Varicose veins can be found in many parts of the body. However, as the veins in the calves and thighs are most commonly affected, this page will focus on the treatment of varicose veins found in the legs.
Many people experiencing symptoms of varicose veins will not require treatment. Treatment may be considered if you experience troublesome symptoms, or if you suffer from complications of varicose veins. In addition, some people seek treatment for varicose veins for cosmetic reasons.
A doctor open to the use of herbal remedies may also recommend trying a course of Horse Chestnut seed extract.
Making changes to your diet and lifestyle is the first step you should take when treating varicose veins. Improving your circulation with regular exercise will encourage your veins to a more healthy state. In addition, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding constipation are all measures you can take to prevent the worsening of varicose veins.
If self-help techniques and herbal remedies have not been effective for you, it may be time to turn to conventional means of treating varicose veins. Remember that in many cases you can continue to use herbal remedies along with conventional treatments for the most effective relief.
Your doctor or hospital specialist may treat the varicose veins in a number of ways:
Many complementary or alternative treatments have been used for varicose veins. These include vitamin supplements, homeopathy and acupuncture.
However, the most established of these alternative varicose vein treatments is in the use of herbal medicines, especially those containing extracts of horse chestnut seed.
Many will recognise the horse chestnut seed as the conker. These have, at various times, been used as cattle feed, as well as furnishing children with ammunition for conker battles.
Herbalists have a long tradition of using horse chestnut seeds to treat varicose veins. The herb is now prescribed by doctors in countries such as Switzerland and Germany where it is routinely considered as a treatment of choice, filling the gap between the use of compression stockings and more invasive methods such as injections or surgery.
Horse chestnut seeds contain active substances, particularly one known as β-aescin. A large amount of research information is available in the public domain on how horse chestnut seed extracts work.
Although pregnant women are susceptible to varicose veins, horse chestnut should not be taken internally.
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