Varicose veins in the legs is a chronic disease in which the lumen of the veins increases, which leads to the deterioration of 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 the early stage of changes in the veins, the course of the disease requires taking medication. The photo shows different stages of the pathological process.
Effective home recipes
Folk remedies for varicose veins are recommended for preventive use. They contain natural products and herbs, which allows to affect the cause of the pathology without harming it. The goal of treatment is to improve blood flow:
- clean blood vessels from cholesterol deposits;
- blood thinning;
- strengthening of vascular walls.
Garlic and lemon
The use of lemon and garlic allows to obtain a positive result in the stage of formation of the vascular network. The product cleans blood vessels, makes them elastic and removes inflammation.
To prepare the composition, squeeze the juice from 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 store in a dark place for a week. Take the composition every day for 30 days, 4 small spoons.
You can make compresses and bandages from the mixture. If there is no irritation, the duration of the procedures is about an hour.
horse chestnut
Another effective folk remedy for varicose veins is chestnut. Its use depends on the content of tannins, organic acids, vitamins and flavonoids. Products based on beech wood for vascular pathology have an anti-inflammatory, tonic effect, strengthen capillary walls, improve blood flow and help eliminate swelling. Not only the fruits, but also the flowers of the tree are used to prepare medicine:
- Dried flowers (4 spoons) and crushed fruits (6 pieces) are poured with 500 ml of alcohol. Leave for 14 days, shaking the vessel 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 increase the effect, cover it with cellophane and wrap it with a towel. You should sleep with your legs up during the procedure.
- A decoction is prepared from the flowers: pour two spoons of hot water (200 ml), leave in a dark place for 6 hours, then bring to a boil and leave 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.
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 spasm and inflammation, restore metabolism and reduce pain. Medicine in the form of tincture is prepared from the seeds of the plant, one part is poured into a glass container and 5 parts are filled with 70% alcohol. Close the jar tightly, put it in a dark place for a week, shaking the contents from time to time. The title is used:
- In the form of a compress for star-shaped and painful areas: 25 ml per 100 ml of water.
- For internal use, 2 drops (25 ml) diluted in water 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 tool is contraindicated in case of allergy and intolerance. It is important not to exceed the dosage, because the plant is poisonous, causes vomiting, heart rhythm disturbances, nervous excitement and hallucinations. The use of Datura during pregnancy, breastfeeding and glaucoma is strictly contraindicated.
Apple cider vinegar
Natural apple cider vinegar contains all the valuable components of apple, but in the form of a concentrate. When applied externally, vinegar relieves inflammation, improves blood circulation and relieves swelling. When used internally, antioxidants, acids and enzymes restore metabolism, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and remove toxins. Only a natural product is used for varicose veins, it is used in this form:
Compresses. Soak a napkin in warm vinegar and apply it to the problem areas and keep it until the tissue is completely dry.Bandages. The gauze is wrapped in several layers, moistened in a vinegar solution, and the excess liquid is squeezed out. The cloth is placed on the limbs, covered with cellophane and insulated with a towel.Rub it in. Gently wet the painful limbs with a cloth soaked in vinegar and leave until the moisture dries, no need to rinse.
The procedures are carried out lying down, to reduce the load on the veins, it is necessary to raise the limbs and put a pillow under the feet. To avoid irritation for sensitive skin, vinegar is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1.
Prepare a solution of honey, vinegar (one teaspoon) and water (200 ml) for internal use, 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 in the legs that can eliminate their pathological symptoms. Here are some of them:
- Laundry soap is used in combination with acetylsalicylic acid powder to relieve pain and eliminate vascular defects. Grate the soap for the compress, knead the acetylsalicylic acid (10 tablets) and dissolve it in vodka (250 ml). The components are mixed and applied to painful areas, covered with a bandage and kept for 30 minutes.
- An effective remedy for inflammation of veins is a cabbage leaf used in the form of a compress. It is beaten to release medicinal juice, one side is covered with any vegetable oil and applied to the patient's vein and left for a day. The compress is fixed from above with a bandage.
- Ginger for varicose veins includes internal and external use. Tea with a small piece of root is suitable for the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases, especially in overweight patients. The spice for the compress is grated and mixed with honey. The paste is applied for 3 hours, covered with polyethylene and wrapped with a towel.
- Wood lice and burdock compress help to restore lightness to your feet. First, a soft wood bit is applied to the diseased area of the limb, a burdock leaf is wrapped on top and tied with a bandage. When woodlice grass dries, burdock - is changed after 2 hours. They carry out the procedures for a long time until there is an improvement.
In addition, you can take baths or massage with aromatic oils, the ethers of juniper, mint, lavender and lemon are suitable. Chamomile, almond, peach and rosemary oils have proven themselves well.
Pharmacy products
The treatment of ulcers on the legs due to varicose veins involves the appointment of pharmaceutical drugs with local and systemic effects.
Venotonic
This group includes phlebotonics, the action of which is directed to the areas of microcirculation in the extremities. Medicines improve vascular tone, which has a positive effect on muscle contractility. Also, swelling disappears due to increased lymph flow. Medicines have the ability to reduce inflammation. Venotonic agents are used to prevent disease, in course therapy for varicose veins and thrombosis, before and after surgery on veins.
Saponins include horse chestnut, plant extracts are made from grape leaves and blueberries. An ointment based on rutin is prescribed for local use.
