Ayurvedic Treatment of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, bulge and twisted veins that are raised beneath the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue in colour and can be appear any parts of the body. However, it is most commonly found in legs.

There are two types of Varicose Veins ? Superficial Varicose Veins and Deep Varicose Veins. The Superficial Varicose Veins runs run just beneath the skin surface and surrounded by flooded capillaries while deep varicose veins are found deep under the muscles and usually invisible. Both types of varicose veins can cause pain. Superficial Varicose Veins looks ugly but generally provides no harm while deep varicose vein may affect the deep venous network and sometime cause fatal due to raising chances of pulmonary embolism triggered by blood clot and deep vein inflammation (thrombophlebitis).

Varicose veins tend to be inherited and become more prominent as the person ages. Women are twice as susceptible than men.

Causes:

The Prime factor behind Varicose Veins is heredity as it affects mostly to them who have any family history of this disease. Women are more prone to men in it. The other more common causes include Defective valves from birth (congenitally defective valves), Pregnancy, Thrombophlebitis (inflammation in deep vein network), obesity, menopause, aging, prolonged standing, leg injury, abdominal straining, and crossing legs at the knees or ankles, excessive physical activity that puts pressure on the legs and sedentary life style.

The less common causes are post phlebitic obstruction and/or incontinence, venous and arteriovenous malformations.

Symptoms:

The Common symptoms of Varicose Veins includes:

• Aching, fullness, sometimes pain and heavy legs (often worse at night and after exercise).
• Prominent dark blue blood vessels.
• Appearance of spider veins (telangiectasia) in the affected leg.
• Brown discoloration of the skin at the ankles; swelling in the ankle.
• Redness, dryness, and itchiness of areas of skin.
• Cramps may develop especially when making a sudden move as standing up.
• Skin ulcers near the ankle (this is more often seen in severe cases)
• Minor injuries to the area may bleed more than normal and/or take a long time to heal.
• Restless legs syndrome may appear
• Whitened, irregular scar-like patches can appear at the ankles.
• Superficial varicose veins are present themselves as bulging, ropelike, bluish veins

Treatment

The treatment of varicose veins is conservative in allopathic system in which patients are asked to avoid tougher exercise, excessive standing, raising legs while sitting or sleeping, and wear elastic supports. Some medications are also prescribed while surgery in the main way of treating in modern medical system.

On the other hand, in Ayurveda, Varicose veins are dealt as Siraja Grandhi. It happens due do vitiation of 'srotus' means veins and arteries. This disease is called Srotavarodham'.

It can be managed and treated in Ayurveda through long term practicing. Some herbal medicines are also prescribed internally and externally.

Herbal Treatment of Varicose Veins

• The indigenous Indian herb, brahmi, is considered as the best ayurvedic medicine for varicose veins. Take 2-3 teaspoon of the extract of Brahmi with a pinch of Jasad bhasma.


• Garlic is also an effective medicine for treating varicose veins. It increases the protein supply to the lower limb region and eases the blood clot and normalise the blood circulation.


• Like garlic, ginger too breaks down and distributes the protein in the body.


• Eat a medium size uncooked onion daily, it may solve the problem permanently, as it gives inner strength and helps in the properly assimilating and distributing of protein in the body.


• Consume a mixture of carrot and spinach juice daily. This will solve the deficiency of vitamins in the leg.


• Apply a mudpack on the leg in the night and wash it off in the morning.


• Externally apply the fish oil over the affected parts. Remember, coat in gently not too deep into the legs.