Natural Health

Varicose Veins - a natural cure

Spring is the time of year for getting outdoors after winter has passed. Having varicose veins can slow you down, but some alternative remedies may help.

Varicose veins are superficial (smaller) veins in the legs which become distorted over time. They may occur from being overweight, from standing for long periods of time, during pregnancy or because of an inherited weakness.

When you stand up, the blood returning to the heart from the legs has to work against gravity. In order to assist this, veins are equipped with non-return valves that stop the blood from pooling in the legs and help push it back towards the heart. In some people these veins get stretched and the valves no longer work properly. Blood starts to pool and the veins get more distorted.

Externally varicose veins usually appear as lumps or bulging lines on the skin, though occasionally they may not be visible. There may also be an aching pain and heaviness or tiredness in the legs especially after exercise. The legs can also itch, particularly after wearing stockings. Very occasionally there can be complications from varicose veins including phlebitis (a painful inflammation of the veins), dermatitis (red, dry and itchy skin), severe bleeding from minor injuries or ulcers which form mostly around the ankles.

The traditional treatments are surgery, during which veins are 'stripped' or removed, and injection therapy where the veins are blocked or reduced in size. However, with either method the varicose veins can occur again. A newer treatment involves the use of laser therapy which seems to be a positive alternative to surgery or injection therapy.

To improve the symptoms of varicose veins patients are advised to wear support stockings, raise the legs when sitting, not cross your legs, vary your position regularly when standing, take regular exercise and lose weight if appropriate. Varicose veins that occur during pregnancy usually disappear a few weeks after delivery.

Alternative therapies include increasing your intake of citrus fruits and bilberries as these help to improve the elasticity of vein walls. Alternatively you could take a supplement that includes vitamins C and E, rutin, silicea and zinc.

There are a number of herbs that work well for varicose veins, either taken internally or used externally as a cream. The most popular of these is Aesculus Hippocastanum or horse chestnut which is available as a herbal tincture (liquid), a cream and a homeopathic remedy. Hamamelis (witch hazel) is also available as a cream or a homeopathic remedy and is good for those with a bruised feeling in their legs and whose legs are sore to touch. Both of these remedies are also useful for haemorrhoids (piles), which are actually varicose veins of the rectum and anus.

Carbo veg is a good homeopathic remedy for varicose veins with a marbling coloration of the skin which feels very cold and Pulsatilla is another remedy used for varicose veins that feel worse in the heat and are particularly painful, even stinging, when the limb hangs down.

Denise Sweeney is a registered Homeopath. Email queries to denisesweeney@eircom.net A full list of registered Homeopaths is available through the Irish Society of Homeopaths, phone 01-6755177 or see irishhomeopathy.ie A list of Nutritional Therapists is available by emailing info@iant.ie