Prevent And Treat Varicose Veins: Topical And Oral Treatments
Varices are not just an aesthetic problem that worries many people. They are also a symptom of poor circulation which we should treat as soon as possible to avoid other health problems. In this article we present natural and complete topical and oral treatments to prevent and treat varicose veins effectively and without side effects.
Why do varicose veins come?
Varices are the symptom of a difficulty in the venous return of the blood that goes towards the heart. The blood does not circulate as it should and accumulates in the walls, so the veins dilate and varices appear.
The legs are the part of the body where they occur most frequently, as the situation is complicated by the force of gravity.
There are different degrees of varices, in the initial stages they are thin, do not have thickenings and manifest themselves in the form of venous networks. Over time, if no action is taken, the veins enlarge, become darker and appear raised.
Risk factors
These factors predispose us to suffer from varicose veins:
- Overweight
- Constipation
- Oral contraceptives
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Too tight clothes and high-heeled shoes
- Climate
- Hormonal disturbances
- Pregnancy
- Genetic predisposition
Topical treatments to prevent and treat varicose veins
Essential oils
With essential oils we can do great things, since they can be combined with different cosmetic products such as: exfoliant for the legs, moisturizer or a vegetable oil.
The most suitable essential oils to improve circulation and thus prevent and treat varicose veins are witch hazel, chestnut or cypress. A few drops are enough since they concentrate many active ingredients of the plant in minimal quantities.
We apply these products through a massage always following an upward movement to facilitate venous return.
Dry brushing
The dry brushing technique is excellent for promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage and helps us to prevent and treat varicose veins, cellulite, flaccidity and stretch marks. All we need is a brush with which to rub the skin in the direction of the heart. A few minutes a day will suffice.
Aloe vera gel
Some people with varicose veins often experience heaviness and pain in their legs, especially at the end of the day when they return home. To ease this sensation, we can use natural aloe vera gel and, if we wish, add a few drops of mint essential oil, which has a refreshing and decongestant effect as well as having a pleasant aroma. Mint gives a very pleasant cold sensation for the legs that we can strengthen with a good massage.
Oral treatments to prevent and treat varicose veins
Red foods
The oral treatment is based on a balanced diet in which fresh fruit and vegetables predominate, especially red in color. These promote circulation, improve heart functioning and are aphrodisiacs:
- Tomato
- Red pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Berries: strawberry, cherry, raspberry, cranberry, etc.
- Watermelon
- Pomegranate
- Red Apple
Medicinal plants
Some medicinal plants can improve circulation and help prevent the appearance of varicose veins:
- Witch hazel
- Indian chestnut
- Rusco
- Cypress
- Rosemary
- Gotu kola
- Ginkgo biloba
We can take these medicinal plants in infusions or in capsules and tablets if we want a more powerful and rapid effect.
Advice
In addition to topical and oral treatment, we can follow these simple and effective tips in our daily routine:
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol.
- Don’t sit for more than half an hour straight. It will be enough to stand up for a few seconds and do a few stretches from time to time.
- During the night or when we rest at home we make sure to raise the legs higher than the body with a pillow under the feet or, even better, by assuming an inversion yoga position.
- We should shower with lukewarm water and always finish with very cold water on the legs making upward movements. It is also useful to alternate cold and hot temperatures to reactivate the circulation.
- There are special socks and long stockings that exert pressure to promote circulation.
- Go for a walk of at least half an hour a day in comfortable clothes and suitable shoes.
