Veins are thin-walled vessels that carry impure blood back to the heart. Veins act as one-way valve that prevents the impure blood from flowing backwards. When these valves become weak, the blood flows back to the veins and results in congestion due to blood clots. With the congestion the veins become enlarged and this condition is known as varicose veins. The word varicose is derived from the Latin word varix, which means twisted. Varicose veins can occur in any part of the body but the most affected part is legs. The veins of the legs are divided into two systems –

The deep veins
that run deep to the leathery layer of fascia surrounding the muscles.

The superficial veins
that run in the layer of fat just beneath the skin.

Between these two veins, the superficial veins are the ones that become varicose. The varicose veins are dark purple or blue in colour.

Types of varicose veins

• Venous lakes
  These are pools of blood in the veins found on the face and neck.

• Reticular veins
  These are flat, blue veins under the skin that are mostly seen behind the knee.

• Telangiectases
  These are fine clusters of blood vessels reddish in color and mostly found on the face or upper body.

Causes of Varicose Veins

The various causes of varicose veins are:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Long-standing periods
• Lack of exercise

Home Remedies for Varicose Veins

Apply cider vinegar to the varicose veins in the morning and evening till the veins starts shrinking. This is a good home remedy for varicose veins.

Apply vitamin E oil or witch hazel tea to the affected areas. This is a good home remedy for varicose veins.

Natural remedy for varicose veins - Raw vegetable juices especially carrot juice in combination with spinach juice has been proved beneficial. It should be taken in a proportion of 300 ml carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice.

A hot Epsom salt bath is also effective and should be taken twice a week. this is one of the best varicose veins cure.

Massage oil of rosemary gently into an affected parts. This is also one of the good home remedies for varicose veins

A mudpack can be applied over the area at night and can be left till morning.

Mix 12 drops each of cypress and essential oils in four ounces of carrier oil such as almond and gently apply the mixture to the legs by stroking upward. This is a good home remedy for varicose veins.

The alternate hot and cold hipbath is very valuable and can be taken daily.

The nutrient vitamin C is also effective in the varicose veins treatment and should be taken in a therapeutic dose of 3000 mg. This is a good diet for varicose veins.

The affected area can also be sprayed with cold water or cold pack can also be applied over it.

Sunbathing is also helpful in dealing with varicose veins.

Varicose veins treatment - Various yoga postures like viparitakarni, sarvangasana, sirshasana, padmasana, gomukhasana, vajrasana and shalabhasana are also beneficial as they drain the blood from the legs and reduces pressure on the veins.

Make a mixture by adding 2 cups of chopped calendula flowers and leaves, and stems with an equal amount of melted lard. Leave the mixture for 24 hours and then reheat and strain. Apply this over your varicose veins. This is one of the effective home remedies for varicose veins.

Potatoes, starchy foods, condiments, alcohol, coffee, strong tea, white flour products and white sugar should be avoided. This is not a perfect diet for varicose veins

Flex exercises and deep breathing exercises are the best varicose veins remedy.