According to a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services statistics, about 25% of women are affected by varicose veins. The risk of varicose veins increases in pregnant women. During pregnancy the volume of blood in the body increases. The speed of blood flow from and to the extremities also increases which puts lot of stress on the veins. This increases the risk of varicose veins in pregnant women. The female hormone progesterone may also contribute to your susceptibility to those ugly looking swollen veins in legs and hands.
Read More: Home Remedies for Swollen Feet/Hands during Pregnancy
Natural Remedies for Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
The treatment for varicose veins includes surgical as well as medical intervention. However, this may be quite a costly option. You can try some natural remedies which have been used since ancient times to combat the effects of varicose veins.
1} Elevate your legs
As the first step you can try elevating your legs. If you elevate your legs at a level higher than your heart, the veins can get some much-needed rest. This can automatically reduce varicose veins symptoms to a large extent.
Read More: Blood Clot During Pregnancy: Signs, Causes, Treatment, Prevention
2} Apple cider vinegar
You need something that aids in blood flow and reduces the load on the veins. Apple cider vinegar can be a good aid to this effect. It is known as a body cleanser and an aid to improving blood circulation.
Take just a handful of apple cider vinegar and gently massage over the swollen areas. You can also drink some of it by diluting it with water.
Read More:Is Your Skin Changing During Pregnancy?
3} Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper is rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. These elements have the effect of increasing blood flow and easing the tension on veins. You can take this herb by just diluting one spoon of it in one cup of lukewarm water. You can take it twice or thrice a day.
4} Garlic
Since the ancient times, garlic has been known to have strong anti-inflammatory properties. This property can be useful in calming down the effect of varicose veins. Since varicose veins owe their origin to inflammation due to excessive tension, garlic can be useful in treating this disease.
5} Witch hazel
This herb has a strong tendency to strengthen blood vessels including veins. If the blood vessels are strong they are better able to cope with the pressure. This would automatically reduce the effect of varicose veins. To use this herb soak a piece of clean cloth in witch hazel. When the cloth is wet, place it on the varicose areas of your legs or hands. You can repeat this two to three times a day.
Read More: 9 Effective Ways to Relieve Leg Cramps During Pregnancy
6} Butchers broom
The root and seeds of this herb has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-elastase properties. It contains some compound called ruscogenins which help in reducing inflammation. It also helps in constricting the veins. These properties are very helpful in combating the symptoms of varicose veins. You may get supplements of Butchers broom in the pharmacy. You may take 100 mg of it twice a day.
7} Olive oil
Olive oil works well as a massage oil. You can get some relief from the symptoms of varicose veins if you massage your affected areas with olive oil every day. You can tell your partner to rub the swollen veins with some olive oil regularly. Olive oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. So rubbing your varicose legs with some olive oil can work well after a few days.
Read More: 11 Essential Oils to Avoid during Pregnancy and Nursing
8} Essential oil treatments
Some essential oils may have a suppressive action on varicose veins. You can try a warm compress of cypress oil or geranium oil on the affected area. Take about 5ml of grapeseed oil, mix a few drops of cypress oil or geranium oil to it and add this to a small bucket of hot water. Now apply the warm compress for at least 20 minutes. You may feel better.
Read More: 11 Essential Oils You Can’t Miss
9} Horse chestnut seeds
These seeds are known to prevent and reduce swelling and inflammation. This can be a good option to treat varicose veins since it has the ability to tone up the walls of veins. It has been found the seeds contain a chemical known as aescin. This compound has the ability to increase the elasticity of veins. This can be very helpful for you.
Read More: 15 Most Embarrassing Pregnancy Symptoms
10} Parsley
This herb is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is often said that this herb has the ability to boost the production of collagen. It also helps in repair and reproduction of cells. Rutin, a compound present in it, may contribute to this property of the herb. You can boil a handful of fresh parsley and drink the liquid after straining the solution.
Read More: 11 Ways to Deal With Pregnancy Aches and Pains
11} Grapevine leaves
Grapevine leaves contain liberal amounts of flavonoids. These are antioxidants which have homeostatic property. This means it helps the body in maintaining equilibrium among various functions inside the body.
While many of these herbs may be good for varicose veins, you should verify that they don’t have any harmful impact on a pregnant woman. For any clarifications you can reach out to your doctor
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1512200/
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a549328/varicose-veins-and-piles-natural-remedies
http://www.anglisticum.org.mk/index.php/Anglisticum/article/view/209
