Varicose veins can make everyday life feel harder—your legs feel heavy, tired, and sometimes even swollen. But did you know that one of the best natural solutions might already be sitting in your kitchen? The humble onion is more than just a cooking ingredient. It’s a natural treasure that supports circulation and reduces inflammation, making it a gentle helper in soothing varicose veins.
Why Onion?
Onions are rich in quercetin, a powerful antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning properties. This means better blood flow and less pressure on your veins. They also contain sulfur compounds that support healthy blood vessels and help reduce swelling.
Simple Onion Remedy
Here’s an easy and natural way to use onion externally to support your legs:
Onion Infused Oil Massage
Ingredients:
- 1 large red or yellow onion
- 1/2 cup of olive oil (cold-pressed)
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Warm the olive oil in a small pan (on very low heat).
- Add the chopped onion and let it infuse for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Strain the oil and store it in a glass jar.
How to use:
Gently massage the oil into the affected areas in circular motions every evening. Leave it on overnight or for at least an hour before rinsing.
What to Expect
With regular use, many people notice lighter legs, reduced swelling, and improved skin appearance. It’s gentle, natural, and easy to add to your routine.
A Few Extra Tips
- Keep your legs slightly elevated during rest.
- Stay hydrated and walk daily to help circulation.
- Combine this remedy with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber for even better results.
You don’t need expensive treatments—just a simple onion and a little consistency. Nature always finds a way to heal when we give it a chance!
What Are Witches’ Stairs? A Simple Explanation of This Strange Home Design
Witches’ stairs are a strange but interesting design feature that became popular on TikTok a couple of years ago. Even though they have an unusual history, their name doesn’t really have to do with superstition. Instead, these stairs are a clever design choice. When made and installed correctly, they can be both useful and nice to look at!
Witches’ Stairs aren’t what they Appear.
While the stories about witches’ stairs might sound more interesting, they actually have a very practical purpose. They are really useful in homes with little space, like attics, lofts, and tiny houses. Witches’ stairs are designed to save space while still allowing you to go from one floor to another. Architects often call them “alternate tread stairs.”
How Witches’ Stairs Function
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
Witches’ stairs are designed to save space in two ways. First, each step is only half as wide as regular steps, and the steps are staggered. This makes the staircase narrower than a traditional one. These smaller stairs can also be used for extra storage, like for books or displaying items. According to Scott Schuttner, who wrote “Basic Stairbuilding,” the distance between the steps on one side of an alternating-tread stair is twice the height of the rise, which gives you more space on the steps and makes them safer.
Besides being practical, witches’ stairs meet building codes and safety standards in the U.S. A standard staircase is usually 3 feet wide, while a residential witches’ staircase is typically between 27 and 30 inches wide.
Real Origins
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
In 1985, a businessman named J.M. Lapeyre created a metal version of witches’ stairs. He thought these stairs could be a safe alternative to ladders in commercial and warehouse settings, especially in tight spaces where ladders might not be safe. This design is also used on commercial ships and oil rigs, and it can be called ship stairs or ship ladders, in addition to witches’ stairs and alternate tread stairs.
Misconception
Photo Credit: itsthatrealestatechick | TikTok
When videos of witches’ stairs first appeared on TikTok in 2021, they were linked to an urban legend. According to this legend, these staircases were built in 17th-century Massachusetts to keep witches away during the Salem witch trials because “witches can’t climb up them.” This idea has been proven false, but another rumor suggests that Thomas Jefferson came up with the design. Because of this, witches’ stairs are sometimes called Jeffersonian or Jefferson stairs. However, an original version of the design was also mentioned in a book called “Monckton’s One Plane Method Of Hand Railing and Stair Building,” published in 1888.
Debunking the Myth
Photo Credit: conspiracy___time | TikTok
The exact origins of witches’ stairs are a bit unclear, but one thing is clear: there’s no historical evidence that they were designed to keep witches away. Historian Robin Briggs has studied many historical sources and found no mention of stairs that could disable witches. Interestingly, some people with these unique staircases also buried “witch bottles” or included dead cats in their homes for protection against witchcraft, but Briggs calls this idea “pure disinformation.” He notes that the closest belief was that putting a broom over the door would trap a witch inside.
While it’s fun to think about myths and legends, it’s also interesting to know the real history of witches’ stairs. Regardless, they offer a unique and decorative alternative to regular staircases, adding a fun and quirky touch to home design.
Leave a Reply