Veins work tirelessly with the muscles to send blood up from the legs back to your heart. But, for some people, the vein walls weaken with age, preventing the valves of the veins from fully closing. This is when blood flows backwards and ends up pooling, showing up as purple-tinted blood vessels just underneath the dermal skin layer.
Spider veins are tiny (spider web-like) blood vessels that have become dilated or widened and thus are able to hold more blood, making them much more apparent on the skin’s surface. They can appear all over the body.
Varicose veins are larger veins which pool blood and bulge. They are most commonly seen in the lower leg area.
Both of these types of veins are symptoms of an underlying venous insufficiency disorder. There is no need to panic, however, because in most cases, they’re not harmful; they typically look far worse than they are.
In cases of venous insufficiency, the veins have lost their strength to tightly hold & effectively pump blood throughout the body. While some people opt for surgery, lifestyle changes & natural remedies can help reduce the pooling that can occur within veins. The best part about using a natural approach is that these remedies pose little to no risk – and they are a lot more cost-effective than surgery. Below you’ll find all you need to know.
Witch Hazel works to constrict, tighten & strengthen veins. The German Commission E (which studies the effectiveness of herbal medicine) backs witch hazel as a treatment for varicose veins. It contains tannin, an astringent that is also anti-inflammatory – two traits which allow it to repair veins back to their original structure.
How to: The German Commission E suggests using an ointment 3x or more daily for up to three weeks before any results can be noticed.
Horse chestnut seed extract has been extensively studied; it is seen to significantly decrease chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and improve the conditions of other circulatory problems. It reduces pain & swelling in the leg and aids normal vein tone, enhancing the return flow of blood back to the heart from the legs and other peripheries.
How to: Make an infusion from the dried herb, allowing it to steep for 10-20 minutes. Drink 3x a day, or use as a poultice topically.
Grape seed oil can strengthen the vein walls of even the smallest vessels, while also aiding against vein degeneration. It contains antioxidants which help repair elasticity in the blood vessels, making it less likely for fluids to leak backwards and pool.
How to: Use the oil in a stroking motion towards to the direction of the heart. For optimal results, do this after dry skin brushing and avoid the face.
When we’re sedentary for too long, it’s harder for our veins to effectively pump blood up against gravity’s pull. Regular low-impact exercise is one of the easiest & most effective things you can do to get blood flowing and keep inflammation at bay.
How to: Leg exercises strengthen & stretch the veins in the legs. The Carolina Vascular Institute recommends leg lifts, leg bicycles, side lunges, using a rowing machine, cycling, walking, Pilates and swimming to be the most effective low-impact exercise to promote vascular health. Then, at the end of the day, lay with your legs at a 90 degree angle against the wall – and let yourself just enjoy that relaxed state of being for at least 15 minutes.
Foods that improve blood flow and reduce inflammation also help to get stagnant blood from the legs back to the heart, preventing future veins from deforming. A poor diet (e.g. high in trans fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol) can damage arterial walls and cause blood pressure problems & dehydration, worsening the swelling that causes protruding veins.
How to: Increase your intake of foods which are helpful for circulation – such as ginger, chili, garlic & cinnamon – and anti-inflammatory foods, like dark green leafy vegetables. Also reduce the amount of salty foods in your diet, as they will cause further water retention, putting more pressure on the veins.
Ultimately, these simple natural remedies are effective in strengthening the integrity of your veins, assisting circulation and sending blood from the lower part of the body back to the heart. These practices will reduce the tendency of varicose veins – whilst preventing future veins from showing up.
Tags: Body, DIY, Food, Health
Alana is a qualified naturopath & nutritionist from Australia. After years of studying and first clinical experiences, she moved to Europe where she spent many years as a health editor and writer for Amazingy Magazine. In 2020 Alana started her online Health Practice based out of Berlin. She believes the body has the innate ability to heal itself. The core of her work is teaching individuals the foundations of nutrition for an abundance of energy, smooth digestion and vital health. The stuff she teaches we just weren't taught at school, but it is fundamental for excellent health for everyone. Get in touch with Alana via her website: https://alanabonnemann.com/
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