According to the Vascular Disease Foundation, 20 to 25 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. The condition is especially prevalent in women over 65--approximately 20 percent of whom have varicose veins. The blue, rope-like veins that bulge near the surface of the skin can be unsightly, painful, itchy and, in rare cases, can cause blood clots. When there is not enough pressure to move the blood back up toward the heart, it pools and causes the varicose veins to appear. However, those suffering from varicose veins have many natural options for treating and preventing them.
Foods
Several foods may help soften the appearance and decrease the pain of varicose veins. Foods high in fiber such as spinach, beans and whole grains keep the digestive system moving and prevent toxic build-up in the blood. Red beets also eliminate blood toxemia. Dark greens, yams, bright fruits like cherries and blueberries, onions, and dark chocolate all contain flavanoids, which fight off free radical damage to the veins. In addition, foods high in vitamin C such as acerola cherries, citrus and bell peppers can strengthen veins. Parsley and raw garlic dissolve calcium deposits, which build up and block the upward flow of blood. Finally, foods high in tannin like buckwheat greens and tea tighten the vein walls in the same way that they are used commercially to "tan" animal hides.
Herbs
The seed extract of horse chestnut plants is also high in tannin, which is why doctors sometimes prescribe it for varicose veins. It can be applied topically or ingested but any use of horse chestnut should only occur after consulting a doctor. Witch hazel can be applied directly to the skin over the varicose veins, but it can take at least two weeks to begin working. It is also high in tannin and works as an astringent by tightening and drying the tissue. Comfrey and white oak bark are two other tannic herbs that can sometimes be effective topical treatments for varicose veins. Chamomile, on the other hand, is an herb that can be applied as an anti-inflammatory. Those who experience itching or burning as a result of varicose veins might also benefit from rubbing aloe on the skin near the veins.
Exercise
Exercise is a crucial component of any natural varicose treatment plan. While aerobics and other high-impact sports may exacerbate the condition by increasing blood pressure, lower impact activities like walking and swimming can stimulate circulation just enough to help. Certain yoga positions such as the plow, corpse and half-shoulder stand may also increase circulation and improve drainage. Even simply sitting or lying with legs elevated higher than the hips can improve varicose veins.
Vitamins
Although eating foods high in vitamin C can be beneficial, to get the 500 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C recommended to reduce varicose veins, supplements may be needed. However, it is important to take vitamin C supplements under doctor supervision because as little as 1,200 mg of vitamin C can lead to diarrhea. In addition, vitamin E can be used to treat varicose veins because it can keep blood platelets from clotting. About 200 to 600 international units of vitamin E can be effective but a doctor's advice is needed if there is a history of bleeding problems, stroke or anticoagulants.
Improve Circulation
A key way to treat varicose veins is to improve circulation, and there are many methods for doing so. Massage therapy is one option but should only be performed by those with knowledge of and experience with varicose veins. Another alternative is water treatments, where alternating cold and hot water can stimulate circulation.
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