11/07/2025
What is Venous Insufficiency?
To understand venous insufficiency, we must first understand the function of veins. Veins are meant to return used, deoxygenated blood to the heart via the use of small, internal, one-way valves. Insufficient veins cease to perform this function efficiently due to weak valves which slow the movement of blood,
allowing it to pool in the legs. At times, the blood may flow toward the feet, instead of toward the heart. This is called “reflux.” Reflux can manifest in many ways.
Common symptoms include some or all of the following:
-Spider and/or varicose veins of the legs, groin, or private areas
-Leg pain
-Leg heaviness
-Leg tiredness
-Leg itchiness
-Leg restlessness
-Discoloration of the skin of the ankles and legs
-Infections of the skin of the legs (cellulitis)
-Slow-healing or non-healing wounds of the ankles or lower legs.
Natural Ways to Treat Venous Insufficiency
So now that we understand the diagnosis of venous insufficiency, let’s talk about how to treat it. First, I want to be clear that there is no way to reverse the cause of venous insufficiency, only the symptoms. Damaged valves inside the vein cannot be repaired, but there are plenty of ways to minimize the impact of the reflux they cause. Many of my patients eventually become symptom-free.
The first thing I recommend to a person diagnosed with venous insufficiency is tried and tested home-based treatment like the following:
-Compression socks/stockings
Graduated compression socks are part of the treatment plan for every patient diagnosed with venous insufficiency, and I know you HATE them because they are tight. The right pair of compression socks should help to reverse symptoms like leg heaviness, achiness, fatigue, and swelling. They may also help resolve tenderness of varicose or spider veins.
-Exercise
When you move, so does your blood. Your veins depend on muscle
contractions to help them return used, deoxygenated blood to your heart. Without regular exercise, your circulation is missing an important part of its equation. I recommend at least 30 minutes of continuous, low-impact exercise a day, in addition to frequent breaks from sitting or standing throughout the day.
-Elevation
When you elevate your legs, you allow gravity to naturally bring blood back
toward your heart. This will likely make your legs feel less achy and swollen and feel especially good at the end of a long day. Even people with mild cases of venous insufficiency may get a substantial reversal of symptoms after just a few minutes of elevation. Ideally, your legs should be above the level of your heart, but any elevation is better than none. You can purchase special leg
elevation pillows if you want to maximize your results.
-Proper skin care
Venous insufficiency can often cause dry, itchy skin that is prone to rashes, and in some advanced cases, infections and wounds. Skin irritation, or dermatitis, can sometimes be reversed with a good skin care regimen to include the following:
-Hydrate- opt for greasy products like coconut oil versus runny lotions, and
apply to towel-dried, intact skin
-Avoid harsh chemicals like perfumes and anti-microbial
-Avoid touching and rubbing the skin throughout the day
-Wear a clean pair of compression socks daily.
-Foods and supplements
-Horse Chestnut- One promising ingredient in the fight against venous insufficiency is horse chestnut extract. This natural supplement is probably not in your medicine cabinet yet, but if you have venous insufficiency, maybe it should be. Clinical trials have found horse chestnut to help reverse symptoms of venous insufficiency like leg swelling and itching. It may even help
reverse skin damage and discoloration caused by chronic venous insufficiency.
Water- staying well hydrated improves the viscosity of blood.
Anti-inflammatory diets- Certain
foods are known to be inflammatory and could, in theory, interfere with optimal circulation. Foods to avoid if you are attempting an anti-inflammatory diet include animal products, processed food, and fried food. Instead, focus on eating naturally derived, whole foods prepared at home. The more colorful the plate, the better.
Other supplements- there is some evidence to suggest that supplements like Omega 3, Quercetin, and turmeric can “thin the blood” and decrease inflammation in the body, aiding in proper circulation.
As with all supplements, speak to your homeopathic Dr or Healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
Homeopathic treatment is effective in assisting patients to recover from venous ulcers and decreasing the severity of the pain and swelling. Eg of these medicines is as follows:
-Arnica montana
Relieves pain, bruising, and swelling associated with trauma, surgery or
overexertion.
-Calcarea carbonica
Varicose veins that hurt while the person is standing or walking may respond to this remedy. People who need this remedy often have poor circulation, with clammy hands and feet, and a general feeling of chilliness. They may have weak or flabby muscles, and be easily tired by exertion. Weight problems, cravings for sweets and eggs, and a tendency to feel anxious or overwhelmed when overworked are other indications for this remedy.
-Carbo vegetabilis
Poor circulation with icy coldness of the extremities, mottled skin with distended veins, and a bruised or “marbled” look may indicate a need for this remedy. The person’s legs feel weak and heavy and often itch and burn. Poor digestion, a feeling of faintness, and a craving for fresh or moving air are strong indications of Carbo vegetabilis. This remedy is often indicated for older people, or those who are slow to recover from an illness.
-Hamamelis
Improves venous circulation and heavy legs that bruise easily. Helps deal with venous inflammation.
-Pulsatilla
Swollen veins in the legs, and sometimes even in the arms and hands, suggest a need for this remedy. Varicose veins in the legs feel hot and painful at night, with heaviness and weariness. Symptoms are worse when the legs are
hanging down without support, and worse from warmth. Cold applications, motion, and cool fresh air may help. Pulsatilla is often helpful for varicose veins that develop during pregnancy.
Consult your local Homeopathic Dr today and take advantage of the awesome benefits of homeopathic treatment.
