Varicose veins are those twisted veins that may look dark purple or blue in color, with bulging and superficial appearance commonly seen on the lower extremities, the legs, and feet. They are known to leave one with a heavy achy feeling with some itching and burning sensation. Standing for a very long time will even make the condition worse.

With oregano oil, the story can be different. Oregano is known to contain the characteristics to inhibit and treat varicose veins and leaving your skin free and smooth. Oregano is a well known natural treatment with far-reaching health benefits for numerous skin conditions and varicose veins are not any exception.

In this post, we will be able to learn more about varicose veins, for a better understanding of any condition will enlighten us on the best possible ways to treat our health problems. We will be able to learn why oregano can be the perfect fit for treating varicose veins, how it can be used, and to eliminate the risk factors that come with varicose veins.

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are those tiny purple or dark blue veins that may appear on the legs. They are bulging, enlarged, and superficial in nature and present beneath the skin and usually, they can be seen larger than 3-mm in diameter. Varicose veins are commonly found around the legs, inside the calf or thigh, and usually develop due to weakened vein walls and valve functionality (1).

They also can be present in the vulva, rectum (hemorrhoids), spermatic cords (varicoceles), and the esophagus (esophageal varices) and common with elder people usually above age 40, a 10 to 20 percent of men and for women 25 to 33 percent (2). Varicose veins are also referred to as spider veins, varicosity, or varicosis (2a).

Varicose veins are not known to cause or pose any immediate threat health-wise to some of the people dealing with the condition but they can be really discomforting as one may experience aching pain, itching followed with some burning sensation, swelling which may be a signaling factor for a higher risk and probably some circulation issues (3)

Common complications of varicose veins may be infections, skin or leg ulcers, stasis changes, and thrombosis (4). Late complications of varicose veins may include chronic venous ulcers known to pose a serious burden on health care resources, contributing to over 2 million workdays lost and over $3 billion a year to treat in the US (5).

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins may come due to hormonal issues, lifestyle, acquired or inherited. Effects of estrogen can cause the condition for women, smoking and post-thrombotic syndrome may also lead to varicose veins (6).

The causes of varicose veins may be primary, secondary, or congenital. Varicose veins that develop as a result of weakness on the walls of the vein are considered to be primary varicose veins. They can be hereditary and run among members of the family. Varicose veins that come as a result of trauma or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), are considered secondary varicose veins. For congenital varicose veins, they are usually due to disorders in the original development of the venous system. This is commonly seen with a vascular malformation in the limb at the time of birth (7).

The venous drainage of the lower extremities is fulfilled by a network of superficial veins that are interconnected to the deep veins and by small perforator veins. Any form of infection in the venous system can lead to varicose veins and its symptoms. Due to a variety of pathophysiological changes, weakness is developed on the walls of the vein which gradually results in varicose veins with time (7a).

Bear in mind, varicose veins can be multifactorial and may include increased intravenous pressure which can be caused due to prolonged standing, increased intra-abdominal pressure from conditions like a tumor, pregnancy, chronic constipation, or obesity. Moreso, recent studies have concluded that shear pressure and inflammation are important etiological factors for venous conditions (8)

The formation of varicose veins can also be attributed to valve reflux which is a result of venous infection. For blood to flow from the distal to the proximal and superficial to deep fails, causing blood to flow in the reverse direction. As pressure increases in the venous system, the larger and infected veins become elongated and tortuous (9).

Besides any other cause, a defective venous valve may cause the venous blood to stagnate which can cause increased pressure in the veins and eventually further enlargement of the varicose veins. This is the main reason for skin changes and ulcer formation. This blockage can severely increase the effects and risk factors of varicose veins (10).

Common Signs and Symptoms

It is important to note that varicose veins can be symptom-free with no immediate health problems. In such cases, it may be a result of cosmetics. But in serious conditions, varicose veins may cause;

• Serious ankle and leg swelling
• Aching
• Heaviness or tension
• Restlessness
• Cramps
• Itching and burning sensation
• Purple or dark blue in appearance
• Skin pigmentation ( for chronic venous conditions)
• Loss of soft skin texture
• Underlying tissue in the ankle area.

