What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are superficially-located veins, usually situated on the lower extremities, which become enlarged and twisted. The veins have a spider-like pattern and can either be blue or purple, which for some, can be viewed as aesthetically unpleasant. Besides the cosmetic aspect, varicose veins can be associated with pain, oedema, and cramping. Women are more often affected than men, and complications such as skin ulcers and infections may arise if left untreated.

What causes this vascular problem?

The underlying problem of the pathology is referred to as venous insufficiency syndrome. It is caused by a multitude of elements, including the weakened structure of the vein valves, which leads to valvular dysfunction. The blood flow becomes partially reversed, leading to fluid accumulation in the limbs, resulting in congestion and vessel dilatation. Other etiological factors include prolonged standing, heredity, and pregnancy.

Treatment options

There are various solutions to this relatively common complaint, leading to minimally invasive procedures such as laser treatments and sclerotherapy. Fortunately, it has been proven in numerous clinical studies that lifestyle changes can eradicate this vascular issue. These include diet modifications, exercise, compression stockings, the use of plant extracts, and massage.

Does your diet influence the aspect of the veins?

It is proven that losing weight improves varicose veins. The reason is that less weight reduces pressure on the lower limbs. It is vital to have a healthy body mass in keeping with the official standard, which is the BMI (Body-Mass Index). This is calculated by this formula: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)] ². An average BMI is ranged between 18.5 and 24.9.

Specific diet recommendations include high fibre consumption, which prevents constipation. This implies that dietary fibres keep your bowels healthy and, in doing so, causes a regular bowel movement. Straining increases intra-abdominal pressure, which, in turn, affects the small vessels such as the superficial varicose veins. Water retention should be avoided for the same reasons.
These criteria are accomplished by:

– drinking at least 2 litres of water per day
– avoiding salt
– limiting the intake of highly processed foods.

Fruits, vegetables, and seeds should be eaten at leisure. Examples of ideal edibles are chia, flaxseeds, oatmeal, berries, and green tea. Herbs such as rosemary can also be used in moderation to improve circulation.

Physical therapy

Exercise is known to improve most illnesses as the movement has cardiovascular advantages. This also works in helping to reduce varicose veins. Any sport is suitable, providing that excessive effort is avoided. Those of us who are usually short of time can take a daily walk, cycle to work or add stretching to the morning routine; all of these work wonders. The goal is to strengthen the leg muscles, which act as a pump.

Another means of improving varicose veins is to keep the legs elevated. The way this works is, the blood is helped by gravity to flow from the legs to the heart. Swelling and inflammation can also be reduced; this can be achieved by sleeping with the legs on a few pillows. Another solution is to maintain the feet above the heart level for an hour or two per day. In addition, prolonged standing should be limited.

Furthermore, massage increases blood flow and stimulates lymph drainage. Thus, rubbing the affected area decreases puffiness and alleviates the symptoms. It would be beneficial to use a special ointment containing targeted plant extracts to treat varicose veins.

Plant extracts for varicose veins

Phlebotonics are a category of drugs that contain plant extracts and are used either orally or topically. Their purpose is to treat variceal dilatations, lymphoedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and haemorrhoids. Their medicinal effects have been proven through randomised controlled trials.

Horse Chestnut seed extract (Aesculus Hippocastanum L) and Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) are the golden standards for alternative treatment of these afflictions. They can both be applied topically. Horse Chestnut seed extract contains aescin with phlebotonic, antioxidant, and vascular protective properties, reducing inflammation. It also boosts tissue elasticity and appearance. On the other hand, Centella Asiatica maintains tissue integrity and improves capillary permeability. As a result, fluid retention is countered and prevented.

Essential oils for varicose veins

Essential oils are concentrated extracts. They can be effective topically by diluting them – for every 1-2 drops of active oil, 12 drops of carrier oil should be used. Jojoba, almond or coconut oil are the most common examples of carrier oils. This combination can be used on the affected area daily. The best essential oils, in this case, include rosemary, grapefruit, rose, and clary sage.

Compression stockings & bandages for varicose veins

External compression using socks or bandages relieves the discomfort caused by varicose veins. They reduce pain and swelling by applying pressure which compensates the vessel’s pressure. The stockings can have specific lengths to suit each person.

Furthermore, there are special bandages that act as adherent absorbents. They preserve moisture while absorbing the exudate, reducing inflammation and oedema. These dressings may contain different substances such as hydrogel and seaweed-derived alginate.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are various alternative treatment options for varicose veins, which you can try in the comfort of your own home.

If you are based in the UK, we recommend that you try our best-selling horse chestnut based cream.

SOURCES:

– https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1085530-overview
– Raetz J, Wilson M, Collins K. Varicose Veins: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 1;99(11):682-688. PMID: 31150188. 
– Jameson, Fauci, Kasper, Hauser, Longo, Loscalzo, Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, Volume 2, McGraw Hill Education, 20th Edition
– MacKay D. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr;6(2):126-40. PMID: 11302778.
– Raetz J, Wilson M, Collins K. Varicose Veins: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Jun 1;99(11):682-688. PMID: 31150188.
– Martinez-Zapata MJ, Vernooij RW, Uriona Tuma SM, Stein AT, Moreno RM, Vargas E, Capellà D, Bonfill Cosp X. Phlebotonics for venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Apr 6;4(4): CD003229. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003229.pub3. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Nov 3;11:CD003229. PMID: 27048768; PMCID: PMC7173720. 
– Pittler MH, Ernst E. Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Nov 14;11(11):CD003230. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003230.pub4. PMID: 23152216; PMCID: PMC7144685.