Varicose veins are a vascular pathology associated with the thinning of blood vessel walls and the formation of aneurysm-like enlargements.The disease occurs in both young and elderly 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 pathology.The initial stages of varicose veins are amenable to drug therapy and drug therapy from the arsenal of traditional medicine.How are varicose veins on the legs treated with folk remedies?What is required for this?In which cases should you stop using herbal recipes and consult a doctor?
Causes of varicose veins on the legs
The main 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 responsible for directing the blood flow atrophy, and the nerve endings innervating the tone of the veins die.The disease reaches a stage that is incurable by therapeutic methods.
Varicose veins do not develop spontaneously, without exposure to the factors that cause them.
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 that occur in women during pregnancy;
- prison;
- 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 is increasing significantly.
Note:Varicose veins can also be iatrogenic.Changes occur under the influence of hormonal drugs used in the treatment of osteoporosis, as well as during menopause.If signs of varicose veins appear in such a situation, the existing regimen of pharmacological therapy should be discontinued and a new one selected.Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to correct the condition of the veins.
How to recognize varicose veins in time?First signs!
Timely diagnosis of varicose veins enables successful treatment of veins without the use of complex medical techniques.Unfortunately, the first signs of the disease often go unnoticed, which is why the patient seeks help too late.
To avoid this, consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:
- heaviness in legs, worse in upright position;
- pain in the lower leg;
- telangiectasia;
- local dilatation of the veins, which at this point still have a soft consistency, easily collapse when pressed.
In the later stage of the disease, patients notice the appearance of transient pain, which intensifies after long walks and prolonged standing in an upright position.Pastiness and swelling in the area of the ankle joint are visually observed.At this stage, conservative therapy is still possible, but it does not stop the process, but only slows it down.
People who have constant weight and pain, leg cramps and skin itching, which is evidence of trophic disorders, should not rely on folk remedies and pharmacological therapy.Veins in patients are significantly enlarged, deformed and tightly elastic.Only surgery can correct the situation here.
Stages of varicose veins on the legs
Vasodilation in the legs has 4 stages of development.In the first stage of the disease, symptoms may not appear at all.In some cases, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, rapid fatigue, and telangiectasia.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 visible knots in the veins, periodic numbness and itching in the pathological area, and transient pain.During the examination, swelling and pulpy tissue are revealed on the legs.
By the third stage of the development of varicose veins, the patient's condition significantly worsens.The affected veins become significantly thicker, deformed, hard and painful.The pain becomes permanent.There is a high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism.It is possible to create trophic ulcers.
Note:Damage to varicose veins in the third stage of varicose veins can cause profuse bleeding, which can only be stopped in a medical organization.
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.Primary ones include enlargements that occur in women during pregnancy, while working in a standing position, and obesity.The disease can also be a consequence of wearing too tight underwear, pinching of blood vessels and disruption of normal blood flow.
Secondary varicose veins
Secondary varicose veins are the result of some other disease, due to which the structure of the venous valve, its tone, as well as the structure and muscle layers of the vascular wall are disturbed.Secondary type disease occurs 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 stage (stage 1-2) of the disease.The use of traditional medicine methods should be done after consultation with a doctor and a qualified assessment of the effectiveness of the selected medicine.Today, herbalists consider the following herbal remedies to be the best:
Apple cider vinegar for swollen legs
To remove swelling, vinegar is used locally, in the form of poultices or baths.The product helps to increase the tone of the vascular wall, relieve swelling and activate blood circulation.The medicine should be handled carefully, because if it is not used correctly, it can cause chemical burns on the skin.
To make 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 feet into the resulting solution.The duration of the procedure is 7 minutes, the frequency is daily.The course of treatment can be 2-3 months or more.The temperature of the bathing water must not be lower than 20°C.
To apply the dressing, vinegar is diluted with cold water in a ratio of 1:4 (vinegar:water).A soft cloth or gauze is dipped in the obtained solution, then taken out, drained until it becomes moist and applied to the lower legs.A plastic film is placed over the fabric and a bandage is applied.The duration of the procedure does not exceed one hour.The compression should be applied every other day for 1-2 weeks.
Note:If severe burning or discomfort occurs during the procedure, the treatment should be stopped.Vinegar in the wrong concentration can have a negative effect on the skin, including burns.
Clay lotions and wraps
Blue or green clay is used to treat varicose veins.Before use, it is diluted with water to a liquid dough.The resulting composition is applied to soft tissue and applied to the affected areas.For convenience, you can put a bandage over the fabric, but it is not necessary.Leave the compress on for 40-80 minutes.The procedure should be performed every other day, for 2-3 months or more, until a satisfactory result is achieved.
Acacia flower tincture
The tincture is 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 closed with a lid and placed in a dry, dark place for 10 days.For better extraction of medicinal substances, it is recommended to shake the liquid daily.The finished tincture is filtered through a layer of cheesecloth and used to rub the feet.
The tincture should be used before going to bed, after washing the feet with cold water.Lower legs and other areas with varicose veins are thoroughly rubbed with the composition and allowed to dry.After that, it is advisable to put the limbs on the roller so that they are in an elevated position.The duration of therapy is 3 months, the frequency of treatment is daily.
Horse chestnut for varicose veins on the legs
For the treatment of 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.After that, the product is filtered and used to apply dressings.
To apply a poultice with horse chestnut tincture, you need to soak a piece of soft cloth in the preparation, wring it out well 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, after which the legs are wrapped 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 it can be extended if necessary.
