Natural Health: What can I do about my aching varicose vein?

Plus: "My elderly mum has arthritis in her hands, which can flare up and be extremely painful. Is there a simple remedy we could give her?"

Varicose veins are more common in women than men and are indeed hereditary, so it is good that you’re addressing the problematic vein now rather than waiting for the issue to become more serious.

I’m in my 50s and have developed a varicose vein on the back of my thigh, which aches when I’m tired. 

My mother suffered from varicose veins for years, only finding relief through surgery. I would prefer to find a natural solution.

Varicose veins are more common in women than men and are indeed hereditary, so it is good that you’re addressing the problematic vein now rather than waiting for the issue to become more serious.

The aching you describe is a common side effect, and another common one is itching.

Veins return blood to the heart, and so they contain valves to ensure that the blood travels one way.

When these valves fail to perform, this can result in enlargement and bulging of the vein due to blood pooling in one place rather than flowing back to the heart.

Several natural remedies may help. One of the simplest is calendula (Calendula officinalis), which helps strengthen the walls of capillaries and veins, improve tone, and reduce inflammation. 

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is another common herb which can disperse pooling or stagnation of blood and promote healthy circulation.

Both calendula and yarrow can be taken as a pleasant herbal infusion. Use one teaspoon of dried herb per cup of near-boiling water and steep for four to six minutes. Drink two to three cups daily.

Calendula can also be applied topically to the affected area, and is readily available as a cream or balm (often used on babies’ bottoms to prevent or heal nappy rash).

Yarrow can interfere with antacids and blood pressure medications, so if you are currently on either of these, check with your prescribing doctor or avoid taking this herb internally.

Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is another herbal remedy that can help restore tone and elasticity to the venous system. 

The Venaforce range from A Vogel (available from most health stores or online at avogel.ie) is formulated with horse chestnut to target varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and spider veins. It is available as tincture tablets, liquid tincture, and Venagel for topical relief.

Since the varicose vein is on the back of your thigh, it is a good idea to spend about 10 minutes at the end of each day lying on your back with your hips close to the wall and your legs straight up, so they rest against it. 

This is even more important if you spend much of the day on your feet.

My elderly mum has arthritis in her hands, which can flare up and be extremely painful. Is there a simple remedy we could give her?

One of the most effective topical treatments for arthritic pain is a cayenne-based salve. However, this is highly impractical when it comes to treating the hands.

In your mum’s case, it would be better to use a supplement to help with the pain.

Boswellia serrata is used to treat the pain associated with arthritic conditions, along with headaches, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and menstrual cramps. 

Boswellia works by supporting the vascular system, helping to relieve inflammation, and reducing vessel constriction. Take as directed.

If you want to use a straightforward kitchen remedy, then combine 15ml (one tablespoon) of apple cider vinegar with a slice or two of ginger root, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and raw local honey to taste in a cup of hot water.

Apple cider vinegar provides nutrients which help to reduce the stiffness (and pain), and may halt the progression of arthritis.

Ginger root is excellent not only for improving circulation and reducing swelling but also for helping with pain relief.

Honey is a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

If you are unable to source the fresh root, then powdered ginger will do. Use up to one teaspoon per cup. Your mum will need to take two to three cups of this brew daily. 

You can reuse the ginger root slices for up to three days before discarding and replacing them with fresh ones.

• NOTE: The information contained in this column is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a doctor.