Treating Varicose Veins Effectively & Naturally
by Kristy Howard , updated January 2008
My first pregnancy passed without a hitch. I had the usual morning sickness the first few weeks, backaches, etc., but no complications whatsoever. (The labor was a different story, but I'll save that for another time!)
The second time around, things were going pretty smoothly until about 4 1/2 months. I started experiencing severe pain and burning in my upper legs and vulva area. I eventually "diagnosed" my problem as varicose veins, which are common in pregnancy and which also tend to run in my family. My mother had severe varicose veins during her last two pregnancies and she experiences a lot of trouble with them even now. Images of her painful, bulging, blue leg veins brought sighs of misery as I tried to endure the burning throbs, hoping I could ignore them into oblivion.
Unfortunately, varicose veins do not just "go away". In fact, I've been told that they tend to worsen with each subsequent pregnancy.
True enough, I am now 5 1/2 months pregnant with our third baby and have already had several weeks of trouble with vulvar varicose veins. This time around we are using a midwife and her approach to pregnancy discomforts is much different than my doctor's ("just deal with it"). She has advised several exercises and herbs that have tremendously relieved much of the pain and burning associated with varicose veins.
Here are a few things that work for me. Some "remedies" I discovered on my own during my last pregnancy, others were recommended to me by my midwife.
Perhaps the most important thing I discovered was Citrus Bioflavoniods. They are available at most any health store; I purchased mine from Puritan's Pride at a very reasonable price. A friend recommended citrus bioflavoniods to me and I definitely saw good results while taking them. (I took them almost daily between pregnancies, as well as during pregnancy.)
Bilberry leaves are also good for treating varicose veins, in addition to containing many other health components. I purchase mine from The Bulk Herb Store. They come in their dry, loose-leaf state, and can be made into tea or ground and put in capsules.
Taking at least 400 I.U. of Vitamin E daily helps improve circulation and strengthen capillaries.
I've had great success with using Butcher's Broom on a daily basis; my midwife also recommends Rutin to relieve the swelling and poor circulation of varicose veins.
White Oak Bark is great for relieving the pain associated with varicose veins, although it does not seem to actually cure the varicosities themselves.
Cayenne is also beneficial in improving vein circulation.
Here is an interesting article on treating varicose veins naturally.
Exercising has helped tremendously in relieving pain, throbbing and burning veins. My goal is to exercise 3 times a week for 15 minutes, but unfortunately this isn't always possible! I prefer prenatal "aerobics" but walking is also very beneficial.
When my veins start bothering me I take time out for a few minutes to lie on my back and put my feet up. Lying on the floor with feet propped on a stool or low chair for at least 5 minutes is best. This gets the circulation going again, gives me a short reprieve in my busy day, and also helps with backaches.
Another wonderful tip my mom recommended is using an ice pack. This not only helps numb the pain and throbbing but increases circulation and eases the inflamed veins. Using a warm and cold cloth alternately on veins also helps increase circulation and offer relief, as well.
Last but not least, I found support pantyhose to be a life saver. I know, that's not what you want to hear when you're pregnant and already uncomfortable! They really do help... I'm not a big pantyhose fan (at least not for every day living!) and I wore them daily during my second pregnancy, simply for the fact that they kept my legs from killing me! Since my varicose veins are mainly in the vulva area, I now cut off the "legs" on the hose and wear them as a "support girdle". I've found this to be much more comfortable than wearing panty hose on a daily basis.
I have tried several brands of maternity support hose and found most of them to be uncomfortable, ill-made, and very unsupportive (not to mention expensive). The only brand I whole-heartedly recommend is Gabrialla- they offer an array of maternity support items (including panties, belts and hosiery) that are well-made, wear and wash well, and are comfortable. Check out Fit Maternity for a good selection of Gabrialla maternity accessories.
Other Helpful Tips:
- Walking daily greatly helps improve circulation in your legs.
- Rest frequently in short intervals during the day. I know it's impossible to "stay off your feet" when you have other small children in the home, but taking a quick break (5-15 minutes) every few hours does help.
- Wearing a maternity support belt was a life saver for me, since my growing tummy put so much weight on my veins. I wore it daily nearly until the morning Emily was born.
- Keep in mind that the more weight you gain during pregnancy, the more pressure will be put on your veins. Keep weight gain within a healthy range and try to stay active.
- Sitting with your feet propped up also helps improve circulation.
- If you do opt to take herbal supplements be sure to take them daily. Hit and miss isn't nearly as effective. Keep in mind that it may take a week or two (or even three) of taking your herbs faithfully before you begin to see a lot of improvement.
- As always, drink a lot of water and eat a diet high in fiber.
- Remember, the discomfort is for a very good cause (your baby!) and it won't last forever!
Kristy Howard is a pastor's wife, stay-at-home-mommy and homeschool grad. She and her husband, Jeremy, are the blessed parents of two precious little girls, Amy and Emily. Together they make their home in Cisco, Texas, where Jeremy has served as pastor of their church since December 2004.
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