Treatment of varicose veins with tomatoes
For the treatment of varicose veins, green tomatoes are used, which contain substances similar to acetylsalicylic acid.They have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.For the purpose of treatment, tomatoes are cut into circles, applied to the affected areas and fixed with transparent film.The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours (a dressing with tomatoes is applied overnight).The course of treatment is daily before going to bed, until the external manifestations of the disease disappear (usually no longer than 3 months).
Cabbage treatment
Cabbage, like tomatoes, has some vasoprotective effects.Vegetable leaves are sprayed with water, after which they are placed in the common chamber of the refrigerator for a day.After the required period, the product is applied to the legs and fixed with polyethylene.The duration of the procedure is 5-6 hours, the frequency is daily.Duration of therapy is 1 month.
Potato treatment
To remove the symptoms of varicose veins, several large potato tubers are peeled, washed and grated on a fine grater.The vegetables should have the consistency of porridge.The resulting product is applied to the legs and feet, spreading it over the skin.Additional fixation of the pulp on the legs is not carried out.The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, the frequency is daily, 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.For the treatment of varicose veins, honey and propolis are used locally, the dead fruit is used internally, and the poison is used in the form of bee stings on the affected areas.
The honey dressing is applied in accordance with the general rules for applying dressings.To do this, the substance is applied to a cloth or gauze, applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene.Then the bandage is insulated with cotton wool and secured with a bandage.Compress with propolis does not differ technically from a honey compress.The medicinal composition is prepared by mixing propolis and vodka in a ratio of 1:5.The duration of the procedure 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 in the form of an alcoholic tincture.To prepare it, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the medicine and mix it with 200 ml of 70% ethanol or vodka.After that, the medicine is left to stand for 3 weeks in a dark and dry place.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 given by sting.The procedure must be performed by a competent apitherapist, so it is not recommended 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 injection is performed directly on the areas affected by varicose veins.
Nettle decoction
Nettle decoction is prepared from fresh or dried leaves of the plant.In this case, fresh leaves are ground into pulp, dry leaves are crushed into powder.Boiling water is poured over the prepared raw materials.The ratio of solid and liquid fractions of the composition should be 1:8.The mixture is put on low heat and cooked for 3-5 minutes.After that, it is cooled, filtered and taken orally, 1/3 cup (70 ml) three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.
Decoction of nutmeg
Nutmeg decoction is prepared in a similar way to nettle decoction.The ratio of nuts to water in the mixture should be approximately 1:5.Nuts are pre-crushed.You must take the finished medicine three times a day.The course 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 for the preparation of multicomponent fats.
The following recipe is considered the most effective:
- Mix laundry soap, Vishnevsky ointment, honey, aloe juice, ichthyol ointment, onion juice and lard in equal amounts.
- The resulting mass is heated to body temperature and applied to the affected areas;
- The applied fat is covered with polyethylene, and the limb is insulated with cotton wool or a blanket.
Duration of drug administration is 10 hours, treatment frequency is daily.The course of therapy is 20 procedures.
Calendula decoction
A decoction is prepared from dried calendula flowers, which is poured with 2 tablespoons of 400 ml of boiling water, put on fire and cooked for 15 minutes.After that, the product is left to cool, filtered and taken 100 ml 4 times a day.The course of treatment is until the symptoms of the disease disappear.Calendula decoction is recommended to be used as an auxiliary method of therapy.
Treatment of varicose veins with leeches - hirudotherapy
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 hirudotherapist.You should not use this treatment method alone.The course of therapy consists of 5 sessions, after which it is necessary to take a break of 2 months.
Possible consequences of home therapy, contraindications
Treatment of varicose veins at home is not always possible.In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.
Otherwise, there may be such negative consequences of treatment as:
- ineffectiveness of therapy and deterioration of veins;
- allergic reactions and intolerance to the products used;
- skin burns due to incorrect application of dressings with burning substances;
- vascular rupture and thromboembolism, if the treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.
Contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include the 3rd and 4th degree of pathology.In this case, the disease can only be eliminated surgically.Also, traditional medicine is not applicable in case of high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe course of the disease with calf muscle spasms, deposition of a large amount of blood in the affected vessels and large volume of the affected area.
Getting rid of varicose veins by running
Running with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stages.It is recommended to avoid significant stress on the legs, giving priority to running and jogging.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, running is not recommended.
Getting rid of varicose veins with the help of running is possible only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins have not yet been stretched.At this stage, there are no clinical symptoms of the disease.Therefore, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes.Once the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging can no longer completely cure the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
See a doctor about 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 is ideal if a person visits the clinic at the moment when the first signs are detected: heaviness in the legs, flying pain when standing still for a long time, swelling.
Nutrition, diet for varicose veins
With varicose veins, diet plays an important role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.
Recommended for eating:
- seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, blackcurrants, citrus fruits);
- blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a general gentle diet.It is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages, excessively salty, hot, sour and other foods that have irritating properties.You should also not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks that have diuretic properties.
Prevention measures
The basis for the prevention of varicose veins is to abandon a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs.A short run or walk of a few kilometers every day is recommended.During the working day, you should take short breaks dedicated to leg exercises.In addition, you must eat the foods described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear compression stockings.A moderate degree of compression helps improve blood flow in superficial veins.
Note:Even walking to your workplace will help prevent varicose veins, if it is located at a distance of 2-5 kilometers from your place of residence.By ditching the car in favor of hiking, you'll save money, prevent the development of varicose veins, and get a dose of good mood before the start of the workday.
Despite the apparent safety, varicose veins are a disease that under certain conditions poses a threat to human life.This especially applies to the later stages of the development of the pathology, in which the vascular wall becomes thinner and its integrity is easily violated.Therefore, therapy according to traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.
To avoid mistakes and using the wrong treatment methods, you should consult your doctor before you start.