Varicose veins are vascular pathologies associated with the thinning of blood vessel walls and the formation of aneurysm-like enlargements.This 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 pathology.The early stages of varicose veins can be treated with drug therapy and therapy with drugs from the arsenal of traditional medicine.How are varicose veins on the legs treated with folk remedies?What is required for this?In what case 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 weakness of the venous valves of the leg vascular network and a decrease in muscle tone of the vascular wall.The described phenomenon leads to the fact that some of the blood in the venous veins begins to flow down, unloading the vessels and stretching them.Then, the muscle fibers responsible for directing the blood flow atrophy, and the nerve endings that refresh the tone of the veins die.The disease reaches a stage that cannot be cured 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 above);
- long-term static load, standing in one place (surgeons, salesmen, loaders);
- Genetic predisposition and congenital weakness of the venous valve mechanism;
- thrombophlebitis;
- chronic alcoholism;
- Hormonal disorders, including those that occur in women during pregnancy;
- constipation;
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Of course, the presence of provoking factors does not guarantee the appearance of disease symptoms.However, the likelihood of such an event developing increases 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 occur in such a situation, the existing pharmacological therapy regimen should be stopped and a new one should be selected.Otherwise, it will be very difficult to correct the condition of the vein.
How to recognize varicose veins in time?First Sign!
Timely diagnosis of varicose veins allows successful vein treatment without the use of complex medical techniques.Unfortunately, the first signs of this disease are often not noticed, which causes patients to seek help too late.
To avoid this, you should consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:
- heaviness in legs, worse in upright position;
- pain in the shin area;
- telangiectasia;
- The local expansion of the vein, which at this time still has a soft consistency, easily collapses when pressed.
In the later stages of the disease, patients note the appearance of temporary pain, which increases after walking and prolonged standing in an upright position.Visually, multiplicity and swelling are noted in the ankle area.At this stage, conservative therapy is still possible, but it does not stop the process, but only slows it down.
People with constant weight and pain, leg cramps, and skin itching, which are evidence of trophic disorders, should not rely on folk remedies and pharmacological therapy.Veins in patients are significantly dilated, deformed, and elastically tight.Only surgery can correct the situation here.
The extent of varicose veins in 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 telangiectasias appear.The patient complains of periodic swelling of the legs, which, however, can be easily relieved by taking mild diuretics.
At the beginning of the second stage, the symptoms of the disease increase, the signs become more clear and noticeable.Patients complain of the appearance of noticeable nodes in the veins, periodic numbness and itching in the pathological area, and temporary pain.When examined, swelling and pasty tissue is revealed on the leg.
With the third stage of varicose vein development, the patient's condition improves significantly.The affected medicine becomes thicker, deformed, hard and painful.The pain becomes permanent.There is a high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism.The formation of trophic ulcers is possible.
Note:Damage to the dilated veins in the third stage of varicose veins can cause profuse bleeding, which can only be stopped in a medical organization.
Major varicose veins
Primary varicose veins is a form of disease in which vascular changes develop independently, under the influence of provoking factors and the patient's genetic predisposition.The main ones include enlargement that occurs in women during pregnancy, during standing work, and obesity.This disease can also be caused by wearing pants that are too tight, pinching blood vessels and disrupting normal blood flow.
Secondary varicose veins
Secondary varicose veins are the result of other diseases, as a result of which the structure of the venous valves, tone, as well as the structure and muscle layer of the vascular wall are disturbed.Secondary type diseases develop 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 only effective at the initial stage (stage 1-2) of the disease.The use of traditional medical methods should be done after consultation with the attending physician and a qualified assessment of the effectiveness of the selected drug.Today, herbalists consider the following herbal remedies to be the best:
Apple cider vinegar for swollen feet
To remove swelling, vinegar is used topically, in the form of compresses or baths.This product helps improve the tone of vascular walls, relieves swelling, and activates blood circulation.This medicine should be handled carefully, as if used incorrectly it can cause chemical burns to the skin.
To carry out a foot bath using apple cider vinegar, pour 10 liters of cold water into a basin and add 0.5 liters of vinegar to it.After this, you need to lower your feet into the resulting solution.The duration of the procedure is 7 minutes, the frequency is every day.The course of treatment can be 2-3 months or more.The water temperature for bathing should not be lower than 20 ° C.
