Varicose Veins
Herbal Ayurvedic Treatment for Varicose Veins
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What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted bluish veins that run just beneath the skin surface. The word varicose comes from the latin word varix meaning twisted. They commonly affect the legs and feet although they can appear anywhere. Varicose veins are categorized are Superficial Varicose Veins and Deep Varicose Veins
Superficial varicose veins are visible and can be painful and disfiguring. However they are generally harmless. Superficial varicose veins are surrounded by flooded capillaries. When they get swollen, they can inhibit circulation to the extent of causing swollen ankles, itchy skin and pain in the limb. A very mild form of superficial varicose veins are spider veins. Hemorrhoids are also a form of varicose veins.
Deep varicose veins affect the deep venous network. They are generally not visible but can cause inflammation and pain throughout the leg. Blood clots can form. Thrombophlebitis or deep vein inflammation in the thighs and pelvis can lead to pulmonary embolism which can be a fatal condition.
Who can get affected by varicose veins?
There are more than 20 million people with varicose veins in the US alone. Women are twice as susceptible than men. Nearly 10% of adult men and 20% of women get affected by varicose veins which is a very common condition.
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Herbal remedies to relieve varicose veins
Pilex Ayurvedic remedy for varicose veins
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What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Prominent dark blue blood vessels
Swelling and pain in the legs, feet and ankles after standing for a while
Superficial varicose veins are present themselves as bulging, ropelike, bluish veins
Heaviness or aching in a limb without any visible blue vein may indicate a deep varicose vein
Severe varicose veins are indicated by ulcerous skin, discolored and peeling skin and constant pain.
You should call your doctor if:
The skin has ulcers, is discolored and bleeding
The varicose veins are red. This could be a sign of a serious blood circulation problem called phlebitis
You cut a varicose vein.
What causes varicose veins?
Veins push blood through valves which alternately open and close. Surrounding muscles help in this blood flow. When there is a chronic increase in blood pressure, the vein gets dilated and the vein walls are pushed apart. The valves cannot seal properly and the muscles find it difficult to push the blood forward. The blood begins accumulated in the veins causing them to bulge and contort. SUperficial veins have less muscular support than deep veins and are more likely to become varicose.
Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen can cause varicosity. Some of the factors that can lead to varicose veins are
Standing for long periods of time
Pregnancy
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Chronic constipation
Tumors
Excessive physical activity that puts pressure on the legs
Veins also weaken with age
How are varicose veins treated?
For superficial and mild cases of varicose veins, alternative therapy and herbal treatments are best.
Elastic support stockings can be used to relieve discomfort
Spider veins can be removed by simple laser treatment
Sclerotherapy where a chemical is injected into a vein to collapse it, is also used so it can no longer trsnsport blood
In severe cases, vein stripping or surgical removal of varicose veins is adopted.
It should be noted that treatment of a vein cannot prevent new veins from becoming varicose so it is important to adopt measures for future prevention
What are some natural ways to prevent and treat varicose veins?
Exercise regularly to keep leg muscles toned and blood circulating
Bring weight under control
Your diet should be low in fat, sugar and salt
Drink plenty of water
Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to elevated blood pressure that can aggravate varicose veins
Wear support stockings
While sitting or resting for long periods of time, elevate your legs
If you have varicose veins, put your feet up a few inches above heart level to let gravity drain pooled blood from legs
Hospital style beds that can be elevated and Water beds can prove comfortable
Incorporate bioflavonoids in your diet either in the form of supplements or by taking fruits such as oranges, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, rosehips and buckwheat.
Herbs such as Arjuna and Guggul are highly recommended to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation. The ayurvedic formulation Pilex is very effective in treatment of varicose veins. A clinical study showed it to work longer than Daflon which is a prescription medicine for varicose veins.
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Herbal remedies for Varicose Veins
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