Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment

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What Are Varicose Veins? 

Varicose veins do not typically pose an immediate risk to your health, but these can lead to a variety of problems, while also appearing unsightly.Varicose veins often run in the family, with the chance of experiencing this problem increasing as you age. These are most common in the ankles and legs, however, they can appear in other parts of the body.

Table of Contents:

Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
Varicose Veins & Pregnancy
Prevention

 

Causes of Varicose Veins 

Varicose veins are a direct result of malfunctioning one-way valves that are intended to keep blood flowing efficiently through your legs towards your heart. If these valves do not work, blood can collect in the legs, leading to pressure building up. As a result, veins weaken and eventually become twisted and enlarged.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins 

To the naked eye, varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and dark blue or black in color. While many people with this problem do not experience symptoms, some will run into the following:

• Itchy feeling over the vein
• Swelling in your ankles or feet
• Burning in your legs
• Pain in your legs
• A feeling of heaviness in your legs

To go along with the mild symptoms detailed above, some people, those in which varicose veins have become a serious problem, may experience these symptoms:

• Swelling
• Calf pain
• Skin changes, including inflammation scaling, and dry skin
• Open sores

Even though some people opt to see their doctor in an attempt to cure this problem, it is not always necessary. In the event that you are not experiencing any symptoms or those you are faced with are mild, there are home treatments and natural cures to consider.

Treatment of Varicose Veins

• Increased exercise, especially to the areas where the varicose veins are present

• Avoid long periods of standing or sitting

• Elevate your legs when resting, such as when you retire for the evening

• Wear compression stockings

• Aging plays a big role in the development of varicose veins, so even if you don’t experience this problem when you are younger, it could become an issue later in life.

• Varicose veins are not usually serious, with most people able to treat this problem at home. If in doubt, always consult your health professional. 

What are the ingredients often used in homeopathic treatments for Varicose veins?

Homeopathic treatments for varicose veins often utilize a variety of remedies based on the specific symptoms and characteristics of the individual. Some of the commonly used homeopathic ingredients for varicose veins include:

• Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel): Often used for veins that feel sore or bruised, especially when the legs feel heavy, tired, and painful. It's also beneficial for bleeding varicose veins.
• Pulsatilla: Suitable for individuals with varicose veins who feel better with cold applications and worse from warmth. It's often indicated for varicose veins during pregnancy.
• Calcarea Fluorica (Calc Fluor): Used for hard, knotty varicose veins. It's a tissue salt that is believed to strengthen elastic fibers in the veins.
• Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut): Indicated for painful, swollen varicose veins, especially when associated with a feeling of heaviness or lameness in the back.
• Vipera: Used for varicose veins that are very swollen, blue, and feel as if they are about to burst. The pain is often better when the legs are elevated.
• Arnica Montana: Often recommended when there's a bruised feeling in the veins or after surgery to treat varicose veins.
• Lycopodium: Indicated for varicose veins and complaints that are right-sided or start on the right side and move to the left.
• Carbo Vegetabilis: Used for bluish varicose veins, especially in the elderly, and when there's a general feeling of coldness with a desire for fresh air.
• Fluoric Acid: Indicated for long-standing varicose veins that are itchy and associated with a warm sensation.
• Nux Vomica: Often used when lifestyle factors like sedentary habits or constipation contribute to the development of varicose veins.

It's important to note that while these remedies are commonly used in homeopathy for varicose veins, the choice of remedy should be based on the individual's specific symptoms and constitution. Consulting with a qualified homeopath is recommended before starting any treatment.

What are the homeopathic ingredients in Healing Natural Oils H-Varicose veins Formula?

The Healing Natural Oils H-Varicose Veins Formula contains the following ingredients:

Active Ingredients:

• Aesculus hippocastanum 12C
• Collinsonia canadensis 12C

Inactive Ingredients:

• Corylus avellana nut oil
• Essential Oil Blend (Cupressus sempervirens leaves & twigs, Cymbopogon martinii aerial parts, Lavandula officinalis flower bud, Matricaria recutita flower)
• Triticum vulgare kernel oil

Comparing these ingredients to the commonly used homeopathic ingredients for varicose veins mentioned earlier:

• Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut): This is a common homeopathic remedy used for varicose veins and is present in the H-Varicose Veins Formula.
• Collinsonia canadensis: This remedy is also used in homeopathy for venous congestion and hemorrhoids, and it is present in the H-Varicose Veins Formula.

In conclusion, the H-Varicose Veins Formula from Healing Natural Oils contains two of the commonly used homeopathic ingredients for varicose veins, namely Aesculus hippocastanum and Collinsonia canadensis.

Varicose Veins during Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be the reason why veins appear because of the pressure on the legs and ankles.  In extreme cases, they swell, feel painful and itchy and can cause considerable embarrassment.  They can even be a concern for your health and if you feel yours is an extreme case, you would be wise to seek medical advice. 

Obviously during pregnancy, and when nursing afterwards, women have to be especially careful about products they use.  Fortunately, H-Varicose Veins Formula is a safe and cost effective option to treat the appearance of varicose and other veins at these special times.

 

Preventing Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

If left untreated, varicose veins can escalate into venous insufficiency, which is less serious but more common than DVT.  So catch these symptoms early and practise lots of preventative measures to stop those varicose veins in their tracks.

• Frequent rest is all important as the growing uterus continues to put more and more pressure on the lower body veins, causing any strained blood flow to lead to larger swollen veins both in the legs or the vulva and rectum areas. More rest means less pressure.
• How you sleep can make a difference because the largest vein is the vena cava on the right side of your body.  Try to sleep on the left side to decrease the pressure on that vena cava vein.
• When sitting or sleeping, keep your feet elevated to help increase the blood flow. At the same time, avoid crossing your legs when sitting to prevent the restriction of blood flow to your legs. Take a break with your feet elevated or move around if you have to stand for any length of time.
• Maternity support can be very beneficial.  If you decide they could be helpful to you, put them on (before you stand up when you get out of bed in the morning) for a more comfortable day ahead.
• Exercising regularly will increase the blood flow and improve your circulation. A short brisk walk for 15 minutes has all round benefits.
• Kegel exercises where you tighten the vaginal muscle and hold for 20 seconds at least 5 times per session several times per day are a great way to prevent hemorrhoids or varicose veins of the rectum.
• Weight gain does not help varicose veins so do you best to keep within the recommended weight range for your stage of pregnancy.
• A diet rich in high fiber food including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables will reduce the risk of constipation that can lead to varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

The good news about being pregnant with varicose veins is that they often improve within 3 months of giving birth but be warned that subsequent pregnancies can lead to further varicose veins developing. So during pregnancy and after giving birth, carry on with our prevention suggestions while watching  out for any signs of veins appearing so they can be treated with a natural product promptly.

Sources:

How are varicose veins treated? (2014, February 13)
nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vv/treatment. (Accessed, Feb 15, 2021)

Joh, J. H., Kim, W.-S., Jung, I. M., Park, K.-H., Lee, T., Kang, J. M., & Consensus Working Group. (2014, December). Consensus for the treatment of varicose vein with radiofrequency ablation. Vascular Specialist International, 30(4), 105-112.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4480318/. (Accessed, Feb 15, 2021).

Varicose veins and spider veins. (2017, January 4)
womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/varicose-veins-and-spider-veins. (Accessed, Feb 15, 2021).

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