General Causes And Natural Remedies For Varicose Veins

Introduction

A varicose vein is a normal condition where a person's vein becomes enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins are normally dilated veins that predominantly occur in the legs and sometimes lead to pain, aches, bleeding, etc.

It occurs in one in three individuals throughout their life in the world. It takes a long time to develop varicose symptoms. Varicose veins are not dangerous unless it causes itching, inflammations, and other complications.

According to Ayurveda Varicose veins are known as Siraja Granthi. Ayurveda says that an imbalance of Vata dosha causes Varicose veins. Vata dosha has a greater impact on blood flow. Hence, the imbalance of Vata dosha leads to varicose veins.

Varicose veins are normal condition where the veins become twisted and enlarged. According to Ayurveda, an imbalance of Vata dosha is the main reason for Sirija Granthi(Varicose Vein).

Symptoms Of Varicose Veins

The symptoms of the varicose vein may take a long time to appear. General symptoms are,

• Pain and cramps in the legs.
• Discoloration of the skin around varicose veins.
• Aching pain and discomfort.
• Heavy feeling in the legs.
• Restless legs.
• Visible veins under the skin.
• Burning and throbbing.
• Thrombophlebitis (blood clots).
• Twisting and bulging of veins.

The symptoms of varicose veins are bulging and twisting of veins, discolouration of the skin around the varicose veins, pain in the legs, burning and throbbing, visible veins under the skin, feel heavy in the legs, aching pain and discomfort, blood clots, etc. Even though all the symptoms are not severe, treatment needs to be taken if the symptoms cause pain, inflammations, and other complications.

The treatment in Ayurveda for Varicose veins is very effective and natural treatments ensure the overall health of the body.

Causes Of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins may occur due to various reasons. It may become more serious when more pressure occurs on the leg veins. Some of the general causes for Varicose veins are,

• Obesity

  Varicose veins may happen due to being overweight. When the level of weight increases, we need to give more pressure on our legs to balance the body. Hence, the blood valves cannot pump blood smoothly, which leads to varicose veins.

• Pregnancy

  During pregnancy, various hormonal changes will happen to women. The blood volume will be increased and the veins will get more strain because of it. Such a condition leads to varicose veins.

• Old age

  Aging is a big factor in causing varicose veins. When we become older, our veins may not function properly. So some amount of blood will stay back into your veins, hence smooth blood flow will be interrupted.

• Standing for a long time

  Standing for long hours causes strains to your leg veins. Such a situation causes the blood to pool in your vein legs and reduces blood circulation.

• Injuries of the legs

  Varicose veins may develop when the blood clots due to some injuries. The blood clotting disrupts the smooth blood flow.

• Lack of exercise

  Practicing regular exercises is always beneficial for good health. Exercise improves blood circulation and keeps the veins healthy.

• Hormonal changes

  The most important hormone that has a high impact on the health of veins is Progesterone. The imbalance of progesterone causes the weakening of veins and damages to small vessels.

• Vitamin C deficiency

  Vitamin C deficiency causes cell damages. When our body doesn't have sufficient Vitamin C, it may affect the strength of blood vessels.

Overweight, obesity, pregnancy, standing for a long time, hormonal imbalances, vitamin C deficiency, injuries of the legs, aging, lack of exercise, etc are some of the common causes of Varicose veins.

Natural Remedies To Cure Varicose Veins

Natural ways to cure a disease always ensure good health and have no side effects on the body. Some easy herbal remedies to prevent Varicose vein symptoms are,

• Brahmi

  Brahmi is a fine remedy in curing varicose veins. Brahmi is rich in various nutrients that can heal varicose pain and discoloration.

• Ginger

  Consuming ginger can prevent the symptoms of varicose veins. Ginger improves blood circulation and also helps in the distribution of protein to all parts of the body.

• Amla

  Amla juice consumption prevents symptoms of Varicose Veins. Amla is rich in Vitamin C and helps to remove toxins from the blood.

• Avocados

  Avocados are rich in Vitamin C and E which are essential for healthy veins. Also, Avocado contains a molecule called glutathione, which helps to prevent oxidant damage of veins.

