Varicose veins are a vascular pathology associated with thinning of the blood vessel wall and the formation of aneurysm-like enlargements. The disease occurs both in young and in old age, more often in women. The main treatment for varicose veins is surgical. However, the operation is performed only for patients with severe forms of the pathology. The initial stages of varicose veins respond to drug therapy and drug therapy from the arsenal of traditional medicine. How is the treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk remedies? What does that require? In what cases should you refuse to use herbal recipes and consult a doctor?

Causes of varicose veins on the legs

The root cause of varicose veins is a weakening of the venous valves of the vascular network of the legs and a decrease in muscle tone of the vascular wall. The described phenomenon leads to the fact that part of the blood in the venous vessels begins to flow down, overloading the vessels and stretching them.Later, the muscle fibers responsible for the direction of blood flow atrophy, and the nerve endings that innervate the tone of the veins die off. The disease passes into a stage incurable by therapeutic methods.

Varicose veins do not develop spontaneously, without exposure to provoking factors.

The latter include:

  • overweight (BMI 27 kg / m2 and above);
  • long static loads, standing in one place (surgeons, sellers, movers);
  • genetic predisposition and congenital weakness of the venous-valve mechanism;
  • thrombophlebitis;
  • chronic alcoholism;
  • hormonal disorders, including those occurring in women during pregnancy;
  • constipation
  • diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Of course, the presence of a provoking factor does not guarantee the appearance of symptoms of the disease. However, the likelihood of such a development of events is significantly increased.

Note: varicose expansion can also be iatrogenic in nature. Changes occur under the influence of hormonal drugs that are used in the treatment of osteoporosis, as well as in the menopause. If there are signs of varicose veins in this situation, the existing pharmacological therapy regimen should be canceled and a new one selected. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to correct the state of the veins.

How to recognize varicose veins in time? First signs!

Timely diagnosis of varicose veins allows for successful treatment of veins without the use of complex medical techniques. Unfortunately, the first signs of the disease very often go unnoticed, which causes the patient to seek help too late.

To avoid this, a doctor should be consulted if the following symptoms appear:

  • heaviness in the legs, increasing in an upright position;
  • pain in the lower leg area;
  • telangiectasias;
  • local expansion of veins, which at this point still have a soft consistency, easily subside when pressed.

At a later stage of the disease, patients note the appearance of transient pain, intensifying after prolonged walking and prolonged upright stays. Visually in the area of ​​the ankles marked pastiness, swelling. At this stage, conservative therapy is still possible, but it does not stop the process, but only slows it down.

You should not count on folk remedies and pharmacological therapy for people who have constant severity and pain, leg cramps, itchy skin, which is evidence of trophic disorders. The veins in patients are significantly dilated, deformed, and tight elastic. Only the operation will help to rectify the situation here.

Stage varicose veins on the legs

The expansion of blood vessels on the legs has 4 stages of development. At the first stage of the disease, its symptoms may not appear at all. In some cases, there is a feeling of heaviness in the legs, fatigue, telangiectasia appears. Patients complain of periodic swelling of the legs, which, however, are quite easily removed with a light diuretic.

Read also: leg swelling causes and treatment in the elderly

By the beginning of the second stage, the symptoms of the disease intensify, its signs become more vivid, noticeable. Patients complain of the appearance of noticeable nodes in the veins, periodic numbness and itching in the pathology zone, transient pain. When examined on the legs, edema, tissue pastes are revealed.

By the third stage of the development of varicose veins, the patient's condition is aggravated significantly. The affected veins significantly thicken, deform, become hard and painful. Pain sensations are permanent. There is a high risk of thrombosis and thromboembolism. The formation of trophic ulcerations is possible.

Note: damage to the dilated veins in the third stage of varicose veins can cause profuse bleeding, which can only be stopped under medical conditions.

