Unbeknown to most of us, a massive network of arteries and veins criss-crosses all across our body just underneath our skin. These arteries and veins are a part of the cardiovascular system and they work hard to ensure that the blood the heart pumps is delivered to each and every cell in the body. But while the heart is taken care of by us, we often times don’t pay too much attention to our arteries and veins. That is, until something goes wrong with them.

Varicose veins are one such disorder that can cause the veins to rise up and press against the skin making them visible. Not only does this cause embarrassment and discomfort, it is also a sign that the vein in question isn’t functioning properly. Varicose veins usually occur in legs and feet, but they can also appear in the pelvis, esophagus, uterus etc.

A varicose vein is caused by improper flow of blood through that vein or due to a faulty blood valve. They are painful and are often accompanied by fatigue, restlessness, throbbing and burning sensations and other symptoms. Obesity and hormonal changes can cause varicose veins to occur.

Although it is a fairly common illness, varicose veins can be treated by using simple natural home remedies. A few of them are listed below:-

1. Garlic

Garlic is available everywhere but what most of us are unaware of is its capability to fight varicose veins and reduce their prevalence. Not only does it help in easing symptoms of restlessness and fatigue that patients of this illness experience, it also helps in lowering the inflammation in the veins, thereby easing the swelling. Garlic is also able to improve the overall flow of blood in the arteries and veins, therefore ensuring that this illness doesn’t strike you again.

You can look into many other benefits of garlic here.

2. Olive Oil

Olive oil is steadily gaining popularity in India due to its numerous health advantages. One of the many health benefits that olive oil provides is its ability to ease the discomfort of varicose veins.

This also brings to light the fact that olive oil is not only a great cooking oil, it can also be used to massage the affected area if you’re suffering from varicose veins. By using olive oil to massage the area, you will be able to stimulate blood flow to it and help to treat varicose veins. Find out about many benefits of olive oil for massage here.

3. Parsley

Parsley is a slender herb that is used as a garnish and for its wonderful aroma. But this humble herb can work big wonders when it comes to treating varicose veins. As varicose veins protrude against the skin, the skin can get disfigured and damaged. Parsley stimulates the production of collagen, which boosts the creation of new skin cells and restores the skin to its undamaged state.

Discover many other benefits of parsley here.

4. High Fiber Foods

One of the major causes that can lead to varicose veins is constipation. When you suffer from constipation, the chances of developing varicose veins increases drastically. So the best thing you can do to keep varicose veins at bay is to simply ensure your digestive system is working efficiently and without any trouble.

A diet rich in fiber will help you do exactly that. High fiber foods like muesli not only keep your digestive tract clean and healthy, they’re also a great addition to the breakfast table.

Find out more about the benefits of muesli here.

5. Pepper

Pepper may be known to all of us, but its high nutrition value may surprise everybody. Pepper is rich in a number of nutrients like vitamin C and bioflavonoids and these nutrients are key if you wish to treat varicose veins. The nutrients in pepper act as painkillers against the pain caused by swollen veins. Moreover, they also help in reducing the inflammation, thus being very important in fighting off varicose veins.