Brynna Veins. Ugh. They may end up being the bane of my existence.
My first varicose veins on my left leg started showing up when I was just 18. Sad, huh? They didn’t really worsen until after baby #3, and then by baby #5, they’re pretty noticeable, if you’re looking. 😉 Just in one leg so far, but I know the other one is coming. I’m doomed. (Thanks mom!)
That said…the cosmetic aspect actually doesn’t bother me much. But in the last couple of years I’ve really started to FEEL them. They get achey and uncomfortable at certain times, worse if I’m on my feet a lot all day. However, I’ve found a way to avoid that!!! I’ve discovered that if I am consistent with a few specific supplements/treatments, I don’t have any pain or discomfort with my veins. That’s a BIG deal, because I’ve looked into the difference treatments for veins (in-office and surgical) and one, they’re not cheap, but two, they’re not even guaranteed to fix the problem. And honestly, the idea of messing with the circulation routes in my body by closing them off or removing them entirely kind of freaks me out. I realize it may be necessary in cases, but if there’s another way…why not try it first?
So this is my collection of vein remedies that I’ve been using for several years (including through my hardest pregnancy) now WITH success!!
Topically, I use a homemade blend of peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit pink, wintergreen, black pepper, cypress, lemongrass, ginger, and juniper, in a carrier of grapeseed and vitamin E (no particular reason for those carriers, it’s just what I had on hand when I made this batch). I put a few drops on over the vein areas at least once a day (sometimes I use it on my entire legs as a moisturizer). This is really soothing, and the oils are great for improving circulation. Varicose veins, when established, are more an issue of weak vein walls than poor circulation, so this particular blend mostly eases discomfort and helps prevent any clotting issues in those weak areas.
Internally, I have one MAIN supplement that I try to never miss a day of. Trilight’s CirculaTone, a glycerite blend of Bilberry, Rosehips, Cleavers Herb and Ginkgo. I actually purchase the giant 32oz bottle of this when it’s on sale. This one is great for not only improving circulation but also strengthening veins and capillaries. This is probably the supplement that I have the most noticeable results from (and also the most noticeable symptoms returning if I DON’T take it!). I don’t bother measuring anymore, I just squirt a bit into my water or directly into my mouth. It’s not bad tasting but it is nicer to flush it down with some water. 😉 I’ll take this one 1-3 times a day, depending on how much my veins are bothering me. But usually when I’m consistent with it, at least once a day, I simply do NOT have any vein issues!
http://bit.ly/2Z08O0j
I also try to take 2 capsules of Nature’s Way Leg Veins every day. I’m super picky about supplements but this is one that I’ve found truly helps me and I haven’t found a comparable product yet (at least in results).
https://amzn.to/2Z6kiup
Lastly, this one I’m not super consistent with, probably because it’s expensive and it’s literally a lot to swallow. But it’s a really good supplement- they come in those little packs, because they don’t cram all the stuff into a single hard tablet full of fillers. I actually already had it before I was trying to figure out how to “heal” varicose veins (because I’m of the mindset that our bodies CAN absolutely heal from these things, though it may not be easy and certainly not fast…usually there’s a reason they happened in the first place, and it’s about finding out why, and changing that!), and then when I realized it had some of the specific supplements I wanted to increase for vein health, like glycine and grape seed extract, for example, I started using it for this purpose. However, I’m not sure I’ll be buying this one again unless it goes on the mega-sale I purchased it on before, and I’m on the lookout for a replacement. 🙂
http://bit.ly/2Z1uAAU
All combined, during the times when I’m consistent with all four of these things, I REALLY notice a difference in my veins. They don’t swell as much (if at all), and I literally NEVER HAVE ANY PAIN OR DISCOMFORT during those times. The problem is, sometimes I start feeling SO good that I start getting lazy and stop taking the stuff for a while…need I even mention what happens? I do start to notice pain and achiness starting again, so I know to make sure to work on my consistency.
I hope that helps somebody out there. These may not work for everyone, but it’s worth a shot!*
*this post contains affiliate links
