Varicose veins are a vascular pathology related to the thinning of the vessel wall and the formation of aneurysm-like enlargements.The disease occurs in both young and old people, more often in women.The main method of treating varicose veins is surgery.However, the operation is performed only in patients with severe forms of the pathology.The initial stages of varicose veins are suitable for drug therapy and therapy with drugs from the arsenal of traditional medicine.How are varicose veins on the legs treated with folk remedies?What does it take?In what cases should you stop using herbal recipes and consult a doctor?
Causes of varicose veins on the legs
The root cause of varicose veins is the weakening of the venous valves of the vascular network of the legs and a decrease in the muscle tone of the vascular wall.The described phenomenon leads to the fact that part of the blood in the venous vessels begins to flow downward, overloading the vessels and stretching them.Later, the muscle fibers controlling the blood flow atrophy, and the nerve endings innervating the tone of the veins die.The disease reaches an incurable stage with therapeutic methods.
Varicose veins do not develop spontaneously without provoking factors.
The latter include:
- overweight (BMI 27 kg/m2 and more);
- long-term static loads, standing in one place (surgeons, sellers, loaders);
- genetic predisposition and congenital weakness of the venous valve mechanism;
- thrombophlebitis;
- chronic alcoholism;
- hormonal disorders, including those occurring in women during pregnancy;
- constipation;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Of course, the presence of a provoking factor does not guarantee the appearance of symptoms of the disease.However, the probability of such a development of events increases significantly.
Comment:varicose veins can also be iatrogenic.Changes occur as a result of hormonal medications used to treat osteoporosis and during menopause.If signs of varicose veins appear in such a situation, the existing medication regimen must be discontinued and a new one must be chosen.Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to correct the condition of the veins.
How can varicose veins be recognized in time?First signs!
Timely diagnosis of varicose veins enables successful vein treatment without the use of complex medical techniques.Unfortunately, the first signs of the disease are often not even noticed, which is why the patient asks for help too late.
To avoid this, you should consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:
- heaviness in the legs, aggravated in an upright position;
- pain in the area of the tibia;
- telangiectasia;
- the local expansion of the veins, which are still soft at this point, easily collapse under pressure.
In the later stages of the disease, patients notice the appearance of temporary pain, which increases after long walks and prolonged standing in an upright position.Visually, pulping and swelling can be observed in the area of the ankle.At this stage, conservative therapy is still possible, but it does not stop the process, but only slows it down.
People who have constant difficulties and pains, leg cramps and skin itching, which is evidence of trophic disorders, should not rely on folk remedies and drug therapy.The patients' veins are significantly dilated, deformed and tightly elastic.Here, only surgery can improve the situation.
Sections of varicose veins on the legs
Vasodilation of the legs has 4 stages of development.In the first stage of the disease, symptoms do not appear at all.In some cases, leg heaviness, rapid fatigue and telangiectasia appear.Patients complain of periodic swelling of the legs, which, however, can be alleviated quite easily by taking a mild diuretic.
By the beginning of the second stage, the symptoms of the disease intensify, its signs become more vivid and noticeable.Patients complain of the appearance of noticeable nodes in the veins, periodic numbness and itching in the pathological area, as well as temporary pain.During the examination, swelling and pulpy tissue can be seen on the legs.
By the third stage of the development of varicose veins, the patient's condition deteriorates significantly.The affected veins become significantly thickened, deformed, hard and painful.The pain becomes constant.There is a high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism.Possible development of trophic ulcers.
Comment:Damage to varicose veins in the third stage of varicose veins can cause severe bleeding, which can only be stopped in a medical institution.
Primary varicose veins
Primary varicose veins are a form of the disease in which vascular changes develop independently, as a result of provoking factors and the patient's genetic predisposition.The primary ones are enlargements that occur in women during pregnancy, during standing work, and obesity.The disease can also be caused by wearing too tight underwear, pinching of blood vessels and disruption of normal blood flow.
Secondary varicose veins
Secondary varicose veins are the result of another disease, as a result of which the structure and tone of the venous valve, as well as the structure and muscle layers of the vessel wall are disrupted.The secondary type of disease develops after certain infectious processes, with tumors or vascular injuries.
Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home
As mentioned above, folk remedies for varicose veins are effective only in the initial stages (stages 1-2) of the disease.The use of traditional medicine methods must be carried out after consultation with the attending physician and after a qualified assessment of the effectiveness of the selected medicine.Today, herbalists consider the following herbs to be the best:
Apple cider vinegar for swollen feet
To eliminate swelling, vinegar is used locally, in the form of poultices or baths.The product helps increase the tone of the vessel wall, relieves swelling and activates blood circulation.The drug should be handled with care, because it can cause chemical burns on the skin if used incorrectly.
