Varicose veins can be unsightly and painful. These enlarged veins can be blue or purple in colour and are usually found on the legs. The condition can be hereditary, but people who sit or stand for long periods are also at risk because of the excess pressure put on the veins. Why not try some of these natural treatments to help varicose veins?
Massage and Exercise for Healthy Legs
Massage: You should sit with your legs slightly elevated to help blood flow as often as possible. Gentle massage is a good way to increase blood circulation by using soft upward strokes on the legs with olive oil or coconut oil for lubrication. Do not put pressure on the bulging veins themselves.
Mud packs: Mud packs using fine clay like Fuller’s earth can soothe the pain. As the clay dries, it contracts and works in a similar way to compression stockings by constricting dilated blood vessels. It’s also a great detox, as clay draws impurities from the skin and blood vessels.
Compression: Special compression stockings are a well-known remedy to put pressure on the veins to compress them.
Diet: Eat foods rich in B6, B9 and B12 such as oily fish, eggs, avocados, bananas, broccoli and sunflower seeds. Anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy vegetables, ginger, turmeric, garlic, onions and berries will help reduce the swelling and ease the pain.
Exercise: Help the blood flow with regular exercise such as walking, moving your ankles in a circular motion, rocking back and forth on your ankles and toes or swimming.
If none of these seem to work, it could be worthwhile to check out varicose vein treatment in Cheshire from a specialist such as http://www.veinsolutions.co.uk/.
Herbal Remedies to Try
Apple cider vinegar: This natural cleanser helps to improve blood flow. Just gently massage the vinegar over the veins twice a day. You can also drink two teaspoons of vinegar in a glass of water twice a day.
Olive oil: Massaging equal amounts of slightly warmed olive oil and vitamin E oil into the veins twice a day will help to increase circulation.
Witch hazel: Soak a cloth in witch hazel and place over the veins twice a day, or soak your legs in a tub of lukewarm water with 10 or 20 drops of distilled witch hazel to strengthen blood vessels.a