Do you experience pain, heaviness, and itchiness around the veins in your legs? Or do some veins in your legs appear to be bulging out? If yes, then you must know that these are the signs of varicose veins.
Many people think that varicose veins are just a cosmetic issue. In reality, the condition of varicose veins is a medical one. A varicose vein usually appears to be a bluish-purple or red vein under the skin that is swollen, enlarged or twisted. The condition of varicose veins can show up in any part of the body. However, mostly, varicose veins appear in the legs because of the high pressure on the lower part of the body. Varicose veins can be really painful and discomforting.
The condition of varicose veins can be treated in serious cases as well. There are a variety of medications available for varicose veins in Ayurveda, homeopathy, and allopathy. You can consult your doctor and choose any of these for getting relief. Before gaining an insight into the medicines, here is some information, so that you know what makes you more prone to varicose veins.
Here is all that you need to know about varicose veins
The improper functioning of the veins is the major cause of varicose veins. If the valves and walls of the veins are damaged or weak, they can’t function properly. This causes the blood to collect in the veins and thus causes swelling and enlargement of the veins.
There are also some risk factors that increase the chances of developing varicose veins. Some of these include obesity, old age, pregnancy, long sitting periods and a family history of the condition. Moreover, women are more likely to develop the condition than men. About 41 in every 100 women above the age of 50 years have varicose veins.
In serious cases, they can lead to several complications including hyperpigmentation, deep vein thrombosis, blood clots, etc. So if you face any of the symptoms of varicose veins, consult a doctor immediately so that can receive timely treatment. (Also Read: Stages Of Varicose Veins)
Let’s now look at some of the medicines available for varicose veins, their benefits, and possible side effects, if any.
Table of Contents
Ayurvedic medicines for varicose veins
Ayurveda explains varicose veins as Siraja Granthi. It is believed to occur due to an imbalance in the Vata. Rakhta and Pitta also play a major role in the condition. Many medicinal herbs are used to provide symptomatic relief from the varicose veins. These include:
Kaishore Guggulu:
Guggulu is made from the gum resin of a native Indian tree and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Ayurvedic texts dating back to 600 BC mention Guggulu as a medicine.
Benefits of Kaishore Guggulu in varicose veins:
- Effective in reducing cholesterol
- Effective against obesity
- Restores the Vata and Pitta balance
- Has anti-inflammatory properties thus reduces pain.
- Reduces muscle tenderness
- Helps in removing toxins from the blood
Side Effects of Kaishore Guggulu:
Kaishore Guggulu is considered absolutely safe in most cases but in rare cases, it can cause acidity, nausea, headache and hiccups. Guggulu is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women as well as children under the age of 5 years.
Sarivadyasava:
It is an Ayurvedic medicine that is generally available in the form of a liquid. The main ingredient is Sariva which is known to resolve many health issues.
Benefits of Sarivadyasava in varicose veins:
- Pacifies the Pitta
- Resolves Vata imbalance
- Helps in detoxification of the body
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves digestion
Side Effects of Sarivadyasava: There are no reported side-effects of Sarivadyasava. However, it is advisable to take the medicine only after consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.
Sahacharadi:
Sahacharadi is an Ayurvedic medicine that is available both as an oral medicine as well as herbal oil. It can work wonders in providing relief from varicose veins.
Benefits of Sahacharadi in varicose veins:
- Treats Vata disorders
- Provides relief from muscle cramps
- Has anti-inflammatory effects
- Reduces pain caused due to swelling
- Purifies the blood
Side-Effects of Sahacharadi: Sahacharadi is usually well-tolerated and does not have any side effects. However, prolonged use of this medicine can cause a burning sensation in the chest.
Homeopathic medicines for varicose veins
There are numerous homeopathic medicines for the treatment of varicose veins. These work by strengthening the vein walls and improving blood circulation thereby providing symptomatic relief. Some of the available medicines in Homoeopathy include:
Hamamelis Virginiana:
It is popularly known as witch-hazel. Hamamelis Virginalis is highly effective in the treatment of Varicose veins. It is most common for tiredness and ache in the legs.
Benefits of Hamamelis Virginiana in varicose veins:
- Helps in reducing inflammation
- Reduces irritation of the skin
- Relieves itching
- Helps in providing relief from burning sensation and soreness
Side-Effects of Hamamelis Virginiana: Witch-Hazel when used topically, is considered absolutely safe. However, oral use may cause nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Pulsatilla Nigricans:
A plant called windflower is the source of Pulsatilla Nigricans. It is very effective in the treatment of varicose veins that are painful.
Benefits of Pulsatilla Nigricans in varicose veins:
- Provides relief from swelling of the veins
- Reduces pain caused due to varicose veins
- Effective in the treatment of skin diseases
- Helps in the treatment of varicose veins caused due to pregnancy
Side-effects of Pulsatilla Nigricans: Pulsatilla Nigricans should be taken only after consulting a doctor. Applying fresh Pulsatilla to the body can cause irritation, itching and allergies.
Calcarea:
It is a highly effective medicine for varicose veins. Calcarea Fluorica is effective in case of hard and knotty varicose veins whereas Calcarea Carb is effective in painless varicose veins.
Benefits of Calcarea in varicose veins:
- Reduces blood obstruction
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces burning sensation
- Remedy for skin irritation
Side-effects of Calcarea: It is not advisable to take Calcarea without proper consultation with a doctor. Calcarea can have side effects like headache, stomach upset and constipation.
Allopathic Medicines for varicose veins
Allopathy also offers a few medicines for providing relief from varicose veins symptoms. You should know that these provide only temporary relief and do not treat the condition permanently.
Daflon 500:
Daflon 500 is probably the most common medicine for varicose veins in allopathy. It as an adjunctive with laser treatment and helps in providing symptomatic relief.
Benefits of Daflon 500 in varicose veins:
- Has anti-inflammatory effects
- Has anti-oxidant properties
- Improves the tone of the veins
- Increases microcirculation
- Helps in faster healing of the ulcers
- Improves the functioning of the veins
Side-Effects of Daflon 500: Common side-effects of Daflon 500 include stomach ache, headache and vomiting.
Rutin:
Rutin is another effective allopathic medicine for varicose veins. It is actually a plant pigment found in certain vegetables and fruits which is used to make some medicines.
Benefits of Rutin in varicose veins:
- Has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- Improves blood circulation
- Prevents clotting of blood
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Lowers chances of deep vein thrombosis
Side-effects of Rutin: Rutin can have some side effects. These include rashes, headache, muscle stiffness and stomach upset.
A wise tip not to miss out!
All the aforementioned medicines can prove to be very effective in reducing the symptoms of varicose veins considerably. If you have varicose veins, consult a doctor and go for the medication best suited for your condition. Also, if the medication produces any side-effects, immediately discuss it with your doctor. Your doctor might suggest some further tests or alternative medicines. It will save you from any serious health complications. And yes! Just do not go for self-medication for varicose veins. It might land you in trouble or make varicose veins worse. Thus, only use the medicines that the doctor prescribes.
Also, please note that in some cases these medicines may only provide temporary relief. In such a case, you should go for the laser treatment of varicose veins. The laser treatment is minimally invasive and has a high success rate (100%). It is absolutely safe and has no risks of complications after the surgery.
You will be glad to know that laser treatment of varicose veins is available at Pristyn Care. We have a team of highly skilled surgeons who are capable of performing the surgery with great efficiency. So don’t wait, get in touch with us today and get rid of varicose veins once and for all.