Varicose veins show more symptoms in women than in men. Women are often seen with heaviness in the leg, tension, and aching, while men mostly complain of itching which is the most consistent symptom for men (11)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing varicose veins can be done primarily through a physical examination. A hand-held doppler instrument can be used during the physical examination for more accuracy. This hand-held doppler can enable the doctor to listen to the blood flow,

Also, a more precise and accurate method can be a duplex ultrasound imaging of the vein. This method can determine and pinpoint the exact locations of blockage due to blood clots. Also, it can determine if the vein valves are working properly.

Furthermore, the plethysmography test can be done and a measurement of the venous function of the leg (12).

Why oregano is your best treatment for varicose veins

Oregano has not just come up in recent years but has been used for thousands of years for numerous ailments including skin conditions like eczema, ringworm, arthritis, and many more. Oregano opened the eyes of ancient Chinese healers who used oregano for a wide variety of treatments. Since then, oregano has always amazed society with how far it can go when it comes to healing and fighting against numerous illnesses.

The properties of oregano oil make it unique as oregano by itself is anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal. The availability of carvacrol and thymol in oregano gives it an extra edge and help to crown its uniqueness. Carvacrol which ensures the potency of oregano makes over 75 to 85 percent of the oil. Combined with thymol, and other healthy ingredients form a combination that proves tough over numerous health issues.

The reason why oregano fits at the top for treating varicose veins is first for the fact that it is natural and organic treatment. Oregano oil is obtained from the wild oreganum vulgare plant through a unique distillation process which contributes greatly to maintain the full potency of the oil.

The fact that oregano is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help greatly to facilitate the free circulation of blood in the system and which are the main concerns for varicose veins gives oregano the upper hand to inhibit varicose veins treat its symptoms.

How to use oregano for varicose veins

It is important to know oregano can be used for a wide variety of uses but before using oregano, it is vital to talk with your doctor for more professional advice on using oregano oil. Also, oregano can be allergic to persons allergic to plants of the Lamiaceae family with other plants like basil, mint, marjoram, and sage.

Oregano oil is also not to be taken alongside with certain medications or treatments. If you are diabetic, it is important to avoid oregano oil as it can lower blood sugar levels. Oregano is not to be taken alongside anti-coagulants or blood-thinning medications as oregano by itself helps to promote blood circulation.

Pregnant and nursing mothers are advised to avoid using oregano oil as oregano oil can cause complications with the fetus for pregnant women and can limit the production of milk for nursing mothers.

The best ways to use oregano oil for varicose veins

Oregano oil can be used internally by taking the oil orally and physically on the skin by applying the oil on the affected areas.

For using oregano oil orally for treating varicose veins, you will have to mix 2-3 drops of oregano oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil place under the tongue for a few minutes and swallow. You can as well mix 2-3 drops of oregano in a glass of water, or any beverage of your choice and drink directly. Using oregano oil directly is not recommended for a long period. You can use oregano internally for 14 days max and take a break and can resume at a later time if need be.

If you are not too comfortable with the taste of the oil, you can use oregano capsules for your convenience. It is important not to exceed not more than 600mg in a day.

To use oregano oil externally for varicose veins, you can mix oregano oil, say 2-3 drops with a tablespoon of a carrier oil and massage the affected area towards the direction to the heart.

You can as well make a warm or cool compress. This can be done by soaking a cloth in a mixture of about 5 drops of oregano oil in a liter of water and apply on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes (13).

Some prevention practices of varicose veins

Nothing can be done about heredity, age, or gender but we can help to prevent the development of varicose veins and also from progressing. Here are some preventive practices;

• Try to be active by moving the leg muscles in other to keep the blood flowing easily
• Try to keep your blood pressure under control and work in close collaboration with your doctor
• To relieve symptoms temporarily, lie down and raise your legs at least six inches above the heart level. Try to do this for at least 10 minutes and multiple times a day
• Maintain your body weight and get it to normal.
• Your doctor can specify to wear prescription compression stockings
• Try to diagnose the cause of your condition, the source of the venous reflux in your legs to understand the condition better.
• Use essential oils for your general well being. You can use oregano capsules for general wellbeing and to promote the free flow of blood in your system.

Endnote

To use oregano oil effectively, it is very important to dilute the oil with a carrier oil. Also, it is important to use a 100% therapeutic and organic grade oregano oil, produced by a reputable manufacturer. If you are not too motivated to use oregano oil due to the taste you can try to use oregano capsules which are far easier to use. Share your experience with using oregano oil for us to learn from your experience. You might impact the lives of many just by sharing your experience.