Bluish, swollen, lumpy-looking veins in the legs, is the simplest
description of varicose veins. Although they might appear anywhere
in the body, legs are where they usually appear apart from
esophagus.
Veins have one way valves which prevent the backflow of blood. This
is the basis of blood flow in legs where walking for instance throws
the blood back up to the heart, against the gravity and these
one-way valves that open only upwards, close and stop the blood from
coming back.
Damaged valves in the veins allow the blood to flow back and collect
in the veins, thus stretching the veins till they finally loose
their elasticity. This then ends their ability to contract and come
back to the original shape.
In severe cases, veins become extremely enlarged, blood clots form,
skin color changes on the affected area and ulcers (vein ulcers) may
develop due to rupturing. This calls for immediate medical
attention. 6 out of 10 people in America alone have some or the
other kind of varicose veins.
Damaged valves of the veins blocking the flow of blood back to the
heart are the reason for varicose veins. Factors contributing to
this condition are:
·
Genetic – Heredity is supposed to be an important factor
in determining who might suffer from varicose veins
·
Pregnancy – Flow of blood back from the feet is
restricted in pregnancy. Usually the symptoms go away
after the birth of the child but they may remain for
long extended times as well
·
Obesity – Same logic as above applies to
obese people,
i.e., restriction of flow of blood back to the heart
·
Prolonged standing – Jobs involving long periods of
standing still in the same position increase the
susceptibility to varicose veins
·
Lifting heavy weights – People with jobs involving
lifting of heavy weights have also a higher risk of
suffering from this problem
·
Oral contraceptives – Contraceptive pill may also induce
these symptoms in certain cases
·
Hormonal treatment – One might face the problem of
varicose veins after getting some hormonal treatment for
another disease
·
Constricting clothes – Tight fitting clothes that are
too constricting in the groin also restrict the blood
flow and collect it in the legs
Conventional treatment often includes sclerotherapy (for spider
veins), where the doctor injects a solution into the vein that
causes the vein walls to seal shut. Also common methods of treatment
are laser surgery or surgical removal of the varicose veins.
Many
herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used to promote
circulation, and keep a healthy flow of blood pumping through the
body and serve as a natural remedy for varicose veins.
Astragalus membranaceous is a well-known revitalizing herb used for
boosting circulation, while Ruscus acluteatus is known extensively
in Europe to improve circulation and relieve pain and discomfort
associated with leg conditions thus serving as a natural remedy for
varicose veins.
Anther natural remedy for varicose veins includes homeopathic
ingredients such as Rhus tox, Zincum metallicum and Magnesium
phosphate all help to promote health in the lower limbs and keep
lymph and blood flowing freely. Skin health can be promoted through
homeopathic ingredients such as Natrium muriaticum, Kalium
muriaticum and Kalium sulphate to distribute oxygen throughout the
body and to each individual cell and keep all cell membranes
healthy.
By providing essential oxygen to inflamed or infected cells, these
ingredients effectively assists healing, reduces inflammation and
removes infected or dead cells.
·
Ginkgo Biloba - This oldest surviving tree
specie, dating back to millions of years has
predominantly been grown in China till the 18th century.
Then it came to Europe and from there to United States.
Trees may live up to 1000 years and are usually grown in
rich, well drained soil in sunny locations. Leaves of
ginkgo are the ones having medicinal qualities and their
main constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids -
antioxidants
that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the
circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve
blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the
stickiness of platelets. Chinese researches have shown
the usefulness of ginkgo in treating asthma and
atherosclerosis as well.
·
Zinziber officinalis - Ginger is a known
circulatory stimulant and has strong anti-clotting
effect. It is an antispasmodic and generally good for
digestion. Ginger has a long
history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. Chinese herbalists often
recommend this "hot" herb to treat conditions involving
difficulties with cold, including the cold fingers
caused by Raynaud's. It
also has strong anti-inflammatory and pain relieving
properties and is used to treat the pain of arthritis
and similar complaints. Ginger is an excellent remedy
for digestive disturbances including relief of nausea,
vomiting, flatulence and indigestion.
