Varicose veins are a vascular disease that involves thinning of blood vessel walls and the formation of enlarged masses that resemble aneurysms.The disease occurs in both young and old people, most commonly in women.The main method for treating varicose veins is surgery.However, surgery is performed only on patients with severe forms of the pathology.The initial stages of varicose veins are amenable to pharmacotherapy and treatment with drugs from the arsenal of traditional medicine.How to treat varicose veins in the legs with folk remedies?What is needed for this?Under what circumstances should you stop using herbal formulas and consult your doctor?
Causes of varicose veins in the legs
The underlying cause of varicose veins is the weakening of the venous valves of the vascular network in the legs and reduced muscle tone of the vessel walls.The described phenomenon leads to the fact that some of the blood in the venous vessels begins to flow downward, overloading the vessels and stretching them.Then, the muscle fibers responsible for controlling blood flow atrophy and the nerve endings that control the tone of the veins die.The disease has reached a stage where it cannot be cured with treatment.
Varicose veins do not develop naturally, without exposure to provoking factors.
The latter include:
- overweight (BMI 27 kg/m2 or more);
- long-term static load, standing in one place (surgeons, salesmen, porters);
- genetic predisposition and congenital weakness of the venous valve mechanism;
- thrombophlebitis;
- chronic alcoholism;
- Hormonal disorders, including those that occur in women during pregnancy;
- constipation;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Of course, the presence of an provoking factor does not guarantee the appearance of symptoms of the disease.However, the likelihood of developing such events increases significantly.
Note:Varicose veins can also be caused by doctors.Changes occur under the influence of hormonal drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis, as well as during menopause.If signs of varicose veins occur in such a situation, the current drug treatment regimen should be discontinued and a new one should be chosen.Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to correct the condition of the veins.
How to recognize varicose veins promptly?The first signs!
Timely diagnosis of varicose veins allows successful treatment of veins without the use of complex medical techniques.Unfortunately, the first signs of the disease often go unnoticed, causing patients to seek help too late.
To avoid this, you should consult your doctor if the following symptoms appear:
- heaviness in legs, worse when standing upright;
- pain in the lower leg area;
- telangiectasia;
- Local expansion of the tendons, which are still soft, easily collapse when pressed.
In the later stages of the disease, patients note the appearance of transient pain, which increases after long walks and standing upright for a long time.On the outside, the ankle area appears flabby and swollen.At this stage, conservative therapy is still possible but does not stop the process, it only slows it down.
People who often feel heaviness, pain, leg cramps, and itchy skin as manifestations of nutritional disorders should not rely on folk remedies and pharmacotherapy.The patient's veins are significantly dilated, deformed and tense.Only surgery can correct this condition.
Stages of varicose veins in the legs
Vasodilation in the legs has 4 stages of development.In the early stages of the disease, its symptoms may not appear at all.In some cases, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, rapid fatigue and telangiectasia appear.The patient complains of periodic swelling of the legs, which, however, can be relieved quite easily by taking mild diuretics.
By the beginning of the second stage, the symptoms of the disease become increasingly severe, its signs become clearer and more noticeable.Patients complain of the appearance of noticeable nodes in the veins, periodic numbness and itching in the pathological area and transient pain.On examination, swelling and loose tissue may be seen in the legs.
By the third stage of the development of varicose veins, the patient's condition becomes significantly worse.The affected veins become thicker, deformed, hard and painful.The pain becomes permanent.There is a high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism.Nutritional ulcers may form.
Note:Varicose vein lesions in the third stage of varicose veins can cause massive bleeding, only a medical facility can stop the bleeding.
Primary varicose veins
Primary varicose veins are a form of the disease in which vascular changes develop independently, under the influence of provoking factors and the patient's genetic predisposition.The main causes include the enlargement that occurs in women during pregnancy, when working standing, and obesity.The disease can also be the result of wearing underwear that is too tight, compressing blood vessels and disrupting normal blood flow.
Secondary varicose veins
Secondary varicose veins are a consequence of another disease, due to which the structure of the venous valve, its tone, as well as the structure and muscle layers of the vessel wall are disrupted.The disease of the secondary type develops after certain infectious processes, with tumors or vascular lesions.
Treat varicose veins with folk remedies at home
As mentioned above, folk remedies to treat varicose veins are only effective in the early stages (stages 1-2) of the disease.The use of traditional medicine methods should be carried out after consultation with the treating physician and a qualified assessment of the effectiveness of the chosen medicine.Today, herbalists consider the following herbal remedies the best:
Apple cider vinegar treats swollen feet
To eliminate swelling, vinegar is used topically in the form of compresses or baths.The product helps increase the tone of blood vessel walls, reduce swelling and activate blood circulation.The medicine must be handled carefully, because if used incorrectly it can cause chemical burns to the skin.
