An English remedy for varicose veins comes from South Africa. British residents there learned from sugar cane farmers that eating mineral rich blackstrap molasses allegedly treats all kinds of circulatory ailments, including varicose veins.
The English, Scots, and Germans treat varicose veins with an apple cider vinegar lotion. They massage their legs with the vinegar to shrink the veins and to relieve the related cramping and muscle tiredness. Another way to use the vinegar is to wrap a cheesecloth bandage soaked in the vinegar around the unsightly veins. Lie down, elevate your legs, and relax for at least an hour or more. Do this twice a day. And follow each session by drinking 2 tsps of vinegar in a cup of warm water. You should notice a difference within a month.
The french treat varicose veins with horse chestnut tea, which they say shrinks the veins to normal size. The horse chestnut leaves contain tannins, which are astringent, and also flavonoids, which strengthen the walls of the veins. This treatment has become popular in other parts of Europe, as well.
Eating herbs that contain silica, such as horsetail and nettles, helps build strong connective tissue that supports the veins. Other helpful herbs are those that contain flavonoids (especially rutin), like hawthorn, yarrow, and shepherd's purse. Cold compresses can be made with solutions of rue (named for its rutin content) and St. John's wort. Melilot, which contains anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulating coumarins, takes pressure off the veins; it can be taken as a tea. These herbs are available in cut, dried, or powdered form through most mail order herb companies.
Varicose veins appear when weakened valves in the veins cause a backup of small amounts of blood enroute to the heart. They are characterized by a network of abnormally swollen bluish lines that show through the skin of the legs. Varicose veins indicate a need for exercise to protect the deeper veins. Surface veins are not supported by muscle and connective tissue and have thin walls. When you exercise, the large muscles in the legs help push the blood back up to your heart. This alleviates stress in the veins and keeps them from swelling and discoloring.
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~Abraham Lincoln
Pain killer-Soak
1/2 teaspoon of dried willow bark in 2 cups cold water overnight. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain, cool, and bottle. Dosage is 1/4 cup, to be sippped slowly as neede for pain. It can be added to juices or teas if you wish.
