Do alternative therapies work when it comes to varicose veins?

An article by admin    No Comments

Varicose veins are unusually enlarged veins that are found close to the surface of the skin. They are generally found around the thighs and calves. Varicose veins are caused due to the malfunctioning of valves within the veins due to obstruction or prolonged pressure.

Some of the common reasons for varicose veins are lack of body exercise, pregnancy, overweight, regularly sitting with crossed legs, elongated constipation, weight lifting and sitting or standing in the same position for long time. Abdominal tumours, heart failure and liver condition can also cause varicose. It can be hereditary as well.

It is important to consult your doctor if you find any symptoms of this condition. However, apart from medical assistance alternate therapies have also been found very effective. Some varicose vein treatment is generally invasive – more info on The Private Clinic – which is why many are turning towards alternate therapies. Unfortunately, the healing process with alternate therapies is quite slow. Following are some of the alternative therapies that are known to be effective on varicose veins:

1. Alternate therapies can be as simple as eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables and fish. The diet must be low in carbohydrates and fat.
2. Blackberries and cherries are known to prevent varicose veins and in case you are already suffering from this condition, eating berries will certainly ease the symptoms.
3. Fibre helps in keeping a check on constipation. Constipation is one of the causes for varicose veins, so having a diet with lots of fibre will also help.
4. Applying and massaging castor oil to the affected areas will help ease the condition.
5. Horse chestnut extract is a very effective herbal treatment for varicose vein. Aescin is an active compound found in horse chestnut and is capable of blocking the enzymes that are known to damage the capillary walls. The extract can significantly reduce swelling and pain in the legs. Whole horse chestnut extract is not considered safe by FDA, as it could cause side effects like convulsions, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, breathing failure and sometimes death. However, manufacturers of products made out of horse chestnut remove esculin, the component known to cause the side effects. Once esculin is removed, horse chestnut products are safe to use.