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Ask the Herbalist_questions on varicose veins
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Herbs which have been traditionally used for varicosities include the following:
Elder Berry, Latin named: Sambucus nigra S. canadensis, this herb is a rich source of flavonoids, and as such is
strengthening and nutritive to the vascular integrity of veins, capillaries, and arteries for spider veins, varicose veins.
Nettle, Stinging Nettle, Latin Named: Urtica dioca, the leaf is useful for varicose veins, very nutritive, increase vascular
integrity.
Calendula, Pot Marigold, Latin Named: Calendula officinalis The flowers are very rich in carotenoids and flavonoids
which increase the integrity of veins, arteries and capillaries. This herb can be used in combination with other herbs
which have been used for varicosities to build a formula.
Blueberry Fruit Latin Named: Vaccinium sp, rich source of flavonoid such as proanthocyanodins which have a
strengthening effect on blood vessels, good for varicose and spider veins. Eat all fruit jams or just fruit in diet, this herb
is very nutritive.
Blackberry, Latin Named: Rubus species The berries are a rich source of flavonoids which strengthen vessels and
capillaries.
Collinsonia, Stone root, Rich weed, Horse balm, Latin Named: Collinsonia canadensis is a good herb for varicose
veins combine with Hawthorn, Calendula and the Chinese herb Lycium fruit.
Cayenne pepper, hot pepper, bird pepper, Latin Named: Capsicum spp, C. annum, C. frutecens highly nutritious, rich
source of flavanoids and carotenoids, helps with varicose veins and impaired circulation, get in diet or a couple drops a
day of tincture.
Witch hazel, Latin Named: Hamamelis virginian use a strong tea in bath and soak, this herb is an astringent and helps
with bruise, sprain, strains as an external application. Other astringing herbs can be used also, such as Yarrow, Oak
bark, etc.
Horse Chestnut, Latin Named: Aesculus hippocastanum is good for varicosities such as hemoroids and varicose
veins, moves venous congestion and increase tone of vessels, use small amount several drops of tincture.
The Chinese herb
Gou qi zi, Lycium fruit, Wolfberry, Latin Named: Lycium chinensis very rich in nutrients, flavanoids, carotenoids, helps
to increase vascular integrity throughout body.
I would suggest any of the fruits or vegetables that have red/blue/purple flesh and skin would increase vessel integrity.
again from Nutrition Science News, July 2000
Herbal Treatment for Varicose Veins
by Mindy Green
See it on the web at http://exchange.healthwell.com/nutritionsciencenews/nsn_backs/Jul_00/vveins.cfm
In the body, blood pumps from the heart via arteries and returns back to the heart through veins. Down in the legs,
venous blood must work against gravity; to prevent backflow, intermittent valves open for the blood and close behind
it. A vein becomes varicose when valves break down or weaken, thereby putting more pressure on other valves. This
can cause a cycle of damage that tends to increase with time. When valves no longer prevent backflow of venous
blood, the abnormal pressure inflames the veins, blood pools, and veins become permanently dilated.
More than half the middle-age population in the United States has enlarged, twisted or bluish varicose veins. For
reasons not wholly known, the condition occurs about four times more frequently in women than in men.1
The underlying causes of varicose veins are multifaceted and can include pregnancy and chronic constipation, both of
which can increase venous pressure in the legs and lead to varicose veins. Overweight individuals who have less
muscle and tissue tone are more likely to have weakened vein walls. Other factors are a hereditary predisposition, a
lack of exercise and age. All these can be compounded by a lack of muscle tone and degenerative changes in
supporting connective tissue. People in service positions who must stand on their feet for hours are most affected
because their work conditions increase venous pressure.
Most varicosities are close to the skin's surface and, though they are not a severe threat to health, may hint at chronic
circulatory problems. If ignored, they can become painful. Spider-web veins are tiny, dilated blood vessels just under
the skin. They don't bulge like varicose veins and, though unsightly, are harmless. Deeper varicose veins can lead to
stroke, heart problems or thrombophlebitis, a vein inflammation in conjunction with an obstructive blood clot formation.
Varicose veins are not confined to the legs. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins in the rectum and are much more
common, frequently affecting pregnant women because of the extra pressure and weight in the perineal area.
If a customer is concerned about varicose veins, you can recommend a number of healing herbs. The herbs can be
even more effective when integrated with appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes. Some examples include increasing
dietary fiber intake to prevent constipation, raising the legs for 10-minute intervals throughout the day to relieve
pressure and pain on the varicosities, and raising the foot of the bed one to three inches to relieve pressure at night.
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