Varicose veins, also called ‘spider veins’, are distended bluish veins below the surface of the skin. They can be itchy and painful, and may be accompanied by swelling of the feet and ankles.

Here are some skin remedies and healthy skin tips to help you with varicose veins.

What causes varicose veins?

They are the result of malfunctioning valves in the veins which cause blood accumulation. The risk of varicose veins increases with body weight, excessive standing, lack of exercise, poor circulation or loss of tissue elasticity.

Indeed all kinds of pressure on the veins can cause varicose veins:

• if you stand for prolonged periods of time
  
• if you are pregnant
  
• if you cross your legs while sitting
  
• and even in hot weather as your veins are distended and circulation is more sluggish.
  

Deficiencies in vitamin C, birth control pills, constipation, heart failure, can also lead to stress on the capillaries.

Healing nutrition for varicose veins

• Black berries and cherries
• Garlic, ginger, onions
• Foods rich in fibre increase bowel movements and prevent constipation
• Foods rich in vitamin E and C that improve blood circulation

• Saturated fats from red meat and Trans-fatty acids. This helps to keep your blood thin
• Refined carbohydrates
• Sugar, cheese, peanuts, tobacco, alcohol, salt, fried and junk food, icecream

Which supplements can be used with a proper diet?

• Coenzyme Q10 improves tissue oxygenation and circulation
• Essential fatty acids reduces pain, and keep blood vessels soft
• Glutathione protects the veins from oxidant damage
• Pycnogenol, Grapeseed, and pine bark extract improve blood circulation and strengthen connective tissues
• Vitamin C and vitamin B strengthen cell walls and help prevent blood clots
• Vitamin E improves circulation and tissue elasticity
• Lecithin improves blood circulation
• Zinc plus copper promote healing
• Vitamin A protects the cells

What herbal remedies are commonly used for varicose veins?

• Dandelion reduces water retention and strengthens the connective tissue
• Bilberry supports the connective tissues of the veins and helps relieve constipation
• Bromelain can reduce blood clotting
• Butchers broom improves circulation
• Cayenne reduces inflammation and pain and expands blood vessels
• Ginkgo biloba improves circulation
• Gotu kola improves circulation
• Hawthorn berries improve circulation
• Horse chestnut soothes inflammation
• Horsetail strengthens connective tissues in the veins
• Oak bark stimulates blood flow
• Yarrow relieves the symptoms of heavy, tired legs

• Horse chestnut (infusion or cream) can be applied topically to improve circulation and strengthen the capillaries and veins. Results are usually apparent in three months.
• Legs can be massaged (not the veins but the area around them) twice a day with a dilution of cypress oil and witch hazel or safflower oil.
  
• A white oak bark bath helps stimulate blood flow.
• Aloe Vera gel is cooling and soothing.

What essential oils are used for varicose veins?

• Bergamot
• Cypress
• Helichrysum
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Lemongrass
• Peppermint

What are the common homeopathic remedies for varicose veins?

• Arnica (pellets or cream) and hamamelis help with sore and bruised veins
• Ferrum metallicum also treats varicose veins
• Pulsatilla heals varicose veins after pregnancy

What are the common tissue salts for varicose veins?

• Calc fluor helps with tissue elasticity
• Ferr phos heals tissue that have become inflamed
• Mag phos relieves leg cramps

Other natural skin tips and home remedies for varicose veins

• Exercise, especially leg exercises like walking, swimming, biking.
• Walk barefoot whenever possible
• Don’t stand for long periods as it increases pressure to the veins. Avoid prolonged sitting as well
• Avoid tight clothes
• Don’t cross your legs when sitting as it interferes with circulation
• Put your legs up at the end of the day, at least for one hour if you can, and elevate your feet off the bed four inches
• Apply a cold water rinse on your legs in the shower for several seconds

References

• Andrew Gaeddert, healing Skin Disorders, North Atlantic Books, Berkeley, California, 2003
• Louise Tenney, M.H., Today’s Herbal health, 6th edition, USA, 2007
• Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch, Prescription for nutritional healing, United States of America, 2000
• Siegfried Gursche, Encyclopedia of natural healing, Canada, 1997
• Thomas Bartram, Bartram’s encyclopedia of herbal medicine, The definitive guide to the herbal treatment of diseases, Grace Publishers, UK, 1995