Varicose veins are a common part of life for most people. That doesn’t mean it comes with an automatic contract of pain. Some people find home remedies help ease their pain while avoiding unnecessary treatments. Most of the time it’s just a visual interpretation of the strain from all the pressure in the veins of your lower body. All the constant walking and standing can cause these unwanted swollen or enlarged veins. Which are commonly referred to as “spider veins. Spider veins are a variation of Varicose veins.
While the “webb” pattern may look intriguing, it’s not uncommon for some people with varicose veins to experience slight discomfort or aching pain. Instead of going through lengthy varicose vein treatment before it’s necessary (if it is at all), there are many other methods to relieve your pain.
Some people will find that one specific natural home remedy that works for them, while others may have to find a combination of home remedies. Check out these natural home remedies for varicose veins below.
6 Natural Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural home remedy for varicose veins. It helps enhance both blood circulation and flow, which significantly minimizes the inflammation and heaviness that is often associated with varicose veins. The proper use of apple cider vinegar for varicose vein treatment is to gently massage your veins with apple cider vinegar. It’s efficient to practice this routine on a daily basis, preferably before and after sleeping.
Olive Oil
Like apple cider vinegar, olive oil helps to increase blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation. Slightly warm a mixture consisting of equal amounts of vitamin E oil and olive oil and use the warm mixture to massage your veins for a few minutes. Practice this routine twice a day.
Essential oils
Using essential oils for varicose veins is a great way to strengthen blood vessels and improve blood flow. There are some essential oils for varicose veins to help reduce pain and inflammation. A few ways of using essential oils for varicose veins are as a hot or cold compress, a massage oil, or even in the bath. To make a cold or hot compress for your varicose veins, soak a cloth in a blend of a few drops of essential oil and water. Here are a few essential oils commonly used to treat varicose veins:
Lavender Oil
Other than its naturally calming scent and its apparent ability to reduce pain, lavender oil can also be used to treat the discomfort of varicose veins. When used in aromatherapy, lavender oil can mitigate pain and inflammation caused by the condition.
Rosemary Oil
The ancient Greeks revered the rosemary plant for its various vein health benefits. In the case of varicose veins, the herb works as a stimulant; it increases blood flow to other parts of the body.
Geranium
Apparently, the Egyptians used geranium oil to give themselves glowing complexions. It’s been known to improve blood circulation, which is important when treating the appearance of varicose veins.
Exercise
Regular exercise encourages better blood circulation in the legs, which helps to push along the blood that has collected in the veins. Low-impact exercises are preferred to help get the calf muscles working without excessive strain. Effective, low-impact exercises include: swimming, walking, cycling, and yoga.
Dietary changes
A common problem among people with varicose veins is water retention in the body. Potassium-high foods can help varicose veins by reducing water retention in the body. Salty foods can cause the body to retain water, so cutting down on salty food can minimize water retention. Foods high in potassium can help to reduce water retention. Some examples of foods rich in potassium are: almonds and pistachio nuts, lentils and white beans, potatoes, leafy vegetables, and some fish, such as salmon and tuna.
Keep the legs elevated
Another great and easy home remedy for varicose veins is keeping the legs elevated, ideally at the same height as the heart or above. This improves circulation and reduces the pressure in the leg veins. Gravity will help the blood to flow smoothly back to the heart.