As with any medical condition, there are a number of alternative remedies listed in relation to varicose veins treatment. An unsightly, unpleasant and, on occasions, an extremely painful condition, traditional surgery can be invasive and it’s understandable that many patients would want to avoid that if possible.
There are modern day medical alternatives to surgery that are far more comfortable and that should offer some level of reassurance. However, any online search is going to return a mix of suggestions including those alternative remedies so we should consider some of the popular results and discuss whether or not there is any medical evidence to back them up.
Prevention
With one in three adults likely to develop varicose veins globally, it’s a common condition but there are groups that are more vulnerable than others. Pregnant women, those who are overweight and inactive and anyone forced to stand for lengthy periods could be at risk.
Prevention is better than cure and much of this is down to circulation. By remaining active and maintaining a regular exercise regime, varicose veins can be kept at bay and that’s a first recommendation from any health professional. The subject of circulation is behind the thinking relating to many alternative methods so let’s now dissect them.
Garlic
It’s a vegetable that is said to have a number of health benefits and it’s therefore no surprise to see garlic mentioned in relation to the treatment of varicose veins. In this case, there is some substance to the theory as allicin in garlic can help to protect against problems caused by high blood fats that can cause damage to the inside of the arteries as well as the serious condition of atherosclerosis.
It is likely to be no coincidence that a country such as France, where the nation consumes a diet that is high in saturated animal fats, has a relatively low level of heart disease. Garlic is highly prevalent in their diet which can act as a crucial counter balance.
Red Wine
The theories behind red wine as a treatment for varicose veins work in a similar way to those that back garlic’s properties. There is some benefit on hand and, once again, those with a French and Mediterranean diet are known for those lower rates of heart disease.
The key element here are compounds known as polyphenols which contain antioxidants that can help to slow down or prevent atherosclerosis. Dark reds such as Malbecs are particularly rich in these polyphenols. Obviously, as we are talking about alcohol here, it simply must be consumed in moderation.
On a similar theme, many consumers choose to buy red vine leaf extract in supplement form. By taking those extracts from the plant chemicals of vine leaves, it’s thought that pain brought on by varicose veins can be relieved. In this case, there is no hard evidence to back this theory up so the claims must be approached with scepticism.
Aspirin
The benefits of aspirin can be plentiful: It’s used extensively as a mild painkiller and there is evidence to show that it can reduce the stickiness of the blood. As such, it’s another alternative treatment widely used by varicose veins sufferers.
The advantages can be two-fold. Thinning blood could prevent the onset of the condition while the pain relief can also help sufferers at a very low level.
Making Healthy Choices
Earlier in this article, we talked about the ways in which potential patients can prevent the onset of varicose veins. We’ve also seen that there are some benefits in taking the foods and supplements such as garlic and red wine. The key word, however, is prevention. The alternatives here could possibly help you to stave off varicose veins, but there are no guarantees and they are certainly not a cure.
Only recognized varicose vein treatments should be practiced and, by using alternative remedies such as these, there is the obvious risk of delaying effective and medically accepted answers to this condition.
It’s all about debunking myths and while natural treatments could help improve circulation, which is a key to keeping clear of varicose veins, there is no tangible evidence to suggest that they work as a cure so please, if you are suffering, seek expert medical advice straight away.
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