10 home treatments to get rid of varicose veins

Most common problem among the female audience, varicose veins can be defined, in short, as dilated veins, which tend to bother not only aesthetically, but also causing some symptoms such as pain and swelling. Any vein can dilate, but varicose veins usually affect the legs and feet.

Carolina Dutra Queiroz Flumignan, vascular surgeon at Clínica MedPrimus São Paulo, points out that the superficial veins of the legs when they are dilated, elongated and tortuous are called varicose veins. “Blood, which should flow towards the heart, stagnates in the veins, causing pain, swelling, and in more severe cases changes in skin pigmentation and thrombosis”, she says.

The doctor explains that all people are subject to varicose veins, but there are risk factors such as: obesity and overweight, genetics, smoking, aging, being a woman, pregnancy, habits of standing or sitting for a long time.

A person with varicose veins should not hesitate to seek medical help, as the problem must be treated correctly and, in many cases, surgery is indicated. “In cases in which the vascular surgeon diagnoses varicose veins, except for health problems that prevent surgery, removal is indicated to improve venous return”, comments Carolina.

But, in addition to medical treatment, can some home measures help to treat varicose veins? Although there is no scientific evidence, some “recipes” promise to help (although, it is worth emphasizing, they do not eliminate the need for medical follow-up).

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Simply apply apple cider vinegar to the skin over varicose veins, massaging gently. This should be done twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed.

2. Olive oil

The tip is to mix olive oil with vitamin E, heating the mixture a little. Then, when it’s not so hot, apply the mixture to the varicose area, massaging gently. This must be done twice a day.

3. Garlic consumption

Including fresh garlic in your daily diet can already make a difference, as the food helps reduce inflammation and symptoms of varicose veins.

4. Exercises and habits

As weight gain, smoking and sedentary lifestyle are risk factors for varicose veins, Carolina highlights that these are the villains that can be avoided with new lifestyle habits.

“We also have to be careful with the use of contraceptives, because female hormones dilate the veins and weaken the walls of the vessels, leaving them more flaccid, favoring the appearance of varicose veins”, says the doctor.

Another essential tip, according to the vascular surgeon, is to rest with your legs higher, and walk to activate circulation.

5. Hamamelis

It is a type of herbal treatment indicated for varicose veins. Simply dip a cloth or cotton ball in a witch hazel lotion, and place it on the affected area, massaging gently for a few minutes.

6. Consumption of cayenne pepper

As a source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, this type of pepper can help increase blood circulation, relieving varicose veins. It is recommended to consume a teaspoon of chili powder in a cup of hot water, three times a day.

But cayenne pepper can also be consumed frequently within a balanced diet, giving food more flavor and offering these and other health benefits.

7. Vine leaf

Source of flavonoids (anti-inflammatory substances), the vine leaves act on the inner wall of the veins, being able to be allied in the treatment of varicose veins.

The tip is to boil four glasses of water with a cup of vine leaves for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, when it’s warm, soak your feet in the solution.

8. Calendula

Calendula flower can also help improve circulation, relieving the symptoms of varicose veins. Just boil four cups of water with one cup of marigold flowers for about five minutes. After letting it cool down a bit, dip a cotton ball or cloth in the solution and rub it over the affected area.

9. Parsley

Parsley also has antioxidant powers, which can help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Just boil a cup of water with a handful of chopped fresh parsley, for about five minutes. After cooling, strain the solution and apply directly to the affected area, or add a drop of an essential oil (such as calendula, for example) to it and, using cotton wool, apply to the affected area. In addition, it is valid to include raw parsley in your daily diet!

10. Use of compression stockings

Carolina highlights that elastic compression stockings help venous return towards the heart, relieving pain and preventing the leg from becoming swollen. “It is indicated for the treatment of varicose veins precisely because it helps the vein that does not work so well in this work. It should always be prescribed by a doctor, as there are health problems that may contraindicate its use”, she emphasizes.

It is worth noting that most of the “home remedies” do not have scientific proof and do not dispense with medical follow-up/treatment. These are just simple natural alternatives to try to improve the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins, but they must be combined with other treatment measures guided by the doctor.

“We must always take into account that the disease that causes us to have varicose veins is chronic, so the evaluation by the vascular surgeon must be constant, to act as soon as the problem is diagnosed”, emphasizes Carolina.

How to prevent varicose veins

Carolina explains that the genetic part unfortunately cannot be influenced, but some lifestyle habits can be improved, thus helping to reduce the appearance of varicose veins:

• Do not smoke;
• Control weight;
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle;
• Wear comfortable shoes so that walking is not done wrong.

“And, if even so, the varicose veins still insist on appearing, a consultation with the vascular surgeon can clarify if there is anything else that can be done, such as the use of medication and elastic compression stockings”, concludes Carolina.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.