To make a foot soak with apple cider vinegar, pour 10 liters of cold water into a basin and add 0.5 liters of vinegar to it.Then you need to lower your feet into the resulting solution.The duration of the procedure is 7 minutes, the frequency is daily.Treatment can last 2-3 months or more.Bathing water temperature must not be lower than 20°C.
To make a compress, vinegar is diluted with cool water in a ratio of 1:4 (vinegar: water).A soft cloth or gauze is dipped in the resulting solution, then removed, squeezed until damp and applied to the lower leg.A plastic film is placed on the fabric and bandaged.The duration of the procedure is no more than one hour.The compress should be applied every other day for 1-2 weeks.
Note:If a burning sensation or discomfort occurs during the procedure, treatment should be discontinued.Vinegar in the wrong concentration can have negative effects on the skin, including causing burns.
Lotions and compresses made from clay
Blue or green clay is used to treat varicose veins.Before use, it is diluted with water to a liquid powder.The resulting composition is applied to soft tissue and applied to diseased areas.For convenience, you can stick the tape on the fabric, but this is not necessary.Leave the compress for 40-80 minutes.The procedure should be performed every other day, 2-3 months or more, until satisfactory results are achieved.
Acacia flower tincture
Tinctures are easy to make yourself.To do this, take 8 tablespoons of dried and crushed white acacia flowers, put them in a container of sufficient size and pour 20 ml of vodka.The resulting mixture is tightly covered with a lid and placed in a dry, dark place for 10 days.For better extraction of medicinal substances, the liquid should be shaken daily.The finished alcohol is filtered through a layer of gauze and then used to rub the feet.
It is recommended to use the tincture before going to bed, after washing your feet with cool water.The lower legs and other areas with varicose veins are thoroughly rubbed with the composition and left to dry.After that, the limbs should be placed on the roller so that they are in a high position.Treatment duration is 3 months, treatment frequency is daily.
Horse chestnut cures varicose veins in the legs
To treat varicose veins, horse chestnut is used in the form of an alcoholic tincture.To do this, crushed fruits are mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:3 and infused for two weeks.The product is then filtered and used for compression.
To make a compress with horse chestnut tincture, you need to soak a soft cloth in the composition, wring it out thoroughly and apply it to the affected area.Then the fabric is covered with polyethylene and covered with several layers of cotton wool or thick fabric on top.The compress is kept for 30 - 40 minutes, then wrap the leg in a warm blanket.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure before going to bed, every other day.The course of treatment is 1-2 months, but if necessary, it can be extended.
Treat varicose veins with tomatoes
To treat varicose veins, people use green tomatoes that contain substances similar to acetylsalicylic acid.They have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.For treatment purposes, tomatoes are cut into circles, applied to the diseased area and secured with cling film.The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours (compress with tomatoes overnight).The course of treatment is daily before bedtime, until the external manifestations of the disease disappear (usually no more than 3 months).
Processing cabbage
Cabbage, like tomatoes, has some vascular protective effects.Vegetable leaves are sprinkled with water, then placed in the common compartment of the refrigerator for a day.After the required period of time, the product is applied to the legs and fixed with polyethylene.The duration of the procedure is 5-6 hours, the frequency is daily.The duration of the treatment process is 1 month.
Potato treatment
To eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins, people peel several large potatoes, wash them and grind them on a fine blender.The vegetables should have the consistency of paste.The resulting product is applied to the legs and feet, spreading evenly over the skin.Additional fixation of the pulp to the vacuum is performed.The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, the frequency is daily, the course duration is 2 months.
Medicines to treat varicose veins: honey, propolis, dead bees, poison
Both dead bees and honey, propolis and other bee products contain anti-inflammatory and heparin-like substances that help thin the blood.To treat varicose veins, honey and propolis are used topically, dead fruits are used internally, and poison is applied in the form of bee stings on the affected areas.
Compresses with honey are made according to the general principles of applying compresses.To do this, the substance is applied to a cloth or gauze, applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene.Next, the bandage is insulated with cotton wool and fixed with a bandage.The technique of compressing with propolis is no different from compressing honey.The medicinal composition is prepared by mixing propolis and vodka in a ratio of 1:5.Implementation time with honey is 2 hours, once a day;with propolis – 40 minutes once a day.The frequency of manipulation is every other day for 2-3 months.
