Objective To construct an accurate clinical model of lower limb varicose veins in rats through surgery that provides theoretical support for evaluating drug therapy. Methods 30 SD rats, 15 males and 15 females, were randomly divided into a control group and surgical group. In the surgical group, the rats lower limb veins (including the small saphenous vein and femoral vein) were ligated via improved lower limb vein ligation, i.e., the small saphenous vein was completely ligated with the femoral vein, and the thrombosis result ed in a lasting increase in the internal pressure of the deep veins of the lower limb, causing varicose symptoms. On the 6th week after surgery, the varicose veins of the rats in the surgical group were scored to select those thatwere successfully modeled. Then, the successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group and Maizhiling group. Maizhiling 62.5 mg/kg was orally administered to the treatment group once a day, while the control and model group received an equal volume of physiological saline orally every day for 20 consecutive days. On the day before administration and 7 d, 14 d and 20 d after administration, macro photography and scoring were performed on the lower limbs of the rats. After completion, an approximately 1 cm long saphenous vein above the ankle joint of the lower limb on the surgical side was removed from the model group and Maizhiling group rats, while from the control group, the corresponding saphenous vein of the lower limb on the same side was removed. Pathological tissue observation was performed using HE staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical examination for interleukin-2(IL-2)and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases(TIMP-1). Results Of the 22 rats in the surgical group, 20 were successfully modeled, with a success rate of 91%. According to the manifestations of venous dilation, varicose veins, and redness in the lower limbs of rats, the varicose vein score of the model group increased significantly compared with that of the control group (P<0.01). After the therapeutic dose of Maizhiling was administered, the varicose vein score in the Maizhiling group decreased significantly compared with that of the model group (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed significant varicose-vein-like changes and mild inflammation in the model group. The Maizhiling group showed reduced varicose veins and inflammation. Conclusions A rat model of lower limb varicose veins was successfully established, providing a new research method for the study of drugs and treatment method related to lower limb varicose diseases.