Sunday, May 20, 2007

Natural Ways to Fight Varicose Veins


If you suffer from varicose veins you probably know that they are often inherited and can appear any time in a woman’s life. Varicose veins occur when a high volume of blood is stressing the veins. This can be caused by poor circulation, or times when the body is stressed. If a woman in your family suffers from varicose veins, you might at some point as well. Varicose veins are known to be more prevalent during times like pregnancy, and women that may never experience varicose veins hereditarily might battle with them if they have a child. Thankfully there are many natural ways to prevent and treat them. Try any of these tips to help increase circulation and battle against varicose veins.



Get Plenty of Exercise Like Brisk Walking or Swimming

Swimming and walking are both ideal circulatory system exercises, and helps your body maintain regularity. Walk or swim each day to keep the blood pumping the way it should be.



Apply witch Hazel on Painfully Swollen Veins

Saturate a cotton cloth with witch hazel to relieve the pain and swelling of varicose veins. Witch hazel can be purchased at any drug store, and its astringent qualities are what give it the anti-inflammatory effect.



Avoid Spicy Foods

Peppers, especially cayenne and black pepper can make varicose veins worse by making the veins that do not have enough circulation congested. Avoid all spicy foods while your veins are swollen.



Give Yourself a five-minute Leg Massage Each Day

Massaging the legs work well for increasing the blood flow and relieving varicose veins. Massage deep and hard into your legs, and work your way from the bottom up to relieve the pressure on the veins.



Drink Nettle or Parsley Tea

Nettle and parsley are both herbs known to benefit vein health. Drink one cup of either tea daily, or eat parsley in salads to benefit your veins.



Eat Foods that Benefit your Veins and Circulatory System

There are many foods that are full of vitamins and minerals known to benefit the veins and the entire body’s circulatory function. Eating onions, raw garlic and liquid lecithin each day is said to benefit elasticity in the veins. To benefit the entire circulatory system, eat foods like dark leafy greens, okra, oats and wheat germ.



Wear Support Stockings

Although they are not a replacement for exercise, support hose can help in situations where you are forced to stand or sit for a long period of time. Raise your legs high for several minutes before putting them on to increase circulation.

source : www.carefair.com

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