Home remedies for varicose veins are the best way to treat this common condition. Natural cures for varicose veins can also be used as preventative strategies to avoid their onset or to halt their progression. Before applying home remedies for varicose veins, however, it is helpful to understand what varicose veins are, what causes them and to be able to clearly identify the signs and symptoms associated with this condition.
Definition of Varicose Veins
Most commonly found in the legs, varicose veins are caused by a weakening of the veins, which result in blood clots and poor circulation. Varicose veins appear as lumpy, swollen, or “spidery” looking veins in the legs. 
Causes of Varicose Veins
A weakening of the veins causes varicose veins. The condition most commonly affects women and it is believed that they may be, at least partly, genetic. However, other factors that contribute to the development of varicose veins include:
- Obesity
- A lack of exercise
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal imbalances (sometimes caused by birth control pills)
- Chronic constipation
- Cigarette smoking
- Standing for long periods
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Symptoms:
- The appearance of twisted, lumpy, dark veins just beneath the surface of the skin (most often on the legs)
- Aching and sore legs
- Swelling of the ankles and feet
- Itching skin over the area where the varicose veins are located
- Easy bruising
A worsening of these symptoms may be present just before and just after a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Home Remedies for Varicose Veins
Natural cures and home remedies for varicose veins are the safest, most effective way to relieve symptoms and to prevent them from forming elsewhere. Included in these home cures are the following suggestions:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Increase daily consumption of fresh fruits and leafy green vegetables
- Increase daily consumption of vitamins C and E (through foods and/or supplementation)
- Drink raw spinach juice
- Drink raw carrot juice
- Practice daily exercise (especially walking or yoga)
- Gently rub tired or sore legs with vitamin E oil
- Apply a mudpack to the skin covering varicose veins
- Take preventative measures to avoid constipation
- A lukewarm water enema helps remove toxins from the colon
- Soaking in a bath with warm Epsom salt helps relieve pain and discomfort
- Avoid wearing uncomfortable shoes (especially high heels)
- When sitting or sleeping, elevate legs above the hip level
- Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing
Herbal remedies for varicose veins:
- Rub witch hazel tea on legs
- Rub comfrey tea on legs
- Rub white bark tea on legs
- Rub apple cider vinegar on the skin covering varicose veins twice daily
- Rub taheebo on legs
- Rub bayberry on legs
- Rub rosemary oil on legs
- Rub Aloe gel on legs
- A warm marigold compress helps reduce swelling and pain
- Gotu Kola
- Taking Horse chestnut supplements can act as a preventative measure the Aescin and other compounds in the herb can help bulk up weak capillaries and veins, making them less prone to swelling and pain.
It is strongly advised that those who are affected with varicose veins avoid foods that are high in starch, as well as caffeine, alcohol, and food products containing white flour and white sugar.
By using home remedies for varicose veins, healthy circulation and a strengthening of the veins can occur, which can prevent further damage. Natural cures for varicose veins should be practiced as a lifestyle in order to increase their effectiveness. Although varicose veins are not necessarily life threatening, the root causes of them can lead to other illnesses and disease. Therefore, if, after using home remedies for varicose veins over a reasonable period of time, an improvement is not realized of if the condition worsens, it is imperative that medical attention be sought to avoid more severe damage.
