Home remedies have existed for much longer than formal medicine. For this reason alone, it makes sense why so many people try at least home remedy for ailments such as the common cold or unsightly veins. Here, we discuss some of the common suggestions for managing varicose veins to explore their merit for reducing symptoms of venous insufficiency.
- Vitamin C. This essential vitamin is good for the body whether it is ingested or applied topically. Many skin serums produced today contain vitamin C as a primary ingredient. That is because this vitamin is an antioxidant that fights the effects of free radicals and boosts collagen production the same way it boosts immunity. Perhaps it is the collagen increase the makes vitamin C seem like a proper vein treatment. However, there is no clinical evidence to support this theory.
- Apple cider vinegar. This magical elixir offers numerous health benefits, but can it treat spider veins and varicose veins? It has been suggested that apple cider vinegar increases blood flow. However, like vitamin C, there is no clinical data to confirm that circulation improves enough to get rid of problematic veins.
- Herbal remedies. Everything from witch hazel to garlic to cayenne pepper has been mentioned as home remedies for varicose veins. Each of these items does have an anti-inflammatory aspect to it, though no proven results have been confirmed by those who have tried herbal remedies for varicose veins.
A Bad Vein Can’t be Reversed
The problem with varicose veins is that, once the valves stop working as they should, they cannot be repaired. Varicose veins often continue to worsen until treated with appropriate medical intervention. At LA Vein Center in Sherman Oaks, varicose veins are carefully assessed so we can recommend the most appropriate treatment for each patient. Some of the standard medical therapies used to eliminate varicose veins include:
- Varicose and spider veins may be closed off using a sclerosing agent. Sclerotherapy is conducted in the office, and it works over time as slight inflammation caused by the pharmacological agent leads to vein closure. This proven treatment has been performed for many years and continues to achieve outstanding results in many cases.
- Radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency is a type of thermal energy somewhat like laser light. This treatment works by gently heating the inside of the varicose vein, resulting in constriction. Over time, the constricted vein closes entirely and fades away.
- In advanced cases of vein disease, it may be necessary to physically remove the varicose vein. Microphlebectomy is not vein stripping as it was conducted years ago. This minimally-invasive procedure, performed with local anesthesia and light sedation, requires incisions so small that there is no need for stitches.
Varicose veins are troublesome. You don’t have to rely on home remedies to free yourself from the discomfort and embarrassment of unsightly veins. Call LA Vein Center at (818) 325-0400 for professional care.