10 Home Treatments to Stop Varicose Veins

A most common problem among female audiences, varicose veins can be briefly defined as dilated veins, which tend to not only bother aesthetically but also cause some symptoms such as pain and swelling. Any vein may dilate, but usually varicose veins affect the legs and feet.

Carolina Dutra Queiroz Flumignan, vascular surgeon at MedPrimus São Paulo Clinic, points out that the superficial veins of the legs when they are dilated, elongated and tortuous are called varicose veins. "The blood, which should flow towards the heart, is stagnant in the veins, causing pain, swelling, and in more severe cases changes in skin pigmentation and thrombosis," he says.

The doctor explains that all people are subject to varicose veins, but there are risk factors such as obesity and overweight, genetics, smoking, aging, being a woman, pregnancy, habits of standing or sitting for a long time.


The person with varicose veins should not hesitate to seek medical help as the problem must be treated correctly and in many cases surgery is indicated. "In cases where the vascular surgeon diagnoses varicose veins, except for health problems that prevent surgery, withdrawal is indicated to improve venous return," comments Carolina.

But, besides medical treatment, can some home remedies help treat varicose veins? Although there is no scientific evidence, some? Recipes? they promise to help (although it is worth reinforcing they do not eliminate the need for medical follow-up).

Also read: 5 Habits to Avoid Varicose Veins


1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Simply apply apple cider vinegar to the skin over the varicose veins, massaging gently. This should be done twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bedtime.

2. Olive Oil

The tip is to mix olive oil with vitamin E, heating the mixture a little. Then, when it is not so hot, apply the mixture to the varicose area, massaging gently. This should be done twice a day.

3. Consumption of garlic

Including fresh garlic in your daily diet can already make a difference, as it helps to reduce the inflammation and symptoms of varicose veins.


4. Exercises and habits

Because weight gain, smoking and physical inactivity are risk factors for varicose veins, Carolina points out that these are the villains that can be avoided with new lifestyle habits.

"We also have to be careful with the use of contraceptives, as female hormones dilate the veins and weaken the vessel walls, leaving them more flaccid, favoring the appearance of varicose veins," says the doctor.

Also read: 8 ways to prevent thrombosis

Another essential tip, according to the vascular surgeon, is to rest with the legs higher, and to walk to activate the circulation.

5. Witch hazel

It is a type of herbal treatment indicated for varicose veins. Simply dip a cloth or piece of cotton wool into a Witch Hazel lotion, and place it over the affected area, gently massaging for a few minutes.

6. Consumption of cayenne

As a source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids, this type of pepper can help increase blood circulation, relieving varicose veins. Consumption of one teaspoon of chili powder in one cup of hot water three times a day.

But cayenne can also often be consumed within a balanced diet, giving the food more flavor and offering these and other health benefits.

7. Vine Leaf

A source of flavonoids (anti-inflammatory substances), the vine leaves act on the inner wall of the veins and can be allied in the treatment of varicose veins.

Also read: 9 beauty rituals that can be bad for your health

The tip is to boil four cups of water with a cup of vine leaves for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, when it is warm, dip your feet in the solution.

8. Marigold

The marigold flower can also help improve circulation by relieving the symptoms of varicose veins. Just boil four cups of water with a cup of marigold flowers for about five minutes. After allowing to cool slightly, dip a cotton or cloth in the solution and pass over the affected area.

9. Parsley

Parsley also has antioxidant powers that can help alleviate varicose vein symptoms. Just boil a cup of water with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for about five minutes. After cooling, strain the solution and apply directly to the affected area, or add to it a drop of an essential oil (such as marigold, for example) and, using cotton, apply to the affected area.In addition, it is valid to include raw parsley in your daily diet!

10. Use of compression socks

Carolina points out that elastic compression socks help the venous return toward the heart, relieving pain and preventing the leg from becoming swollen. It is indicated for the treatment of varicose veins precisely because it helps the vein that does not work so well in this work. It should always be prescribed by a doctor, as there are health problems that may contraindicate its use ?, he points out.

It is noteworthy that most of the? Homemade recipes? It has no scientific proof and does not dispense with medical monitoring / treatment. These are just simple natural alternatives to try to improve the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins, but they should be associated with other doctor-directed treatment measures.

Read also: How to lessen the effects of high heel overuse

"We must always bear in mind that the disease that causes us to have varicose veins is chronic, so the assessment by the vascular surgeon must be constant, to act as soon as the problem is diagnosed," says Carolina.

How to prevent varicose veins

Carolina explains that the genetic part unfortunately cannot be influenced, but some lifestyle habits can be improved, thus helping to diminish the appearance of varicose veins:

  • Do not smoke;
  • Control the weight;
  • Avoid physical inactivity;
  • Wear comfortable shoes so that walking is not done wrong.

"And if still the varicose veins still insist on appearing, a consultation with the vascular surgeon can clarify if there is anything else that can be done, such as the use of drugs and elastic compression stockings," concludes Carolina.

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