What is varicose vein?

Varicose veins are a common condition caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves.

Veins have one-way valves inside them that open and close to keep blood flowing towards the heart. However, weakened or damaged valves or walls in the veins can cause blood to pool and even flow backwards. The veins may grow larger and become distorted, resulting varicose veins.

Causes of varicose veins

  • Due to ageing, the valves become weak
  • Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the legs or abdomen can lead to varicose veins
  • Pregnancy
  • Obesity
  • Prolonged standing

Signs and Symptoms

Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in color and are usually twisted and bulgy in appearance. Some people with varicose veins may experience pain or discomfort. Symptoms of varicose veins can include:

  • Aching, heavy and uncomfortable legs
  • Appearance of spider veins in the affected leg
  • Swollen feet and ankles
  • Burning or throbbing in legs
  • Muscles cramps in legs, particularly at night
  • Dry, itchy and thin skin over the affected vein

Ayurvedic Perspective of varicose veins

In Ayurveda classics, varicose vein can be very much correlated with the signs and symptoms explained for Siragranthi (obstructive circulation). Due to vata increasing causative factors such as physical exertion, straining, for debilitated persons the vitiated vata enters the veins causing squeezing, constriction, and act of drying up which produces round and protruded Granthi cyst in the veins, manifesting varicose vein. Hence Ayurveda reveals venesection (bloodletting is the withdrawal of blood from a patient to prevent or cure illness and disease) cure varicose veins.

Treatment

  1. Internal medications for normalising doshas
  2. Full body massage
  3. External application medicated paste
  4. Venesection

Home remedies

1. Local application of ayurvedic oils like:

  • Sahacharadi oil
  • Prasarini taila
  • Mahanarayana taila    

2. Application of aloe vera gel 

3. Taking the juice of little tree plant (Biophytum sensitivum)/ Lajjalu, Lakshmana 15 ml with dhanwantharam gulika in empty stomach for 60 days helps to reduce the symptoms associated with varicose vein.

Prevention

  • Exercise
  • Losing weight
  • Not wearing tight cloth
  • Elevating your leg
  • Avoiding long period of standing or sitting