Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins that can happen anywhere in the body. However, they are more common in the legs. They are not considered as a serious medical condition. However, they can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious problems. They are noticeable and they may cause individuals to feel uncomfortable.
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are a milder type of varicose veins and they are smaller than varicose veins. They often look like a sunburst or ‘spider web’. They are red or blue in colour and they are commonly found in the face, legs or just under the skin.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. They can happen in the veins near the surface of the skin. The blood tends to move towards the heart by one-way valves in the veins. When the valves become weakened or damaged, the blood can collect in the veins. This can cause the veins to become enlarged. Sitting or standing for longer periods of time can cause the blood to pool in the leg veins. It also increases the pressure within the veins. The veins can also stretch from the increased pressure. This can also weaken the walls of the veins and damage the veins.
What are the risk factors associated with varicose veins?
Varicose veins may be more common in some families. However, an increased pressure in the veins can cause varicose veins. Some of the factors are as follows-
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Older age.
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Overweight.
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Being female.
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Being inactive.
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Leg injury.
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Smoking.
What is DVT?
Deep Vein thrombosis or DVT is a serious condition with blood clots in the deep veins. This situation does not persist with the varicose veins. It happens because the veins affect the veins close to the surface of the skin. However, with the severe varicose veins, there is a small chance of developing blood clots in the deep veins. The blood clots also need medical care and the symptoms of blood clots include pain, swelling and redness of the leg. Blood clots also may persist in the arms or other parts of the body.
A piece of a blood clot may break off and travel to the lungs. A blood clot in the lungs is very serious and may cause death. These symptoms may include chest pain and coughing.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Following are the symptoms of varicose veins-
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Colour changes in the skin.
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Sores on the legs.
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Sensations in the legs.
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Rash.
Severe varicose veins may eventually produce long-term mild swelling and it can result in more serious skin and tissue problems.
Ayurvedic medicines for varicose veins
In Ayurveda, varicose veins occur due to vitiated Vata and Rakta. The veins also become twisted and swollen. They occur in legs owing to poor circulation and blood stagnation. Following are medicines for varicose veins-
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Triphala Guggulu.
Triphala Guggulu is a well-known classical ayurvedic formulation that can be beneficial for varicose veins. It is the most beneficial in the early and moderate stages. It also addresses root causes such as poor circulation, toxin buildup and sluggish detection. Triphala is detoxifying and Guggulu is lipid-lowering. Both these act as a blood purifier and purifies rasa and Rakta dhatus. They also reduce swelling and heaviness in the legs. They keep blood from stagnating in varicose areas. They reduce pressure and stiffness in the veins. They also remove blockages that may cause blood congestion. The drug works the best when combined with Punarnavadi Mandur, Gotu Kola, Abhyanga oil and Sahacharadi Tailam. It is one of the best medicines for varicose veins!
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Sarivadyasava.
The drug is a classical herbal formulation that can be very supportive in managing varicose veins. They help in aiding burning sensation and inflammation. The herb is an asava that contains a blend of herbs like-
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Chandan.
It is a pitta pacifier.
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Usheera.
It is soothing to blood and skin.
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Sariva.
It is a blood purifier.
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Lodhra.
It supports liver, skin and blood health.
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Chandraprabha Vati.
It is a classical ayurvedic formulation that can be very useful as a supportive medicine for varicose veins. It is used when there is poor circulation and swelling. This poly-herbal tablet contains Shilajit, Chitraka, Triphala and vacha. It is considered as a Rasayana, deepana-pachana and urinary tonic. It also improves circulation and it enhances blood flow and prevents stagnation in the veins. It is useful for heaviness and pain in legs. The drug is used for varicose veins if there is pain or heaviness in legs. If varicose veins are accompanied by swelling or metabolic issues like obesity. If you have urinary or sugar imbalances, then you should consume the drug.
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Sclerotherapy.
It is a kind of surgery. A healthcare professional injects the varicose veins with a solution or foam that scars and closes them. In a few weeks, the treated varicose veins should fade. Some veins might need shots more than once.
It involves injecting a solution directly into the affected vein. It causes it to collapse and eventually fade from view as the body reroutes blood through healthier veins.
How Sclerotherapy works?
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A sclerosant is injected into the varicose veins.
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The chemical irritates the vein walls and it causes them to stick together and shut.
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The vein collapses and is reabsorbed by the body over time.
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The blood naturally redirects to healthy veins.
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Laser treatment.
It is minimally invasive and it is a highly effective procedure for treating medium to large varicose veins by sealing the affected vein using focused laser energy.
How does it work?
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A thin laser fiber is inserted into the varicose vein.
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Laser energy heats the vein walls and this causes them to collapse and seal shut.
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Over time, the closed vein is absorbed by the body flow.
It is minimally invasive and it has a high success rate. One can return to their routine within 24-48 hours. The procedure time is 30-60 minutes per leg.
Reference & Research Proof Links
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NCBI Study – Evaluation of Triphala Guggulu in managing venous insufficiency and inflammation
🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4899993/ -
ResearchGate – Role of Ayurveda in the management of varicose veins (Siraja Granthi)
🔗 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362121515 -
Ayush Research Portal – Sarivadyasava and other Asava-Arishta formulations for blood detoxification
🔗 https://www.ayushportal.nic.in -
PubMed – Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) improving microcirculation and venous tone
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11996210/ -
Himalaya Wellness – Sahacharadi Taila for leg swelling and muscle stiffness
🔗 https://himalayawellness.in/products/sahacharadi-taila -
Zandu Care – Chandraprabha Vati for detoxification and improved circulation
🔗 https://zanducare.com/products/chandraprabha-vati