When veins, in particular on the lower extremities, become enlarged and knobbly, bulge and protrude under the skin, shine bluish or purplish through the skin, one speaks of varicose veins. They are a sign of an underlying circulatory issue.
For most people varicose veins are not a source of complaint, but a cosmetic concern. However for others such veins are a cause of discomfort. Symptoms like heaviness, aching and pain, the sensation of burning, throbbing and itching, or swelling and cramping in one or both legs are common. These symptoms generally become worse by standing or sitting for prolonged amounts of time. In some cases, when varicose veins bleed or become inflamed, pain worsens and the affected area becomes warm to the touch, or ulcers form, such veins require medical attention, possible surgical removal.
To improve circulation and reduce the incidence of varicose veins it may help to exercise, stretch, lose weight, and to wear support stockings. These measures can help alleviate the acute symptoms.
Homeopathically, in particular two remedies are specific for the symptoms from varicose veins namely Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) and Hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel). Administered in lower potency, in 4X or 6X, a dose (1 tablet, 3 sugar globules, or 5 drops), can be taken 3 times a day for 7 days.
Aesculus hippocastanum is mainly indicated if there is heaviness & tiredness felt in the legs, if the skin of the affected leg, or legs feels tense and swollen. Albeit the veins appear knobbly, they are not necessarily painful.
Hamamelis virginiana is particularly called for where there is sensitivity to touch, and discomfort from pressure and warmth. These varicose veins are very painful. There is a prevailing feeling of exhaustion in the legs and the veins shine through the skin, in a dark bluish color.
OTC cremes containing, in particular Aesculus, are available at pharmacies or herbal-stores. However, an easy to make home remedy of old is horse chestnut tincture. This, as much as store bought creams, applied locally, can help relieve of the discomforts related to varicose veins.
To make the tincture, 15 chestnuts will suffice. These have to be chopped into little pieces, and should be filled into a glass jar that has a sealable lid. The jar should be filled with Vodka, or another clear 40% to 45% alcohol, until the chopped chestnuts are evenly covered. Closed with a firmly fitting lid, the tincture should be left to infuse for two to three weeks in a warm place. It is recommended to shake the solution every other day. Once infused sufficiently, the tincture can be strained into a dark bottle and the affected veins can be dabbed with some cotton wool soaked with the tincture. The tincture can be stored for up to 1 year.
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