Blood thinners
Anticoagulants are indicated to improve blood flow and prevent blood clotting. Glycosaminoglycan products are used locally. Antiplatelet drugs fight blood stasis.
Anti-inflammatory
Internal varicose veins are accompanied by severe pain, inflammation and tissue swelling, and an increase in temperature. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to reduce symptoms, prevent the development of thrombosis and inflammation of vascular walls.
Modern techniques
There are various treatment options for varicose veins in the legs, 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 garments, gymnastic exercises, hirudotherapy and taking medication. Symptoms and cosmetic defects of small vessels are eliminated using minimally invasive procedures - sclerotherapy and laser. Serious problems can be solved with surgery.
Sclerotherapy
The procedure is a minimally invasive method to eliminate varicose veins and is used in the early stages of the disease, when spider veins appear. The procedure involves injecting a sclerosant into the damaged area, which causes the vessel walls to stick together and block blood flow. As a result, the skin defect disappears without a trace.
Laser method
Laser coagulation involves sealing a vein with a laser beam to stop blood flow. The operation is performed without inflammation and blood coagulation, with a smooth passage of the vessel body up to 1 cm wide. After local anesthesia, a laser light guide is inserted into the vein through a puncture and is carried out under control. an ultrasound machine moves to the affected area. The energy generated by the emitter is absorbed by hemoglobin and the resulting heat solders the walls of the cavity.
After the procedure, there are no bruises and scars on the body, and there are no recurrences in the area.
Leeches
Hirudotherapy is widely used in the treatment of varicose veins, but it is not recommended to resort to such therapy yourself, only a phlebologist should prescribe the procedure. The effect is achieved due to the hirudin peptide content in the salivary glands of leeches. The substance that penetrates under the skin has a therapeutic effect:
- rinses the blood;
- prevents thrombosis;
- dilates blood vessels;
- removes inflammation;
- eliminate swelling.
By reducing the volume of circulating blood, annelids relieve the load on the veins of the extremities. Treatment with proteins is allowed in the early stages of the disease, but does not have a lasting effect, so the symptoms of the pathology may recur over time. Leeches are contraindicated for ulcers and injuries.
Surgical correction of the problem
For varicose veins of the lower extremities, if a person experiences severe pain and extensive damage to the veins is diagnosed, surgical intervention is indicated. When there is a threat of thrombophlebitis, tissue trophism is disturbed and ulcers may form. Surgery is aimed at removing the affected vein. To carry out the procedure, the doctor chooses an acceptable method depending on the degree of destruction of the vessel and complications of the disease.
- Traditional phlebectomy involves closing the saphenous vein through incisions in the groin and ankle. Then it is removed using a hard probe.
- During peeling, a part of the venous trunk is removed.
- Miniphlebectomy is one of the least traumatic operations, allowing to remove a part of the problematic vein through a puncture in the skin. By removing the vein, the surgeon inserts a hook into the hole, then closes the vein and removes the damaged part.
Surgery for varicose veins is an effective treatment method that does not cause relapses. The technique of manipulation has been developed for decades, so complications are rarely observed.
Diet
A balanced diet for varicose veins helps to normalize the pressure in the blood vessels, reduce the viscosity of the blood and improve its circulation. Proper nutrition strengthens the walls of blood vessels and restores tone, reduces edema and excess body weight. Recommended products for the disease:
- 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 breads and cereals contain fiber. Fiber is not digested by food enzymes, but it promotes long-term supply of nutrients, removes toxins and cholesterol from the intestines and reduces weight.
- Dry fruits, which are an alternative to sugar and sweets, help to dilute the blood. Spices like 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-based protein.
- Sea cabbage is useful for increasing the elasticity of blood vessels: it contains trace elements and fiber. In addition, cabbage reduces appetite.
- Seafood and fish are rich in easily digestible protein and amino acids.
- Lean meat is allowed. The liver is necessary for the production of hemoglobin and the supply of oxygen to vascular cells.
- Lemonade is replaced by freshly squeezed juices and fruit drinks. It is good to brew currant and raspberry leaves.
It is important to drink water to remove toxins and restore water balance - at least 2 liters per day. Especially at night, you should not eat a lot, but eat in small portions.
To dilute the blood, it is recommended to brew herbal teas from lemon balm, raspberry, currant leaves, St. John's wort, linden flower, mint, 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 deposition of cholesterol plaques. The process leads to inflammation of the venous walls, deterioration of blood circulation and increases the risk of thrombosis.
- Due to the content of fast carbohydrates, sweets have a negative effect on 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.
- Salt intake should be reduced to prevent excess fluid accumulation.
Harmful foods also include fatty meats, fried foods, canned foods, smoked foods, and 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 eliminate swelling. Low physical activity leads to stagnation, which is the cause of varicose veins. Therefore, walking, cycling and swimming are recommended for people with vascular problems. Before starting therapeutic exercises, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will choose the exercises that match the degree of the disease and give recommendations for implementation. The following exercises can be done for the legs:
- Lying down, lift your limbs alternately. First, it is done lying on the back, then on the 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 alternately go to your toes, then your heels.
- Stand straight, slowly rise to your toes while inhaling and inhale, return to the starting position.
- To empty the veins, you need to lie down and rest, raise your legs at an angle of 20 °, put a support or a pillow. Breathing should be uniform and calm.
Gymnastics is given for 15 minutes with 5-minute breaks in the morning and evening. Do not lift weights and do not overload your limbs. If it is difficult to perform the whole complex, you should start with simple movements.