Primary varicose veins

Primary varicose veins - a form of the disease in which vascular changes develop independently, under the influence of provocative factors and the patient's genetic predisposition. Among the primary include extensions that occur in women during pregnancy, with standing work, obesity. Also, the disease can result from wearing too tight underwear, pinching blood vessels and disrupting normal blood flow.

Secondary varicose veins

Secondary varicose veins are a consequence of another disease, which violates the structure of the venous valve, its tone, as well as the structure and muscle layers of the vascular wall. A secondary type of disease develops after some infectious processes, with tumors or vascular injuries.

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies at home

As mentioned above, folk remedies for varicose veins are effective only in the initial (stage 1-2) stages of the disease. The use of traditional medicine methods should be done after consultation with the attending physician and a qualified assessment of the effectiveness of the selected drug. To date, herbalists consider the following herbal remedies to be the best:

Apple cider vinegar for leg swelling

In order to eliminate puffiness, vinegar is used topically, in the form of a compress or bath. The tool helps to increase the tone of the vascular wall, relieve edema, activate blood circulation. The drug should be handled carefully, as if used improperly, it can cause chemical burns to the skin.

To carry out a foot bath using apple cider vinegar, pour 10 liters of cold water into the basin and add 0.5 liters of vinegar to it. After that, the legs must be lowered into the resulting solution. The duration of the procedure is 7 minutes, the frequency is daily. The course of treatment may be 2-3 months or more. The temperature of the water for holding the bath should not be lower than 20 ° C.

To apply a compress, vinegar is diluted with cool water in a ratio of 1: 4 (vinegar: water). Soft tissue or gauze is dipped into the resulting solution, after it is removed, squeezed to a wet state and applied to the lower legs. A plastic film is placed on top of the fabric and a bandage from the bandage is applied. The duration of the procedure does not exceed one hour. A compress should be applied every other day, for 1-2 weeks.

Note: if during the procedure there is a strong burning sensation or discomfort, treatment should be discontinued. Vinegar in the wrong concentration can negatively affect the skin, including the appearance of burns.

Clay lotions and compresses

For the treatment of varicose veins, blue or green clay is used. Before use, it is diluted with water to the state of batter. The resulting composition is applied to soft tissue and applied to diseased areas. For convenience, a bandage can be applied over the fabric, but this is not necessary. It is necessary to withstand the compress for 40-80 minutes. The procedure should be carried out every other day, 2-3 months or more, until a satisfactory result is achieved.

Acacia Flower Tincture

Tincture is easy to make yourself. To do this, take 8 tablespoons of dried and chopped white acacia flowers, place them in a container of sufficient size and pour 20 ml of vodka. The resulting mixture was tightly closed with a lid and placed in a dry, dark place for 10 days. For the best extraction of medicinal substances, it is recommended to shake the liquid daily. The finished tincture is filtered through a layer of gauze and used to rub the legs.

Use tincture before bedtime, after rinsing your feet with cool water. The legs and other areas where there are varicose enlargements are thoroughly rubbed with the composition and allowed to dry. After this, the limbs are recommended to be placed on the roller so that they are in a raised position.The duration of the course of therapy is 3 months, the frequency of treatment is daily.

Horse chestnut for varicose veins on the legs

In order to treat varicose veins, horse chestnut is used as an alcohol tincture. To do this, the crushed fruits are mixed with 96% ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1: 3 and insisted for two weeks. After that, the product is filtered and used to apply compresses.

To apply a compress with horse chestnut tincture, it is necessary to moisten a piece of soft tissue in the preparation, squeeze it thoroughly and apply to the affected area. After that, the fabric is covered with polyethylene, and several layers of cotton or dense fabric are applied on top. The compress is held for 30-40 minutes, after which the legs are wrapped in a warm blanket. It is recommended to conduct the procedure before bedtime, every other day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months, but if necessary, it can be extended.

