Varicose veins in the legs are a chronic disease in which the lumen of the veins increases, causing 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, the progress of the disease requires taking medications. Different stages of the pathological process are presented in the photo.
Effective homemade recipes
The use of home remedies for varicose veins is recommended as prophylaxis. They contain natural products and herbs, which allows them to influence the cause of pathology without causing harm. The goal of treatment is to improve blood flow by:
- clean blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- blood thinning;
- Strengthening vascular walls.
garlic and lemon
The use of lemon and garlic allows you to achieve a positive result at the stage of formation of the vascular network. The product cleanses 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 well mixed. 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 with the mixture. The duration of the procedures in the absence of irritation is about an hour.
horse chestnut
Another effective popular treatment for varicose veins is chestnut. Its use is due to the content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins and flavonoids. For vein pathology, beech-based products have a tonic and anti-inflammatory effect, strengthen capillary walls, improve blood flow and help relieve swelling. To make medicines, not only the fruits are used, but also the inflorescences of the tree:
- Dried flowers (4 tablespoons) and crushed fruits (6 pieces) are poured with 500 ml of alcohol. Leave for 14 days, shaking the container periodically. 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 should lie down with your extremities elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two tablespoons of warm water (200 ml), let it brew for 6 hours in a dark place, then bring to a boil and let it brew 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.
The 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 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, place it in a dark place for a week and shake the contents periodically. The hood is used:
- In the form of compresses for stellate 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 remedy is contraindicated if allergies and intolerances occur. It is important not to exceed the dose, since the plant is poisonous and causes vomiting, heart rhythm disturbances, nervous agitation and hallucinations. During pregnancy, lactation and glaucoma, the use of Datura is strictly contraindicated.
Apple vinager
Natural apple cider vinegar includes 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 eliminate toxins. For varicose veins, only a natural product is used, which is used in the form of:
- Compresses.Soak a napkin in warm vinegar and apply it to problem areas and hold until the fabric 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 placed over 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.
The procedures are performed lying down, 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 1: 1.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (one teaspoon) and water (200 ml), drink in the morning after sleeping. Apple cider vinegar should not be consumed if there are gastrointestinal diseases, as there is a risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Popular recipes
There are many popular recipes for varicose veins in 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. To make a compress, grate the soap, knead with acetylsalicylic acid (10 tablets) and dissolve it in vodka (250 ml). The components are mixed and applied to painful areas, bandaged and kept for 30 minutes.
- An effective remedy for inflammation of the veins is cabbage leaf, which is used in the form of compresses. It is tapped to release the medicinal juice, one side is coated with any vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein, left to rest 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 root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of venous diseases, especially in overweight patients. To make 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 compress of mealybugs and burdock helps restore lightness to the legs. First, a tender cochineal is applied to the diseased area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and secured with a bandage. Mealybugs are replaced when the grass dries up, burdock - after 2 hours. They do the procedures for a long time until there is improvement.
Additionally, you can use baths or massages with aromatic oils, esters of juniper, mint, lavender and lemon are suitable. Chamomile, almond, peach and rosemary oils have proven effective.
Pharmacy products
The treatment of ulcers that appear on the legs due to varicose veins involves the prescription of drugs with local and systemic action.
venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics, their action is directed at the microcirculation areas of the extremities. The drugs improve the tone of the veins, which has a positive effect on the contractility of the muscles. Additionally, due to increased lymph flow, the swelling disappears. Medications have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used to prevent the disease, in the course of therapy for varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after vein surgery.
Saponins include horse chestnut, plant extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. For local use, a rutin-based ointment is prescribed.
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are indicated to improve blood flow and prevent 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, and an increase in temperature. To reduce symptoms and prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of the vascular walls, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern techniques
Treatment options for varicose veins in the legs are varied; The choice of a method depends on the severity of the disease. In the initial stages, an integrated approach is used, which involves the use of compression garments, 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 by 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 walls of the veins to stick together and prevents blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without a trace.
laser method
Laser coagulation involves hitting a vein with a laser beam to stop blood flow. The operation is performed in the absence of inflammation and blood clots, with a gentle course of the trunk of the vessel 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 to the affected area. The energy generated by the emitter is absorbed by the hemoglobin and the heat generated welds the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure there are no bruises or scars 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 thanks to the content of the hirudin peptide 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 long-lasting effect, so the symptoms of pathology may reappear over time. Leeches are contraindicated in ulcers and injuries.
Surgical correction of the problem.
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, surgical intervention is indicated if a person experiences severe pain and extensive damage to the veins is diagnosed. When there is a threat of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is altered and ulcers may form. The surgery aims to remove the affected vein. To perform the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of destruction of the vessel and the complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves ligating the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. It is then removed with a rigid probe.
- When performing the extraction, a section of the venous trunk is removed.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations; allows a section of a problematic vein to be removed by puncture of the skin. The surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, removes 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 of performing manipulations has been developed for decades, so complications are rare.
Diet
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps to normalize the pressure in the blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity and improve its circulation. Proper nutrition ensures strengthening the walls of blood vessels and restoring tone, reducing edema and excess body weight. Recommended products 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 wheat bread and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but promotes a prolonged supply of nutrients, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines and reduces weight.
- Nuts, an alternative to sugar and sweets, help thin the blood. Seasonings 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 protein.
- Kale is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains microelements and fiber. Additionally, seaweed reduces appetite.
- Shellfish and fish are rich in proteins and easily digestible amino acids.
- It is allowed to eat lean meat. The liver is necessary to produce hemoglobin and supply oxygen to vascular cells.
- Lemonade is replaced by freshly squeezed juices and fruit drinks. It is good to prepare 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 portions, not to overeat, especially at night.
To thin the blood, it is recommended to prepare herbal infusions with lemon balm, raspberries, currant 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 cause weight gain and the formation of cholesterol plaques. The process causes inflammation of the venous 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 sharp release of insulin into the blood and tire the pancreas. As a result, sugar in the body increases.
- It is necessary to reduce salt consumption to avoid the accumulation of excess fluid.
Harmful foods also include fatty meats, fried foods, canned foods, smoked foods and coffee.
Gym
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 vein problems. Before performing therapeutic exercises, it is advisable to consult your doctor. The specialist will select exercises that correspond to the degree of the disease and will give recommendations for their implementation. You can do the following exercises for your legs:
- In a lying position, alternately raise your limbs. First, it is performed lying on your back and then on your stomach.
- The "bicycle" exercise is similar to pedaling only in a lying position. The legs are supported.
- Rolling from toe to heel is performed up to 20 times.
- Raising your hips high, you should walk alternately on your toes and then on your heels.
- Stand straight, while inhaling, slowly rise on your toes and exhale, return to the starting position.
- To unload the veins, you need to lie down and relax, raise your legs at an angle of 20° and place a cushion or pillow. Breathing should be uniform and calm.
Gymnastics is taught for 15 minutes in the morning and evening with 5-minute breaks. Don't lift weights or overload your limbs. If you find it difficult to perform the entire complex, it is worth starting with simple movements.