Varicose Veins

Index of Diseases / Health Conditions ... Medicinal Foods, Herbs, Spices & Household Items

The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.

Supportive Nutrition:

• Apple cider vinegar. You might try soaking a cheesecloth bandage in apple cider vinegar twice a day and use it to wrap the affected area for 30 minutes. After wrapping, recline with your legs at heart level or above. Vinegar is believed to encourage varicose veins to contract. Some folk remedies suggest drinking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water after each session.

• Pineapples. Enzymes found in pineapples have anti-inflammatory properties that are believed to inhibit the swelling that often occurs around varicose veins. It is available at health food stores in pill form. The general recommendation is to take 500 mg to 1,000 mg with each meal. Caution: Check with your doctor before drinking vinegar or taking bromelain if you have ulcers or gastritis.


• Grape Seeds / Grape Seed Extract: One of the most potent antioxidants known, with tests indicating that it is fifty times more powerful than Vitamin E. It has been used to treat varicose veins, eye problems, arthritis, allergies, heart conditions, Attention Deficit Disorder, cancer, and viral diseases such as herpes.

General Recommendations:

• Sit with uncrossed legs. Crossing the legs puts strain on the veins.


• Avoid high heels, knee-high stockings and tight socks.


• Consider wearing a support pantyhose.

Helpful Essential Oils:

Valerian Root: Highly sedative in action, induces sleep. Due to its "dirty-socks" smell it is not an oil for perfumery. In ayurveda it's used in suppression of urine, poisoning (Tridosha). It is also known to calm down dogs and cats, although cats do tend to be more sensitive to Essential oils than dogs. Use with caution on dogs and cats. Avoid use on sensitive & couperose skin. Useful for varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Avoid in pregnancy and with babies and children.

Lemon: I personally love to use this essential oil in aroma therapy whenever I feel tired and/or can't concentrate for some reason. Additionally, I love the smell of lemon and it makes the house smell fresh and clean. Below are its properties:

Among its many properties are antacid, antineuralgic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, astringent, bactericide, cicatrizant, diuretic, emollient, insecticide, and laxative. Helps to clear thoughts, helps with concentration, lifts the spirits. Tonic to the circulatory system, liquefies the blood and aids flow, thereby easing pressure on varicose veins. Used to bring down high blood pressure. Counteracts acidity in the body and makes the stomach more alkaline. Eases painful cold sores and herpes. May be helpful with constipation and cellulite. Has a tonic effect on the circulatory system.

Cajeput: Stimulates the mind and assists with getting it back into balance, helps clear thoughts. Soothes colic and vomiting. Could help with cystitis. Its antiseptic and expectorant properties make it excellent for respiratory tract infections such as colds, laryngitis, bronchitis and it may be helpful for asthma, as well as for nasal and sinus congestion. Its pain relieving properties make it useful in massage for neuralgia, headaches, gout, muscle stiffness and general aches and pain. It is useful for treating painful periods, delayed menses and spasmodic dysmenorrhoea. Its antiseptic properties make it useful for treating acne and psoriasis. It has been used for genital herpes, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The oil is also reputed to have insect repellent qualities and is the best essential oil to apply undiluted to fire ant bites, preferably immediately after being bitten. Cajeput is considered non-toxic but may irritate the skin in high concentrations.

Yarrow: Indicated for problems of prostate or menstrual problems and neuralgia. Useful for gynecological problems. May be useful for the relief of irregular menstrual cycles and painful periods. The oil may be applied in a massage, compress or foot bath. Yarrow is used for the treatment of wounds and open sores because of its astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Yarrow oil is used in skin care for acne, eczema and inflammation and to minimize varicose veins and reduce scars.

Information contained on this website is provided as general reference only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.

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