• Blueberries

  People who suffer from varicose veins are recommended to consume blueberries. Because blueberry contains anthocyanin, which improves the overall health of the veins and repairs the damaged protein structure of the blood vessel.

• Haritaki

  Haritaki is renowned for removing toxins from the blood. Haritaki helps to remove the obstructions in the blood vessels and arteries.

• Guggulu

  Guggulu helps in the detoxification of the blood and improves blood circulation.

• Garlic

  Garlic helps to break down the protein from our food and ensures protein distribution in our body.

• Manjistha

  Manjistha is popular in detoxifying the blood and also preventing inflammation of the veins.

• Gotu Kola

  Gotu Kola ensures smooth blood flow through the arteries and vessels. Gotu Kola can improve the overall health of the veins.

Some of the effective herbal remedies for Varicose veins are Brahmi, Avocado, Gotu kola, Manjishta, Garlic, Ginger, Guggulu, Haritaki, Amla, Blueberry, etc.

Ayurvedic Recommendations To Cure Varicose Veins

There are different recommendation from Ayurveda to cure Varicose veins.

Ahar (Dietary Tips)

• Drinking plenty of water will improve blood circulation.
• Including foods that are rich in Vitamin C is a fine remedy to cure varicose vein symptoms.
• Include foods that are rich in rutin (a bioflavonoid found in various plants) like apples, blackberries, cherries, etc.
• Following a fiber-rich diet helps to maintain body weight and prevents varicose vein symptoms.
• Avoid more salty foods which lead to retain the fluids in the tissues which in turn cause vein damages.
• Avoid foods that may cause constipation. Severe constipation leads to damage to the veins.

A healthy diet has a positive impact on treating varicose veins. A diet with rich fiber, Vitamin C, bioflavonoids, etc is good in preventing Varicose veins.

Vihar (Lifestyle Changes)

• Make a habit of practicing exercise regularly. Exercise increases blood circulation and keeps your vein healthy.
• Different Yoga postures like fish pose, mountain pose, boat pose, standing forward bend, etc are good in managing varicose veins naturally.
• Always maintain a healthy weight which will reduce pressure on your legs.
• Avoid tight wearing dresses and high heels, because both disrupt blood circulation.
• Applying skin moisturizer daily improves the health of the skin and the whole body.

Certain lifestyle changes can prevent Varicose vein symptoms by following factors like maintaining a healthy weight, practising regular exercises, practising yoga, and medication.

Ayurvedic Remedies In Preventing Varicose Veins

• Abhyanga (whole-body massage)

  Abhyanga means whole body massage with herbal oil. It ensures proper blood flow, hence strains of the vein will get reduced. Also, a warm oil massage of the affected skin helps to prevent the discoloration and dryness of the skin.

• Vasti herbal enema

  Vasti treatment aims to remove toxins from the body through medicated oil.

• Lepam

  Here the medicated paste is applying to the affected skin that increases blood circulation and reduces inflammations.

• Siravedha (Venepuncture)

  Siravedha is a kind of Raktamokshana where the process is puncturing veins for therapeutic purposes.

• Leech therapy

  Leech therapy is the process of removing blood toxins through leeches.

• Nadi Swedana

  Nadi Swedana is an herbal steam bath that is a fine remedy in curing varicose veins. The treatment aims to clear all the channels of the body and also relieve excess doshas from the body.

• Udvarthanam

  Udvarthanam is an Ayurvedic powder massage. The special herbal powder is used for Udwarthanam treatment. The treatment ensures physical fitness and body shining.

Ayurvedic methods to cure varicose veins are Abhyanga, Udvarthanam, leech therapy, Nadi Swedana, Lepam, Siravedha, and Vasti herbal enema. While availing of Ayurvedic treatments, one requires following the instructions of the Ayurvedic practitioner very carefully.

Conclusion

All the information was obtained from various Ayurvedic resources. Please take the recommendation of your Ayurvedic doctor before following any herbs or herbal treatments.