Herbal Poultice for Vericose Veins

Varicose veins are a common condition where the veins just under the surface of the skin are swollen and twisted, affecting primarily women over 50. A cabbage poultice is a proven herbal remedy for treating this condition, which applied along with yarrow improves local circulation, reduces inflammation and tones the veins in the area applied.

Preparation

• Blend cabbage in a blender with warm water until a thick paste is made. Both red and green cabbages work for making a healing poultice. Meanwhile, boil water in a small pot, adding 1/4 cup of fresh or dry yarrow leaves and let the herbs simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the yarrow and let the liquid cool in a medium bowl.

Application

• Clean the area to be treated with lukewarm water and apply a 1-inch thick layer of cabbage poultice. Dip a cheese cloth or clean towel in yarrow tea and cover the area with the cabbage poultice. Wrap the entire section with a thick towel or flannel cloth and leave on for 15 minutes to an hour. Restrain from moving while having poultice on and remove if there is any itching or an uncomfortable feeling in the skin, washing any paste off the skin. Repeat the procedure every day until you see a noticeable difference in your varicose veins.

Additional Care

• In order to prevent varicose veins from getting worse, it is important to avoid standing for long periods of time and avoid crossing your legs while sitting. An increase in exercise and weight loss will improve blood flow easing pressure on the varicose veins and raising your legs while sitting and sleeping also will reduce pressure. For varicose veins that cause pain and extreme swelling, there are a number of medical procedures that either remove the varicose veins or close them. Natural remedies are a good starting point before considering costly procedures.