Home Remedies and Herbs for Varicose Vein

Varicose veins is a condition where your veins don’t move blood as efficiently as they should.1 These veins appear enlarged and twisted.¹ Any vein can become a varicose vein, but it’s most common in the feet and legs.² They are not always harmless. In most cases, they are simply a cosmetics issue.¹ However, because they don’t move blood through the body as well as healthy veins do, they can lead to serious conditions like skin ulcers, and some individuals may feel pain.^1,2 Having varicose veins also increases your risk of blood clots, and it may be a sign of other circulatory problems.^{2, 3}

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins occur when you veins become weak. They tend to appear in the lower limbs because these veins receive more pressure when you walk upright.² This is because your veins have to work extra hard against gravity to send blood back from your feet up to your heart, and they weaken over time.⁴ Varicose vein causes are linked to the valves in your veins. Valves are meant to keep blood from flowing in the opposite direction than it’s supposed to. When your valves don’t work properly, it causes blood to pool in the veins, which makes them look swollen.⁵ Risk factors for varicose veins include:⁴

• Age - As you age, your veins lose their elasticity, allowing blood to pool in your veins.
• Pregnancy - Pregnant women experience an increased blood volume to accommodate the growing fetus. Not only that, but their circulatory patterns change, and this can lead to varicose veins.
• Gender - Women tend to be at higher risk.
• Obesity - Obese individuals are more likely to get varicose veins because the extra weight puts pressure on their circulatory system.
• Family History - Genes are thought to play a role in varicose vein risk.
• Sedentary Lifestyle - Standing or sitting for long periods impacts your blood flow.

Varicose Veins Symptoms

Individuals with varicose veins may experience these varicose vein symptoms:^5,6

• Visible, swollen veins
• Smaller visible veins, called spider veins
• Aching or pain near the varicose veins
• Leg cramps
• Leg or foot swelling
• Itching
• Skin sores due to poor circulation

Some people may not experience issues aside from the appearance of varicose veins. Varicose vein herbal remedies can help strengthen your veins and improve circulation to help combat the cosmetic issues as well as reduce the risk of conditions associated with varicose veins.

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/varicose-veins
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/home/ovc-20178078
3. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/dvt/travel.html
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/dxc-20178128
5. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/varicose-veins
6. http://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/varicose-veins