Treatment of varicose veins with tomatoes

For the treatment of varicose veins, green tomatoes are used, which contain substances similar to acetylsalicylic acid. They have antiaggregant and anti-inflammatory effects. For the purpose of treatment, tomatoes are cut into circles, applied to diseased areas and fixed with cling film. The duration of the procedure is 8-12 hours (a compress with tomatoes is applied overnight). The course of treatment is daily before bedtime, until the external manifestations of the disease disappear (usually no more than 3 months).

Cabbage treatment

Cabbage, like tomatoes, has some vasoprotective effect. The leaves of the vegetable are sprayed with water, after which they are placed in the common chamber of the refrigerator for a day. After the required period, the product is applied to the legs and fixed with polyethylene. The duration of the procedure is 5-6 hours, the multiplicity is daily. The duration of the course of therapy is 1 month.

Potato treatment

To eliminate the symptoms of varicose veins, several large potato tubers are peeled, washed and rubbed on a fine grater. The vegetable should acquire a consistency of gruel. The resulting product is applied to the lower legs and feet, smearing it on the skin. Additional fixation of the slurry on the legs is not carried out. The duration of the procedure is 1 hour, the frequency is daily, the duration of the course is 2 months.

Apitherapy for varicose veins: honey, propolis, bee morbidity, poison

Both bee subpestilence and honey, propolis and other bee products contain anti-inflammatory and heparin-like substances that contribute to blood thinning. In order to treat varicose veins, honey and propolis are used topically, scorching inside, poison - in the form of bee stinging in the affected areas.

More materials:bee morbid: medicinal properties

Compress with honey is applied in accordance with the general rules for applying compresses. To do this, the substance is applied to tissue or gauze, applied to the affected area and covered with polyethylene. Next, the bandage is insulated with cotton and fixed with a bandage. Compress with propolis according to the technique does not differ from honey. The therapeutic composition is prepared by mixing propolis and vodka in a ratio of 1: 5. The duration of the procedure with honey is 2 hours, 1 time per day; with propolis - 40 minutes 1 time per day. The multiplicity of the manipulation is every other day for 2-3 months.

Bee death is used in the form of alcohol tincture. To prepare it, you need to take 1 tablespoon of the medicine and mix with 200 ml of 70% ethanol or vodka. After this, the drug is left to infuse for 3 weeks in a dark, dry place. Take tincture should be 20 drops, 3 times a day, in a course of 2 weeks. You can repeat the course after an equal break time.

Bee venom is administered by stinging. The procedure should be carried out by a competent specialist apitherapist, therefore, it is not advisable to consider the features of its implementation in the format of this article. Bee venom dilutes blood, contains more than 50 substances useful to the human body, and increases the tone of the vascular wall.Stinging is performed directly in the area affected by varicose veins.

Nettle broth

Nettle broth is prepared using fresh or dried leaves of the plant. At the same time, fresh leaves are ground into gruel, dry leaves are ground to a powder state. Prepared raw materials are poured with boiling water. The ratio of solid and liquid fractions of the composition should be equal to 1: 8. The mixture is put on low heat and boiled for 3-5 minutes. After that, it is cooled, filtered and taken orally by 1/3 cup (70 ml) three times a day. The course of treatment is 1 month.

Nutmeg Broth

A decoction of nutmeg is prepared in a manner similar to the preparation of a decoction of nettle. The ratio of walnut to water in the mixture should be approximately 1: 5. Walnut is pre-crushed. Take the finished medicine three times during the day. The course of therapy is 3-4 months or more.

Laundry soap treatment

Laundry soap itself does not have a significant anti-varicose effect. However, it is actively used for the preparation of multicomponent ointments.

The following recipe is considered the most effective:

  1. In equal amounts, laundry soap, Vishnevsky ointment, honey, aloe juice, ichthyol ointment, onion juice and pork lard are mixed together.
  2. The resulting mass is heated to body temperature and applied to the affected areas;
  3. The applied ointment is covered with polyethylene, and the limb is insulated with cotton or a blanket.

The duration of application of the drug is 10 hours, the frequency of treatment is daily. The course of therapy is 20 procedures.