For an apple cider vinegar foot bath, pour 10 liters of cold water into a basin and add 0.5 liters of vinegar.After that, you need to lower your foot into the resulting solution.The duration of the procedure is 7 minutes, frequency is daily.The duration of the treatment can be 2-3 months or more.The temperature of the bath water must not be lower than 20°C.
For the poultice, dilute the vinegar with cold water in a ratio of 1:4 (vinegar: water).Dip a soft cloth or gauze into the resulting solution, then take it out, wring it out until wet, and apply it to the leg.A plastic film is placed over the tissue and a bandage is applied.The duration of the procedure does not exceed one hour.The poultice should be applied every other day for 1-2 weeks.
Comment:If a strong burning sensation or discomfort occurs during the procedure, the treatment should be stopped.Vinegar with an inappropriate concentration can have a negative effect on the skin, even causing burns.
Clay lotions and poultices
Blue or green clay is used to treat varicose veins.Dilute with water to a liquid paste before use.The resulting preparation is applied to soft tissues and applied to diseased areas.For convenience, you can put a bandage on the fabric, but this is not necessary.Leave the compress on for 40-80 minutes.The procedure should be performed every other day, every 2-3 months or more until satisfactory results are achieved.
Acacia flower tincture
The tincture is easy to make yourself.To do this, take 8 tablespoons of dried and crushed white acacia flowers, place them in a suitable size container and pour 20 ml of vodka.The resulting mixture is tightly closed with a lid and placed in a dry, dark place for 10 days.In order to better extract the medicinal substances, it is recommended to shake the liquid daily.The finished tincture is filtered through a layer of gauze and used to rub the feet.
The tincture should be used before going to bed after rinsing your feet with cold water.The shin and other areas with varicose veins are thoroughly rubbed with the product and allowed to dry.After that, it is recommended to place the limbs on the cylinder so that they are in a raised position.The duration of therapy is 3 months, the frequency of treatment is daily.
Horse chestnut for varicose veins of the legs
For the treatment of varicose veins, horse chestnut is used in the form of an alcoholic tincture.For this, crushed fruits are mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:3 and infused for two weeks.After that, the product is filtered and used to make poultices.
To apply a poultice with horse chestnut tincture, soak a piece of soft cloth in the product, squeeze it thoroughly and apply it to the affected area.After that, the fabric is covered with polyethylene, and several layers of cotton wool or thick fabric are applied on top.The compress is kept for 30-40 minutes, and then the legs are wrapped in a warm blanket.
It is recommended to perform the procedure before going to bed, every other day.The duration of the treatment is 1-2 months, but can be extended if necessary.
Treatment of varicose veins with tomatoes
Green tomatoes are used to treat varicose veins, which contain substances similar to acetylsalicylic acid.They have anti-platelet and anti-inflammatory effects.For the purpose of treatment, tomatoes are cut into circles, applied to the diseased areas and secured with adhesive film.The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours (a tomato poultice is applied overnight).The treatment should be carried out daily before going to bed until the external manifestations of the disease disappear (usually no more than 3 months).
Cabbage treatment
Cabbage, like tomatoes, has some anti-vascular properties.The leaves of the vegetable are sprinkled with water and then placed in the common compartment of the refrigerator for a day.After the necessary time, the product is applied to the legs and fixed with polyethylene.The duration of the procedure is 5-6 hours, frequency is daily.The duration of therapy is 1 month.
Treatment with potatoes
To eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins, peel several large potato tubers, wash them and grate them on a fine grater.The vegetable should reach the consistency of pulp.The resulting product should be applied to the legs and feet, distributing it over the skin.The pulp is not further attached to the legs.The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, its frequency is daily, and the duration of the course is 2 months.
Apitherapy for varicose veins: honey, propolis, dead bees, venom
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 locally, dead fruit is used internally, and poison in the form of bee stings is used in the affected areas.
The honey poultice must be applied according to the general application rules of the poultice.To do this, the substance must be applied to a cloth or gauze, applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene.The joint is then insulated with cotton wool and secured with a bandage.The propolis poultice technique is no different from the honey poultice.The medicinal preparation is produced by mixing propolis and vodka in a ratio of 1:5.The duration of the procedure with honey is 2 hours, once a day;propolis - 40 minutes once a day.The frequency of manipulation is every other day for 2-3 months.
Dead bees are used in the form of an alcoholic tincture.To prepare it, take 1 tablespoon of the medicine and mix it with 200 ml of 70% ethanol or vodka.After that, the medicine should be left to infuse for 3 weeks in a dark, dry place.The tincture should be taken 20 drops 3 times a day for 2 weeks.You can repeat the course after an equal break.
