Varicose veins are tortuous, enlarged veins that are typically found in the lower extremities. They damage blood vessels, causing painful swelling and blood clots, affecting people as they age and affecting a person's proficiency, productivity, and life quality. The main causes of varicose vein disease are prolonged standing and obesity. This review discusses the mechanisms, prevention, risk factors, complications, and treatment of varicose veins. Endovascular, surgical, and herbal treatments all improve quality of life and reduce the secondary complications of varicose veins. Aside from these treatments, varicose vein disease can be avoided by practising regular yoga/exercise and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables such as grapes, blackberries, avocados, ginger, and rosemary. Varicose veins are typically a benign process with several issues that can impact an individual's life quality and potentially lead to life-threatening complications. However, there are a variety of surgical, endovascular, and chemical treatments available to improve quality of life and reduce secondary complications associated with varicose veins. Patients with varicose veins should take an antioxidant medication from the flavonoid group to lower their arterial blood pressure, reduce their risk of developing atherosclerosis, and avoid thrombotic incidents. Important teaching points Chronic venous disease is a pathological condition affecting the vein circulatory systems of the lower extremities. The main causes of varicose vein disease are prolonged standing and obesity. Endovascular, surgical, and herbal treatments improve quality of life and reduce secondary varicose vein complications. Flavonoids, saponins, and other venoactive drugs have a therapeutic effect on chronic venous disorders. Phlebotropic drugs are semi-synthetic substances that are widely used to treat various forms of chronic venous insufficiency. Foods high in phytoconstituents are more effective in the treatment of varicose veins.