Varicose veins are swollen veins that appear under the skin in your feet. When the vein walls are weak and the valves are not working right, blood backs up in your veins. This causes blue and purple bulges. These veins are engorged blood vessels that bulge under the surface of the skin. These purple and blue bulges appear in one’s legs, feet and ankles. They can be itchy and painful. Spider veins are the veins that surround varicose veins and they are purple or red lines that appear close to the surface of your skin. In some cases, there are severe varicose veins that can lead to serious health problems. Some of these problems are blood clots. If the issue tends to persist, you might need treatment with injections, surgery or laser therapy from the healthcare provider.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Gnarled or blue veins that exist just under the surface of your skin is the most recognizable sign of varicose veins. The symptoms are as follows-
· Heavy legs.
The muscles in your legs may feel heavy, sluggish or tired, especially after doing a heavy gym workout or any other physical activity.
· Bulging veins.
Even felt twisted, swollen and rope-like veins that turn blue or purple? They appear below the surface of the skin on your legs. They can develop in clusters and tiny blue lines may appear nearby.
· Pain.
Legs may feel painful especially behind your knees. One might feel muscle cramps.
Where do varicose veins appear?
The veins develop on the lower half of your body, usually on ankles, feet and calves. They also tend to develop in the pelvic area.
What causes varicose veins?
These kinds of swollen veins occur when the walls of your veins weaken. As the blood pressure in your body increases, weakened walls allow the veins to get bigger. As the vein stretches, valves that are responsible for keeping the blood moving in one direction in the vein can’t work as they should. The blood backs up. It can also pool in your vein that ultimately causes your vein to swell, twist and bulge. The valves and vein walls become weak for the following reasons-
· Hormones.
· Normal aging.
· Standing for prolonged periods of time.
· Excess weight.
What are the risk factors associated with varicose veins?
Any individual can develop varicose veins. Following are some factors that increase a person’s chance of developing a varicose vein-
1. Age- Because of the aging process, vein walls and valves do not work as well as they once did. Veins also lose elasticity and stiffen.
2. Hormones- Female hormones can allow the walls of the veins to stretch. The women who are pregnant or the ones who are under birth control have a higher risk of varicose veins owing to the change in the hormone levels.
Ayurvedic medicines for varicose veins
Ayurveda offers several herbal remedies and different kinds of lifestyle suggestions to help manage varicose veins. It is a condition where veins, usually in the legs, tend to become enlarged and twisted owing to weakened valves and poor circulation. Following are some of the medicines for varicose veins-
1.Gotu Kola.
It is one of the most effective Ayurvedic herbs for treating varicose veins. It also increases the integrity of vein walls and capillaries. It plays a key role in reducing the leakage and pooling of blood. The drug also promotes circulation in the legs thereby reducing swelling, pain and heaviness.
It has mild anti-inflammatory effects. It also helps ease discomfort in swollen or twisted veins. The drug supports tissue repair by stimulating collagen. It is also useful in preventing vein wall damage and improving elasticity.
2.Ashwagandha.
Also known as Withania Somnifera, the drug is not a direct treatment for varicose veins. However, it plays a supporting role in managing the condition. The drug reduces chronic stress and cortisol levels in the body. It calms the nervous system and may help prevent the vein flare-ups related to stress. It also enhances overall blood flow and oxygen delivery. It also supports the veins in lower limbs. The drug reduces systematic inflammation which helps ease pain, swelling and discomfort in the varicose veins. The drug also nourishes muscle tone and connective tissue thereby supporting structural integrity around the veins. We all know that better sleep allows for improved healing. This supports ongoing treatment for vascular conditions. Ashwagandha is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for varicose veins.
3.Sariva.
The drug, also known as Indian Sarsaparilla is a supportive Ayurvedic herb that helps in the management of varicose veins. It is a renowned Rakta Shodhaka which helps cleanse the blood and improve microcirculation. It is helpful if the varicose veins are accompanied by skin changes, eczema and ulcers. It helps reduce Pitta-related inflammation which is often present in red or burning varicose veins. It encourages healthy skin regeneration in the areas where varicose veins lead to dark patches. It also promotes detox and reduces fluid retention in the legs. This can ease pressure on veins.
4.Ricinus.
This medicine can be very efficient in supportive therapy especially for pain and swelling when used externally. Castor oil has ricinoleic acid, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that helps reduce pain, swelling and pressure in the veins. Warm castor oil massage tends to stimulate lymphatic drainage and blood flow. It helps reduce stagnation in the legs. You should warm a small amount of cold-pressed castor oil and gently massage over the affected veins and surrounding area. It should be left for 30 minutes overnight. It is recommended to avoid vigorous massaging on sensitive veins. The drug also soothes darkened skin.
5.Abhyanga.
It is highly beneficial for varicose veins especially when done right. It must be performed gently and strategically. The drug stimulates circulation and improves venous return. It also pacifies vata dosha. It also helps shrink vein distention. The drug is responsible for strengthening tissues surrounding the vein. It also relieves leg fatigue and helps with cramping in the leg.