·
Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary) - This dilates
and strengthens blood vessels and increases peripheral
and cerebral circulation. Rosemary is an invigorating
herb, relieving depression and imparting a zest for life
often helpful in preventing fatigue and stress. As a
combination between a nerve stimulant and circulatory
tonic, Rosemary is particularly suited to conditions
which cause symptoms of cold due to poor circulation.
Rosemary is also known to improve mental functioning and
memory, strengthen digestion and improve liver and
gallbladder function.
Firstly, to
avoid constipation, you should take a fiber
rich diet. Take plenty of soluble as well as insoluble
fiber in the form of apples, pears, whole meal bread,
brown rice and green leafy vegetables. A little bit of
bran (only about a spoon a day) will also help clean
your bowels in a routine. Avoid refined carbohydrates
like pizzas, cookies, cakes and biscuits as they are
hard to digest and mostly aggravate the symptoms of
constipation.
·
Drink a minimum of 1.5-2 liters of water a day. People
tend to ignore the importance of this pure, simple yet
very effective medicine for constipation. Remember,
straining due to constipation obstructs blood flow from
the legs and puts pressure on the veins in your
lower legs.
·
Raw vegetable juices like carrot and spinach
(combinations are a better proposition) are a must.
·
Supplements of proanthocyanidins (also called "OPCs" for
oligomeric procyanidins or "PCOs" for procyanidolic
oligomers—are a class of nutrients belonging to the
flavonoid family) improve the function of leg veins
after a single application in people with widespread
varicose veins. (OPCs) are found in grape seed and pine
bark. They appear to be able to reduce leakage in veins
and reduce swelling in the legs.
·
Vitamin E is also thought to be very effective in
preventing varicose veins. It is mainly found in
avocados, nuts and wheatgerm.
·
Avoid strong coffee and tea, alcohol and other
condiments (flavoring agents like sauces, salt and
pepper).
You should raise your legs above hip level every now and
then for some time to give relief to your aching legs.
Raise the foot of your bed by several inches (mind you,
not your feet). Don’t do this if you have a heart or
breathing problem.
·
Avoid tight fitting clothes and wear specially fitted
elastic stockings, going up to knee level, as they give
considerable relief. Their type, fit and length should
be judged by you and your doctor according to the
severity of your problem. These stockings restrict the
accumulation of blood in the smaller veins close to the
skin (ones which are prone to varicose veins) and force
them into larger veins deep inside thus facilitating
blood flow back to the heart.
·
Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for a
long duration of time. Take a short walk every now and
then.
·
Walking is the best exercise if you have varicose veins.
It forces the blood back to the heart and 30 minutes of
walking daily should improve your condition a lot.
·
Avoid lifting heavy weights if you have varicose veins.
This aggravates the problem, sometimes permanently
damaging the veins.
·
Try yoga
– This ancient Indian system provides wonderful
results in case of varicose veins. Although different asanas can only be taught by a yoga teacher, this simple
exercise can be carried out by you at your home without
any teaching. Just lie down flat on your back, on the
floor and rest your feet on a chair or bed (basically
above the rest of your body by a couple of feet) and
take deep breaths through your nose. This is a double
whammy for varicose veins, as the gravity and the
suction created in your chest by deep breaths, both work
hard to bring the blood down from your weary legs back
to the heart.
·
If the above exercise poses problems (e.g. breathing),
then another simple way to achieve the same result is
wearing a support hose and lying down flat on the floor.
Then raise your feet in the air and rest against a wall
for nearly 2 minutes. Repeat this as many times in a day
as possible.
·
Apply cold packs on the affected parts in the day and
mud pack in the nights. Mud pack may be left as such
till the morning for better results. This can be clubbed
with alternate hot and cold bath for even better
results.
·
Avoid oral contraceptives if you see this happening to
you after you had put yourself on them.