To apply a compress, vinegar is diluted with cold water in a ratio of 1: 4 (vinegar: water).A soft cloth or gauze is dipped into the resulting solution, then taken out, brought out until moist and used to voice.A plastic film is placed over the fabric and a bandage is applied.The duration of the procedure does not exceed one hour.The compress should be used every day for 1-2 weeks.
Note:If a strong sensation or discomfort occurs during the procedure, the treatment should be stopped.Vinegar in the wrong concentration can have negative effects on the skin, including causing burns.
Lotions and compresses made from clay
Blue or green clay is used to treat varicose veins.Before use, it is diluted with water to a liquid mixture.The resulting composition is used for soft tissue and used for diseased areas.For convenience, you can apply a bandage on top of the cloth, but this is not necessary.Leave the compress for 40-80 minutes.This procedure should be carried out every day, for 2-3 months or more, until satisfactory results are achieved.
Acacia flower tincture
Tincture is easy to make.To do this, take 8 tablespoons of dry and crushed white acacia flowers, place them in a container of sufficient size and pour 20 ml of vodka.The resulting mixture is tightly covered with a lid and placed in a dry and 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 gauze and used to rub the feet.
Tincture should be used before bedtime, after washing your feet with cold water.The hood and other areas where there are varicose veins are smeared with the composition and allowed to dry.After this, it is recommended to place the limbs on the roller so that they are in a high position.The duration of the therapy course is 3 months, the frequency of treatment is daily.
Horse chestnut for varicose veins on the legs
To treat varicose veins, horse chestnut is used in the form of alcohol tincture.To do this, the crushed fruits are mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1: 3 and put for two weeks.After this, the product is filtered and used to apply compression.
To apply a compress with horse chestnut tincture, you need to soak a piece of soft cloth in the preparation, squeeze it thoroughly and apply it to the affected area.After this, the fabric is covered with polyethylene, and several layers of cotton wool or thick fabric are used on top.The compress is kept for 30-40 minutes, after which the feet are wrapped in a warm blanket.
It is recommended to carry out the procedure before going to bed, every day.The course of treatment is 1-2 months, but if necessary it can be extended.
Treatment of varicose veins with tomatoes
To treat varicose veins, green tomatoes are used, which contain substances similar to acetylsalicylic acid.They have antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory effects.For treatment purposes, tomatoes are cut into circles, applied to diseased areas and fixed with cling film.The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours (a compress with tomatoes is used overnight).The course of treatment is every day before bedtime, until the external manifestations of the disease disappear (usually no more than 3 months).
Cabbage treatment
Cabbage, like tomatoes, has some vasoprotective effects.Vegetable leaves are sprinkled with water, after which they are placed in the normal compartment 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 every day.The duration of the therapy course is 1 month.
Treatment with potatoes
To get rid of the symptoms of varicose veins, some large potatoes are peeled, washed and grated on a fine grater.Vegetables should acquire the consistency of porridge.The resulting product is used on the legs and feet, spreading it over the skin.Additional determination of the pulp on the foot is not carried out.The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, the frequency is every day, 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 substances and heparin that help thin the blood.To treat varicose veins, honey and propolis are used topically, dead fruit is used internally, and poison is used in the form of bee stings on the affected area.
Compress with honey is used according to the general rules for applying compression.To do this, the material is applied to a cloth or gauze, applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene.Next, the bandage is covered with cotton wool and secured with a bandage.Compresses with propolis do not differ in technique from honey compresses.The medical 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 day for 2-3 months.
Dead bees are used in the form of alcohol tincture.To prepare it, you need to take 1 medicinal spoon and mix it with 200 ml of 70% ethanol or vodka.After this, the medicine is left 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 the same break.
Bee venom is administered by stinging.This procedure must be carried out by a competent Apitherapist, so it is not advisable to consider the specifics of its implementation in the format of this article.Bee Venom removes blood, contains more than 50 substances useful for the human body, and improves the tone of vascular walls.Sting is performed directly in the area affected by varicose veins.
