Varicose, spider and many other chronic disorders related to veins have been affecting 50% of the American population. This also puts these conditions on the list of the most chronic in the country. In the beginning, varicose and spider veins are only cosmetic conditions. However, as time progresses, they can turn into a severe and painful condition.
As it is a cosmetic condition in the initial stages, many people choose to go for home remedies or dietary changes to treat varicose veins rather than seeing a specialist and having their legs examined thoroughly.
While there have been many natural remedies suggested for varicose veins, there are some specific ones that can work wonders in treating vein disorders. One such home remedy is apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar, commonly known as ACV, is produced from apple cider or must. In its organic and unpasteurized form, it has a pale to medium amber color.
Commonly, apple cider vinegar is used for culinary purposes, but it is also recommended as a supplement due to its medicinal properties to treat various conditions. One such condition is bulging varicose veins.
Did You Know?
- Making apple cider vinegar is a two-step process that is similar to that of making alcohol.
- Apple cider vinegar can kill many types of pathogens, including bacteria. Therefore, traditionally it has been used as a cleanser and disinfectant, to cure nail fungus, ear infections, lice, and warts.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Varicose Veins
Apple cider vinegar is commonly used as a kitchen home remedy to treat a lot of conditions. It is easily available and does not cost much. Not just this, it is also a highly recommended home remedy to treat varicose veins.
To use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins(1), you need a medical cloth and apple cider vinegar.
Fill a bowl with ample apple cider vinegar and soak the medical cloth in it. Now wrap your lower leg in this soaked cloth and secure it properly. Let it stay on the leg for about 30 minutes and then slowly remove it. Use plain water to wash your leg.
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature because of which it is advisable that you do a little patch test before directly applying it on your leg to treat varicose veins.
If your skin is sensitive, it makes it even more important to test apple cider vinegar on a small patch of skin since there are high chances that the vinegar will cause rashes on the skin.
For best results from the treatment, you must lie down on a flat surface and adjust a couple of pillows under your ankle. Doing this will block the blood from flowing downwards.
Although many people use apple cider vinegar for varicose veins as a natural remedy, there are not enough researches done to confirm its positive effects on varicose and spider veins.
However, there is no harm in trying apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy if you have mild varicose or spider veins. Yet, if your symptoms are turning severe, it is important that you must visit a doctor.
Varicose veins could be a result of a severe underlying condition and thus, it is important that you take medical help if your symptoms are getting serious.
Interesting Facts
- Apple cider vinegar contains only 3 calories per tablespoon and almost no carbohydrates. It also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium and in small quantities.
- Other than all its health benefits, apple cider vinegar is also an effective remedy against jellyfish sting.
How to Pick the Right ACV?
Vinegar used for cooking might not be as effective on varicose veins as you’d expect. Therefore, buying pure apple cider vinegar(2) from a pharmacy is always recommended.
The pure apple cider vinegar will be unfiltered and unpasteurized. Only this vinegar will contain the mother of vinegar which is a substance loaded with important enzymes and nutrients.
To know that you are buying the best vinegar, always go for a branded bottle. Check the labels thoroughly to make sure that it is unfiltered and unpasteurized.
[ Read: Now Say Goodbye to Varicose Veins with These Exercises ]
FAQs
1. How to Apply Apple Cider Vinegar for Varicose Veins?
Apple cider vinegar, carrot, and aloe vera cream: You can prepare a cream at home using these ingredients and massage your legs with the cream for several minutes.
Let the cream stay on the leg for 30 minutes and then wash it off using warm water. If your skin has not reacted in a negative way towards the application of apple cider vinegar, only then apply the cream directly to your legs. Else, do a patch test first.
2. Can I Consume Apple Cider Vinegar Orally to Treat Varicose Veins?
Alternatively, you can also substitute the application of apple cider vinegar with oral consumption. You can drink 2 to 3 drops of apple cider vinegar twice every day to treat varicose veins. If the taste is too pungent for you, dilute it in water and have the solution right before you have your meals.
To make it taste better, you can add one teaspoon honey to the apple cider vinegar solution. But, make sure that the honey is organic.
With regular application or consumption of apple cider vinegar, the inflammation caused by blood accumulation can be cured.
However, the results can vary person-to-person depending on the severity of the damage. The difference can be seen within a few weeks.
