Varicose veins occur due to the abnormal dilation of one or several veins. They affect mainly women, around the leg area, and are caused by venous insufficiency, hereditary factors, or by a lifestyle that promotes varicose veins: poor diet, being seated for too long, etc. They are visible on the skin and can become annoying and unpleasant to look at. As well as consulting your doctor before complications develop (ruptured veins, thrombosis, dermatitis, etc.), we have a few tips for you and two natural remedies to get rid of them.
Improve your blood circulation to prevent varicose veins
By eating a healthy diet
The origin of varicose veins is often linked to the liver, because this is the organ that regulates our circulation and purifies our blood from toxins. A healthy diet is one of the first steps towards eliminating varicose veins. Eat foodstuffs, preferably organic, that are rich in magnesium, such as:
- Fruit and vegetables: lemon, grapefruit, artichokes or broccoli
- Dried veg: cumin, Kombu seaweed, fennel, etc.
- Whole grain cereals: brown rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, etc.
- Eggs
- Fish
- White meat (chicken, turkey…)
- Dried, raw or grilled fruit
- Seeds or sprouts
- Extra virgin oils: sesame oil, olive oil, sunflower oil, linseed oil, etc.
- Vegetable drinks/ milk alternatives: oat, rice, coconut, almond, etc.
- Garlic and turmeric
Avoid the following foods:
- Red meat and processed meats
- Milk and dairy products
- Fried foods and ready meals
- Alcoholic drinks
By changing your position and exercising
Every night before going to sleep, lie on the ground or on a bed. If possible, put your bum against the wall and keep your legs raised straight up in the air or against the wall. Your legs should form a right angle with your body.
Hold this position for 15 to 30 minutes to promote blood circulation in your legs.
Any sporting exercise (walking, yoga, cycling, swimming, housework, etc.) will improve your blood circulation and thus help with reducing or eliminating your varicose veins.
By applying cold water
Cold water is one of the most effective ways to naturally increase blood circulation.
Run some cold water over your legs for a few minutes 2 to 7 times a week: in the shower, in the bath, in a swimming pool, in the sea, with a hose, etc.
Dry your legs to warm up again and to create a contrast in temperature -this is highly beneficial.
Regulate your intestines with herbal infusions
Situated right in the middle of our bodies, the intestines play a direct role in blood circulation. If they are functioning poorly, it could hinder your circulation.
If you tend to suffer from constipation, diarrhea or heamorrhoids, these are signs that your intestines are not in optimal health. Follow the advice given above in terms of improving your diet.
Furthermore, here are some infusions you can make that will help you improve your circulation and thus reduce and prevent varicose veins.
- Boldo, dandelion or eryngium maritimum -to be avoided if you suffer from significant liver problems.
- Rosemary or centella asiatica (asiatic pennyworth) -avoid rosemary if you have high blood pressure.
- Gingko biloba
- Linseed
To sweeten your infusion, add the juice of half a lemon and a little stevia or honey.
2 natural remedies for varicose veins
1/ Moisturising massage
Take some sweet almond oil and add one or two drops of your choice of the following essential oils: rosemary, witch hazel, centella asiatica (asiatic pennyworth) or horse chestnut.
There is nothing like a good massage with an organic natural oil, once a day, to get rid of varicose veins. Regularly massage the area until you start to see results, and then continue to do so 3 to 4 times a week.
Massage your legs in circular movements, always upwards, in the direction of the heart. Massage with a closed fist at the end of the massage.
2/ Anti-varicose veins treatment with aloe vera
Ingredients
- 1 chopped carrot
- ½ cup of aloe vera gel
- 1 dessertspoon of cider vinegar
Method and directions for use
In a blender, mix the chopped carrots and aloe vera, and add a little cider vinegar. You should get a smooth, thick, creamy mixture.
Apply this natural cream daily to your varicose veins and raise your legs for 30 minutes, leaving the cream to work before rinsing with cold water.
You should see results within a few weeks.
Sources : Améli Santé, Améliore ta Santé, Santé Nutrition