Boil nettle
Nettle decoction is prepared using fresh or dried leaves of the plant.In this case, fresh leaves are ground into pulp, dry leaves are crushed into powder.Prepared raw materials are poured with boiling water.The ratio of the solid and liquid fraction of the composition should be 1: 8. The mixture is placed on low heat and boiled for 3-5 minutes.After this, it is cooled, filtered and taken orally, 1/3 cup (70 ml) three times a day.The course of treatment is 1 month.
Decoption Nutmeg
A decoction of nutmeg is prepared in a similar way to preparing a decoction of nettles.The ratio of nuts and water in the mixture should be about 1: 5. Pre-crushed nuts.You need to take the finished medicine three times a day.The course of therapy is 3-4 months or more.
Treatment with laundry soap
Laundry soap itself does not have a significant anti-varicose effect.However, it is actively used for the preparation of multicomponent ointments.
The following recipes are considered the most effective:
- Mix laundry soap, Vishnevsky ointment, honey, aloe vera juice, ichthyol ointment, onion juice and lard in equal quantities.
- The resulting mass is heated to body temperature and applied to the affected area;
- The ointment used is covered with polyethylene, and the limbs are protected with cotton wool or a blanket.
The duration of drug application is 10 hours, the frequency of treatment is every day.The course of therapy is 20 procedures.
Calendula decoction
A decoction is prepared from dry calendula flowers, 2 spoons are poured into 400 ml of boiling water, put on fire and boiled for 15 minutes.After this, the product is allowed to cool, filtered and taken 4 times a day, 100 ml.The course of treatment is until the symptoms of the disease disappear.Decoption Calendula is recommended for use as an additional 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, increase its instability and prevent the formation of blood clots.Leeches are used by hirudotherapy.You should not use this method of treatment on your own.The therapy course consists of 5 sessions, after which you need to rest for 2 months.
Possible consequences of home therapy, contraindications
Treating varicose veins at home is not always possible.For therapy to be successful, you must consult a doctor and follow his instructions.
Otherwise, there may be negative consequences of treatment such as:
- ineffective therapy and deterioration of veins;
- allergic reactions and intolerances to the products used;
- Skin burns caused by improper use of compression with burning materials;
- Vascular rupture and thromboembolism, if 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 should not be used if there is a high risk of thromboembolism, worsening vascular insufficiency, severe disease with disease with calf muscle spasms, deposition of a large amount of blood in the affected vessels, and a high volume in the affected area.
Get rid of varicose veins by walking
Walking with varicose veins is possible in the first and second stage.It is recommended to avoid significant pressure on the legs, giving priority to jogging and walking.In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the final stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.
It is possible to get rid of varicose veins with the help of walking only at the beginning of the disease, when the veins have not 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.At the moment when the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging can no longer completely cure the pathology.
When to contact a phlebologist?
Seeing a doctor for varicose veins should happen as early as possible.The more advanced the disease is at this point, the less likely the patient will recover completely.It is ideal if a person visits the clinic at the time the first signs are detected: heaviness in the legs, flying pain when standing in place 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 to eat:
- seafood (shellfish, shrimp, squid);
- fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, black currant, citrus fruits);
- Blood thinning products (garlic, lemon, onion, cherry).
Dietary restrictions correspond to a general soft diet.It is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages, foods that are too salty, spicy, sour and others that have irritating properties.You should also not drink large amounts of coffee, tea and other drinks that have diuretic properties.
Preventive measures
The basis of prevention of varicose veins is the abandonment of a sedentary lifestyle and static load on the legs.It is recommended to take a short jog or walk a few kilometers every day.During the working day, you should take short breaks dedicated to leg exercises.In addition, you must eat the food described in the previous section and, if necessary, wear compression tights.A moderate level of compression helps increase blood flow in the 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.Giving a vehicle in favor of hiking will save money, prevent the development of varicose veins, and get a dose of good mood before starting the work day.
Despite its obvious safety, varicose veins are a disease that, in certain circumstances, poses a threat to human life.This is especially true for later stages of pathological development, where the vascular wall becomes thinner and its integrity is severely damaged.Therefore, therapy using traditional recipes should be started as soon as possible.
To avoid mistakes and the use of the wrong treatment method, you should consult your doctor before starting it.