Dead bees are used as an alcohol tincture.To prepare, you need to take 1 spoon of medicine mixed with 200 ml of ethanol or 70% vodka.Then, the medicine is left to infuse for 3 weeks in a dry, dark place.The medicine should be taken 20 drops, 3 times a day, for a period of 2 weeks.You can repeat the course after an equal break.
Bee venom is administered by injection.This procedure must be performed by a competent therapist, so the specifics of performing it should not be reviewed in the format of this article.Bee venom thins the blood, contains more than 50 substances useful for the human body and increases the tone of the vessel walls.The injection is performed directly on the areas affected by varicose veins.
Nettle decoction
A decoction of nettle is prepared using fresh or dried leaves of the plant.In this case, fresh leaves are ground into powder, dry leaves are ground into powder.Prepared ingredients are poured with boiling water.The ratio of solid and liquid parts of the composition should be 1:8.The mixture is placed on low heat and boiled for 3-5 minutes.Then, let cool, strain, and drink 1/3 cup (70 ml) three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.
Nutmeg decoction
A decoction of nutmeg is prepared in the same way as a decoction of nettle.The ratio of seeds and water in the mixture should be approximately 1:5.The seeds are ground first.You need to take the finished medicine three times a day.The course of treatment is 3-4 months or more.
Treat with laundry soap
Laundry soap itself does not have a pronounced anti-varicose effect.However, it is actively used to prepare multi-component ointments.
The following formula is considered the most effective:
- Mix laundry soap, Vishnevsky ointment, honey, aloe juice, ichthyol ointment, onion juice and lard in equal quantities.
- The resulting mass is heated to body temperature and applied to the affected areas;
- The ointment is covered with polyethylene and insulated with cotton wool or blankets.
The duration of application of the drug is 10 hours, the frequency of treatment is daily.The course of treatment is 20 procedures.
calendula decoction
A decoction is made from dried marigold flowers, 2 spoons are poured into 400 ml of boiling water, put on fire and boil for 15 minutes.After that, the product is allowed to cool, filtered and taken 4 times a day, 100 ml each time.The course of treatment is until the symptoms of the disease disappear.Calendula decoction is recommended for use as an auxiliary treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins with leeches - hirud therapy
With the help of hirudotherapy, it is possible to reduce the level of blood viscosity, improve its fluidity and prevent the formation of blood clots.Leeches are applied by a hirud therapist.You should not use this treatment method on your own.The course of treatment includes 5 sessions, after which a break is required for 2 months.
Possible consequences of home therapy, contraindications
Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible.For successful treatment, you must consult your doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Otherwise, there can be negative consequences of treatment such as:
- ineffective treatment and venous insufficiency;
- allergic reactions and intolerance to the products used;
- Skin burns due to improper application of flammable substances;
- vascular rupture and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out based on existing contraindications.
Contraindications to the treatment of varicose veins include the 3rd and 4th degree of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated surgically.In addition, traditional medicine is not applicable in cases of high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe illness with cramps in the calf muscles, deposition of large amounts of blood in the affected vessels and large volume of the affected area.
Treat varicose veins by jogging
It is possible to run with varicose veins in the first and second stages.Significant stress on the legs should be avoided, jogging and walking should be preferred.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins by running only at the beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet dilated.At this stage, the disease has no clinical symptoms.So, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.At the time the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging is no longer able to completely cure the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
You should see a doctor for varicose veins as soon as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely it is that the patient will be completely cured.It would be ideal if a person came to the clinic at the time of detecting the first signs: heaviness in the legs, pain when standing for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition and diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Should eat:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black grapes, citrus fruits);
- blood-thinning products (garlic, lemons, onions, cherries).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a generally light diet.It is forbidden to drink alcoholic, overly salty, spicy, sour drinks and other foods with irritating properties.You should also not drink a lot of coffee, tea and other drinks with diuretic properties.
Preventive measures
The basis for preventing varicose veins is giving up a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.You should jog or walk a few kilometers every day.During the workday, you should take short breaks specifically for leg exercises.Additionally, you must eat the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear tights.Moderate compression helps improve blood flow in the superficial veins.
Note:Even walking to work will help prevent varicose veins if it is located 2-5 km from where you live.Giving up transportation for a hike will save money, prevent the development of varicose veins and get into a good mood before starting the working day.
Although seemingly safe, varicose veins are a disease that under certain conditions can be life-threatening.This is especially true for later stages of pathological development, in which the vessel wall becomes thinner and its integrity is vulnerable.Therefore, it is recommended to start therapy with traditional formulas as early as possible.
To avoid errors and misuse of treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before starting.