Bee venom is administered by injection.The procedure should be performed by a competent apitherapist, so it is not advisable to consider the specifics of its implementation 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 vascular wall.The pinching is done directly on the areas affected by the varicose veins.
Nettle decoction
Nettle decoction is made from fresh or dried leaves of the plant.In this case, fresh leaves are ground into pulp and dry leaves are crushed into powder.The prepared raw materials are poured with boiling water.The ratio of solid and liquid fractions of the preparation should be 1:8.Place the mixture on low heat and boil for 3-5 minutes.After that, it should be cooled, filtered and taken orally, 1/3 cup (70 ml) three times a day.The duration of the treatment is 1 month.
Nutmeg decoction
Nutmeg decoction is prepared in a similar way to nettle decoction.The ratio of walnuts to water in the mixture should be about 1:5.Crush the walnuts beforehand.The finished medicine should be taken three times a day.The duration of therapy is 3-4 months or more.
Treatment with laundry soap
The laundry soap itself has no noticeable anti-varicose effect.However, it is actively used to make multi-component ointments.
The following recipe is considered the most effective:
- Mix equal amounts of laundry soap, Vishnevsky ointment, honey, aloe juice, ichthyol ointment, onion juice and lard.
- The resulting mass is heated to body temperature and applied to the affected areas;
- The applied ointment is covered with polyethylene, and the limb is insulated with cotton wool or a blanket.
The duration of use of the medicine is 10 hours, the frequency of treatment is daily.The course of therapy consists of 20 procedures.
Calendula decoction
A decoction is made from dried marigolds, 2 tablespoons of which are poured into 400 ml of boiling water, put on fire and boiled for 15 minutes.Then let the product cool, filter and take 100 ml 4 times a day.The treatment process lasts until the symptoms of the disease disappear.Calendula decoction is recommended as an auxiliary method of therapy.
Treatment of varicose veins with leeches - hirudotherapy
With the help of hirudotherapy, the level of blood viscosity can be reduced, its fluidity can be improved and blood clots can be prevented.Leeches are applied by a hirudotherapist.This treatment method should not be used alone.The course of therapy consists of 5 sessions, followed by a 2-month break.
Possible consequences of home therapy, contraindications
Treatment of varicose veins at home is not always possible.For successful therapy, you must consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Otherwise, the treatment may have negative consequences such as:
- ineffectiveness of the therapy and deterioration of the condition of the veins;
- allergic reactions and intolerance to the products used;
- skin burns due to incorrect application of poultices made with flammable materials;
- vascular ruptures and thromboembolism, if the treatment is carried out against the background of 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 removed surgically.In addition, traditional medicine cannot be used in case of a high risk of thromboembolism, aggravation of vascular insufficiency, a severe course of the disease with calf muscle spasms, a large amount of blood deposition in the affected vessels and a large volume of the affected area.
Getting rid of varicose veins by running
Running with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stage.We recommend that you avoid heavy use of your legs, giving preference to jogging and competitive walking.In the presence of thrombosis and in the later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
You can get rid of varicose veins only at the very beginning of the disease with the help of running, when the veins are not yet strained.At this stage, the disease has no clinical symptoms.Therefore, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.At the moment when the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging is no longer able to completely cure the pathology.
When should we contact a phlebologist?
Varicose veins require medical attention as soon as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely it is that the patient will recover completely.It is ideal if a person visits the clinic at the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pain after standing for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition, diet for varicose veins
In the case of varicose veins, diet plays a significant role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
It is recommended to consume:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, blackcurrants, citrus fruits);
- blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
The dietary restrictions correspond to the general gentle diet.It is forbidden to consume alcoholic beverages, excessively salty, spicy, sour and other irritating foods.Do not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks with diuretic properties.
Preventive measures
Prevention of varicose veins is based on a sedentary lifestyle and avoiding static loads on the legs.A short jog or several kilometers of walking is recommended every day.Leg exercises should take short breaks during the working day.You should also eat the foods described in the previous section and wear compression tights if necessary.Moderate compression improves blood flow in the superficial veins.
Comment:Even walking to your place of work helps to prevent the development of varicose veins if it is located 2-5 kilometers from your place of residence.Ditching a vehicle in favor of hiking will save you money, prevent varicose veins, and give you a dose of good vibes before the start of the workday.
Despite its apparent safety, varicose veins are a disease that poses a threat to human life under certain circumstances.This is especially true in the later stages of the development of the pathology, during which the vessel wall becomes thinner and its integrity is very easily damaged.Therefore, therapy using traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.
To avoid mistakes and the use of incorrect treatment methods, consult your doctor before starting treatment.