Varicose veins of the legs is a chronic disease in which the lumen of the veins increases, which leads to poor blood 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 progression of the disease requires taking medication. The picture shows different stages of the pathological process.
Effective home recipes
Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins are recommended for prevention. They contain natural products and herbs, which allows them to affect the cause of the pathology without harm. The goal of treatment is to improve blood flow by:
- cleaning blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- thinning of the blood;
- strengthening of 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 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 cups) and golden mustache (three leaves). The ingredients are thoroughly mixed. 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 compresses and poultices from the mixture. The duration of the procedures in the absence of irritation is about an hour.
horse chestnut
Another effective folk remedy for varicose veins is the chestnut. Its use is due to the content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins and flavonoids. In venous pathology, beech-based products have an anti-inflammatory, toning effect, strengthen capillary walls, improve blood flow and help relieve swelling. For the production of medicines, not only the fruits, but also the inflorescences of the tree are used:
- Dry flowers (4 spoons) and crushed fruits (6 pcs. ) 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 on top with a towel. During the procedure, you should lie with your limbs elevated.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: two spoons are poured with warm water (200 ml), left for 6 hours in a dark place, then boiled and left for another hour. Take 75 ml in the morning and evening for 14 days, break for a week, the course of treatment lasts up to six months.
The alcohol tincture is taken orally for one 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 poured with 5 parts of 70% alcohol. Close the jar tightly, put it in a dark place for a week, periodically shaking the contents. The hood is used:
- In the form of compresses 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 in the presence of allergies and intolerance. It is important not to exceed the dose, as 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 the walls of blood vessels and remove toxins. For varicose veins, only a natural product is used, which is used in the form of:
Compresses. Soak a tissue 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 placed on the limbs, covered with cellophane on top and isolated with a towel.Rubbing it in. Gently wet the sore limbs with a cloth soaked in vinegar and leave until the moisture dries; no need to rinse.
The procedures are performed in a supine position, 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, vinegar is diluted with water 1: 1.
For internal use, prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (teaspoon) and water (200 ml), drink in the morning after sleep. Apple cider vinegar should not be consumed in the presence of gastrointestinal diseases, as there is a risk of exacerbation of the disease.
Popular recipes
There are many folk recipes for varicose veins on the legs that can eliminate the signs of pathology. Here are some of them:
- Laundry soap is used in combination with acetylsalicylic acid powder to relieve pain and remove vascular defects. For a compress, grate the soap, knead acetylsalicylic acid (10 tablets) and dissolve in vodka (250 ml). The components are mixed and applied to the painful places, bandaged and kept for 30 minutes.
- An effective remedy for inflammation of the veins is the cabbage leaf, which is used in the form of compresses. It is broken to release the healing juice, one side is smeared with vegetable oil and applied to the diseased vein, left for a day. On top, the compress is fixed with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins includes 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. For 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 woodlice and burdock helps to return the lightness of your feet. First, a gentle poultice is applied to the affected area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and secured with a bandage. Mokritsa is replaced when the grass dries, burdock - after 2 hours. They do the procedures for a long time until improvement occurs.
In addition, you can use baths or massage with aromatic oils, juniper, mint, lavender and lemon esters are suitable. Chamomile, almond, peach and rosemary oils have proven to be good.
Pharmacy products
Treatment of ulcers that appear on the legs due to varicose veins includes the prescription of pharmaceutical drugs with local and systemic action.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics, the action of which is aimed at the areas of microcirculation in the limbs. Medicines improve vein tone, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Also, due to increased lymphatic drainage, swelling disappears. Medicines have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used for the prevention of the disease, in course therapy of varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after vein surgery.
Saponins include horse chestnut, plant extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. For local application, an ointment based on rutin is prescribed.
Blood thinners
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 the tissues and fever. In order to reduce the symptoms, to prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of the vascular walls, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed.
Modern techniques
The options for treating varicose veins of the legs are diverse, the choice of a method depends on the severity of the disease. In the initial stages, an integrated approach is used, which includes wearing compression clothing, gymnastic exercises, hirudotherapy and medication. The symptoms and cosmetic defects of small veins are eliminated with the help of minimally invasive procedures - sclerotherapy and laser. Serious problems can be solved with surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method of removing varicose veins and is used in the early stage 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 a vein with a laser beam to stop blood flow. The operation is performed in the absence of inflammation and blood clots, with a smooth course of the vascular trunk with a width of up to 1 cm. 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 generated heat fuses the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, no bruises and scars remain on the body and no recurrences 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 yourself, only a phlebologist should prescribe the procedure. The effect is achieved thanks to the content of 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;
- remove swelling.
By reducing the volume of circulating blood, annelids remove the load on the vessels of the limbs. Treatment with 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 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 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 destruction of the vessel and the complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves ligation of the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. It is then withdrawn 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 a problematic vein through a puncture in the skin. The surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, pulling the vein, then ligates the vessel and removes the damaged part.
Surgery for varicose veins is an effective treatment method that does not cause recurrences. The technique of performing manipulations has been developed for decades, so complications are rarely observed.
Diet
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps to normalize the pressure in blood vessels, reduce blood viscosity and improve blood circulation. Proper nutrition ensures strengthening of blood vessel walls and restoration of tone, reduction of edema and excess body weight. Products recommended for illness:
- Fruits and berries are a source of valuable elements, vitamins and antioxidants for the body. 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 nutrient supply, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines, and reduces weight.
- Dried fruits, an alternative to sugar and sweets, help 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 cabbage is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains trace elements and fiber. In addition, algae reduce 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 boil blackcurrant and raspberry leaves.
To eliminate toxins and restore the water balance, it is important to drink water - at least 2 liters per day. It is necessary to eat in small portions, not to overeat, especially at night.
To dilute the blood, it is recommended to brew herbal teas from lemon balm, raspberries, blackcurrant leaves, St. John's wort, linden blossom, mint and 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, increases blood pressure and damages the vascular system.
- Fats lead to weight gain and the deposition of cholesterol plaques. The process leads to inflammation of the venous walls, impaired 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 in the blood, tiring the pancreas. As a result, the sugar in the body increases.
- It is necessary to reduce the intake of salt to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid.
Harmful foods also include fatty meats, fried foods, canned foods, smoked foods, coffee.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics for varicose veins is part of the prevention and treatment of the disease. Exercises help to restore blood flow in veins, arteries and peripheral vessels, strengthen muscles, increase the tone of vascular walls and relieve edema. Low physical activity leads to stagnation, which causes 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 choose exercises that correspond to the degree of the disease and give recommendations for implementation. The following leg exercises can be performed:
- In a lying position, successively raise the limbs. It is first performed in a lying position on the back, then on the stomach.
- The "bicycle" exercise is similar to pedaling only in a lying position. The legs are supported.
- Roll from toes to heel is done up to 20 times.
- Raising the hips high, you need to march alternately on the toes, then on the heels.
- Stand up 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 °, placing 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 strain your limbs. If it is difficult to perform the entire complex, you should start with simple movements.