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After a decade of a sedentary lifestyle due to chronic illness I noticed that my legs looked like a toddler drew on them with a blue marker! They ached badly, and felt heavy and weak. I realized I had varicose veins and was shocked. I’m too young for that!
I went to see a specialist who eagerly offered to make many incisions all the way down my leg, pull the offending veins out through the holes, then cauterize the remaining vein and stitch up the incisions. He said I would be completely awake, and could watch as he would only use local anesthetic. Oh boy! Doesn’t that just sound like an amusing and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon?
I’m quite sure my tires left black streaks on the pavement as I left his office. Sayonara and no thank you!
So, I did a google search for varicose veins and the top result says it’s a cosmetic issue which is caused by the veins losing tone and ability to move blood back up into your body. However, I disagree that it’s only cosmetic. If it’s happening in my legs then where else are veins “losing tone and ability to move blood” that I can’t see? So, I did some research into natural remedies, and found Horse Chestnut frequently recommended to improve circulation and tone veins.
After using it daily for about two weeks Horse Chestnut eliminated the heavy aching feeling in my legs. I haven’t yet noticed an improvement in appearance of the tiny blue veins, however it hasn’t gotten worse either. Phew!
Here’s a link to the one I use. I like the liquid extract so it absorbs quickly into my bloodstream. I put a full dropper or two into about an ounce of water and take it like a shot. You need to put on your big girl pants though – the taste isn’t great. I usually follow it with my blueberry breakfast smoothie.
Exercise has helped greatly with the aching too. I also lay on the floor or the bed and put my legs up the wall. I try to get my “sit bones” as close to the wall as possible. It’s very relaxing and makes my legs feel so good.
I researched further into the cause of varicose veins and found that lack of exercise (duh) and vitamin C deficiency were main causes. So, here’s the Vitamin C I use. It’s a huge jar and lasts a long time. Of all the C supplements I’ve tried, I love this one because it’s all powdered plants – that’s it! No fillers, flavoring, or fake anything. I can put a big scoop into my morning smoothie and not swallow a bunch of pills. It’s not synthetic like ascorbic acid, and you literally can’t take too much because it’s just plants! This powder adds a tangy citrus flavor too.
Let me know how it works for you in the comments below, or if you have another remedy to share. Your comments are always appreciated!
Sloanespiration! 