuncture can stimulate circulation by invigorating the blood and can break up blood stasis.
Strengthen the muscles – Lie on your back with your legs straight, feet apart, and bend the left knee to fold the left leg into your chest. Circle your ankle five times clockwise and then five times anti-clockwise. Straighten the knee and lower your leg. Repeat with the other leg. Do this for 10 minutes twice a day to strengthen muscles and boost circulation in your legs.
Stand on tiptoes – If you stand a lot at work, this is a good exercise to try for a few minutes every hour. Simply stand up straight, rise onto your tiptoes and slowly lower back down again.
Tuck in to fruit – Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits are rich in oxerutins, which have been widely used to treat fluid retention, particularly in the legs, and vitamin C. All berries contain tannins which will help to protect the body against blood vessel leakages, while cherries and grapes are packed with antioxidants.
Time for tea – Dandelion tea acts as a mild diuretic, so helps stop water retention, while hawthorn tea improves circulation.
For treatments for varicose veins using modern methods, you can contact a specialist such as http://www.veinsolutions.co.uk/.
Home remedy treatments for varicose veins
Horse chestnut extract contains aescin, which constricts or shrinks body tissues, such as blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory and mild diuretic properties.
Grape seed extract contains flavonoids, linoleic acid and vitamin E, to prevent free radical damage to blood vessel walls, as well as promoting the formation of collagen to help with the elasticity of blood vessels.
Gotu Kola, or Indian Pennywort, has been used for thousands of years in India and other Asian countries. It reduces inflammation and water retention, while strengthening blood vessels, increasing blood flow and reducing leakage from veins.
