Varicose veins

With the progression of science and technology, Ayurveda is no longer the typical slow process of healing that took months to provide any visible relief. Treatments based on herbal extracts, oils, teas, massage, yoga and meditation are apparently as effective as those based on modern-day allopathic medicines.

Today, we will take a look at the best available ayurvedic medicines and treatments for varicose veins, a condition that affects roughly 20%-25% population of the world.

What is Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins, also referred to as varicoses or varicosities, is a condition characterized by enlarged, swollen and twisted veins. Although any superficial vein can become varicosed, the veins that are visibly affected the most appear in the legs. This is because of the fact that standing and walking upright leads to an increased pressure in the veins of lower body.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins do not cause any pain and the diagnosis can be made through a simple physical examination. The symptoms of this condition include:

• Bulging veins in the legs, often appearing to be twisted
• Veins appearing blue or dark purple
• Muscle cramps and swelling in the lower part of your legs
• Intense pain in legs after sitting or standing for a long time
• Irritating itch around one or more of your veins

What Causes Varicose Veins?

In order to understand the exact cause of varicose veins, one must first know the functions of arteries and veins.

Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of the body, while veins return the same blood from the rest of your body so that it can be used for re-circulation. Veins have to work against gravity so they act as pumps that send blood out towards the heart; if, however, they do not close back in time the blood starts to flow backward and results in a ‘pool’. This causes the veins to stretch and sometimes twist, especially when the valves are weak or damaged.

Factors that increase the risk of developing Varicose Veins

Not everybody is at the same risk of developing this condition. Given below are a few factors that determine how likely one is to get the condition over time:

• Age: Quite obviously, the risk of developing varicose veins increases with age. With age, the wear and tear causes damage to the valves in your veins
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins as compared to men. Consuming birth control pills may further increase the chances of getting this condition, because of a hormonal imbalance.
• Obesity: Overweight people are always vulnerable to a long list of conditions, which also includes the name varicose veins.
• Pregnancy: Naturally, the volume of the blood inside the body of a woman increases because of the growing fetus. But, that also increases the risk of getting swollen veins.
• Standing or sitting for long duration: Remaining in the same position for long hours is a curse for blood flow.
• Genes: Sometimes, this condition runs in families. If your immediate family member has it, odds are high that you too may get it over time.

Ayurvedic view on Varicose Veins

As you may already be familiar, ayurveda classifies every condition in terms of imbalances of one or more doshas out of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is believed that varicose veins is caused by the aggravation of the Vata dosha, as it plays a key role in governing the blood flow.

To pacify vata, ayurveda advises to stay away from dry, crunchy and cold food items and instead rely more on warm and lubricating foods.

Remedies to prevent Varicose Veins

Unfortunately, there is no specific way to prevent this condition. Therefore, the basic remedies which are used to relieve the discomfort in patients of this condition are also advised for prevention. Some of the prevention practices include:

• Eating a high fiber diet, low on sodium
• Exercising at least 5 days a week, for at least 25 minutes
• Keeping your weight in check
• Changing your sitting and standing positions periodically
• Avoiding high heels

Best Ayurvedic medicines for Varicose Veins

There are a number of herbal formulations that have proven to be helpful in this condition. However, please note that Ridhi Ayurveda doesn’t endorse or suggest the use of the following ayurvedic medicines without proper consultation with a registered doctor.

1) Varco Oil by Nano Phyto Pharmacy

Another well-reputed oil that deals effectively with Varicose Veins is Varco Oil. This formulation contains pure extracts of turmeric, garlic and aloe vera. The product enjoys good reviews on Amazon and 1mg, which stand testimony to its quality. Besides varicose veins, Varco Oil can be used for the effective treatment of spider veins, heavy and painful legs and restless-leg syndrome (RLS).

2) Cardorium Plus by Alakananda Herbals

Made with a combination of time-tested herbs such as Arjuna, Goskhura, Vrikshmala, Pushkaramoola and Jatamansi, this syrup is well-known for improving the blood circulation. Regular consumption of this syrup helps disintegrate the blocks, while strengthening veins and arteries.

2) Sahacharaadi Thailam by Nagarjuna

This oil is a hybrid combination of herbs mentioned in revered ayurvedic texts. Because of this reference, Sahacharaadi Thailam is used to treat most of the disorders affecting the lower part of the legs, including varicose veins. Performing massage with this oil is highly recommended for both men and women, as it will help pacify vata, improve blood circulation and release tension from the nerves.

Other Natural treatments for Varicose Veins

Besides the above-mentioned oils and syrups, you can consider going for other non-conventional natural treatments such as:

1) Leech Therapy

Strange it may sound at first, but leech therapy ensures better blood circulation around these veins. Interestingly, when a leech binds to your skin, it naturally releases a blood thinning compound, which makes the blood flow easier.

2) Enema Therapy

Under this treatment, medicated enemas (liquid or gas) are injected directly into the rectum. The natural ingredients that are administered relieve constipation and, yet again, ensure a better blood flow.

Conclusion

The uses and benefits of ayurveda have been time and again backed by modern science. Even for incurable conditions such as varicose veins, the world of herbs offers promising results without the fear of any side effects and contraindications.

Only treatments alone will not suffice; a varicose veins patient must also follow all the basic remedies to enjoy an overall happy life.

We hope that you find this article useful.