Calendula broth

The broth is prepared from dried calendula flowers, 2 tablespoons of which are filled with 400 ml of boiling water, put on fire and boiled for 15 minutes. After that, the product is allowed to cool, filtered and taken 4 times a day, 100 ml each. The course of treatment is until the symptoms of the disease disappear. Calendula broth is recommended to be used as an auxiliary method of therapy.

Leech varicose veins treatment - hirudotherapy

With the help of hirudotherapy, it is possible to reduce the level of blood viscosity, improve its fluidity and prevent the formation of blood clots. The leech is imposed by a hirudotherapist. This method of treatment should not be used independently. The course of therapy is 5 sessions, after which it is necessary to take a break for 2 months.

Possible consequences of home therapy, contraindications

Treatment of varicose veins at home is not always possible. In order for the therapy to be successful, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow his instructions.

Otherwise, negative consequences of treatment are possible, such as:

  • inefficiency of therapy and worsening of the condition of the veins;
  • allergic reactions and intolerance to the drugs used;
  • skin burns due to improper application of compresses with burning substances;
  • rupture of blood vessels and thromboembolism, if treatment is carried out against the background of existing contraindications.

Contraindications for the treatment of varicose veins include the 3rd and 4th degree of pathology. In this case, the disease can only be eliminated surgically. Alternative medicine is not applicable in case of high risk of thromboembolism, exacerbation of vascular insufficiency, severe course of the disease with spasms of the calf muscles, deposition of a large amount of blood in the affected vessels, high volume of the affected area.

Getting rid of varicose veins with running

Running with varicose veins is possible in its first and second stages. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid significant loads on the legs, preferring jogging and walking. In the presence of thrombosis, as well as in the later stages of the disease, jogging is not recommended.

It is possible to get rid of varicose veins by running only at the very beginning of the disease, when the veins are not yet stretched. At this stage, the clinical symptoms of the disease are absent. Therefore, the patient simply does not know about the need to start classes. At the moment when the diagnosis of varicose veins is made, jogging is no longer able to completely cure the pathology.

When to see a phlebologist?

Consulting a doctor with varicose veins should occur as soon as possible. The more neglected the disease is at this point, the less likely the patient will be completely cured. Ideally, if a person visits the clinic at the time of detection of the first signs: heaviness in the legs, flying pain with prolonged standing in place, swelling.

Nutrition, diet for varicose veins

With varicose veins, the diet plays a significant role in stabilizing the patient's condition and restoring vascular tone.

It is recommended to eat:

  • seafood (mussels, shrimp, squid);
  • fruits rich in vitamin C (kiwi, blackcurrant, citrus fruits);
  • blood-thinning products (garlic, lemon, onions, cherries).

Dietary restrictions are consistent with a general sparing diet. It is forbidden to take alcoholic beverages, excessively salty, spicy, acidic and other foods that have irritating properties. Also, you should not consume a large amount of coffee, tea and other drinks with diuretic properties.

Preventive measures

At the heart of the prevention of BPH is the rejection of a sedentary lifestyle and static loads on the legs. It is recommended to take a small run every day or walk several kilometers on foot. During the working day, you should take short breaks devoted to leg gymnastics. In addition, it is necessary to eat the products described in the previous section, and if necessary wear compression tights. A moderate degree of compression improves blood flow in the superficial veins.

Note: to prevent varicose veins even a walk to the place of work will help if it is located at a distance of 2-5 kilometers from the place of residence. Refusing a vehicle in favor of a hiking trip will save money, prevent the development of varicose veins, and get a portion of good mood before the start of the working day.

Despite the apparent safety, varicose veins is a disease that, under certain conditions, is a threat to human life. This is especially true of the late stages of the development of pathology, in which the vascular wall becomes thinner, and its integrity is very easily disturbed. Therefore, therapy using alternative recipes should be started as soon as possible. In order to avoid mistakes and use the wrong treatment methods, it is necessary to consult a doctor before starting it.