The extract reduced leg pain and edema compared to placebo. A Cochrane meta-analysis of 17 human studies on horse chestnut for CVI concluded that it probably reduces lower leg volume and may reduce ankle and calf circumference. It is among our most potent herbs for vein health, often used solo or in combination with other herbs topically and internally. ( Aesculus hippocastanum) has a long history of use internally and externally for vascular issues including varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and CVI. Natural approaches are best used daily for an extended period of time. In truth, many of the herbs we use to support vascular health have a range of actions that can improve vascular lining while also enhancing blood flow. These circulatory tonics include garlic, ginger, yarrow, hawthorn, and gotu kola. Another useful group of herbs are those that improve circulation and blood flow. Astringent tannins, anti-inflammatory bioflavonoids (which are chemically related to tannins), and other constituents are often at play. Many of our key vein support herbs work internally or topically by tightening and toning the blood vessel lining (endothelium), improving its elasticity, closing up leaky gaps, and improving the vitality of connective tissue. When we look for herbs and natural remedies that support vein health, we find two major categories: those that improve blood vessel integrity, mainly by tightening and toning, and those that support circulation and blood movement through the body. Once varicose or spider veins form, it’s unlikely that natural approaches will bring them completely back to normal, but herbs often help reduce symptoms and further damage and manage risk factors. It’s always a good idea to discuss your health concerns and any herbs you’re taking with your primary care practitioner, no matter how minor the situation may seem. Work with an herbalist or naturopath to avoid potentially dangerous herb-drug interactions, particularly alongside blood-thinning medications. The following herbal and natural options may help manage these more serious conditions in non-acute stages, but they usually won’t suffice in their own. Bleeding veins, unexplained swelling, excessive cramping and heaviness warrant a check-up. See a doctor immediately if you have one swollen leg calf, hyperpigmentation of the lower leg and ankle, skin ulcers, eczema-like hardening of the skin, calf pain with cramps and soreness, red or discolored skin, or your leg feels hot to the touch – these are potential symptoms of life-threatening blood clots. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is very similar to varicose veins but can be dangerous in acute states or if caused by a clot. Blood clots and DVT are rare but life-threatening. Most varicose veins are just annoying and unsightly, but some vascular symptoms and vein issues can become serious and require immediate medical assessment and treatment. Spider veins affect more minor blood vessels and are harmless. Varicose veins might feel swollen, heavy, itchy, sometimes painful. Because veins lie closer to the skin, they’re more visible. This results in blood pooling in veins, distending them and sometimes leading to plasma leakage into the surrounding tissues (known as edema). Valves in the veins help the blood keep moving back toward the heart without back flow, but over time, the miniscule muscles and valves can become less elastic. After the oxygen has been released to the cells, the vessels (now known as veins) gradually increase in size again as they carry the de-oxygenated blood back to the lungs and heart. Why and How Varicose Veins DevelopĪrteries take the blood from the heart, out to your organs and limbs, shrinking in size until they become the tiny capillary system. As it turns out, some of our best long-term vascular tonics come not from modern medicine but ancient herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle. It’s also a top concern of mine now that I’m in my mid-40s with the early signs. In my clinical practice of predominantly middle-aged and older women, I see quite a few people with varicose veins. Your risk increases if you’re female, have a family history of vascular issues, are overweight, have a job where you have to stand for long periods of time (my mom and grandmother were labor and delivery, and surgical nurses), or have a more serious underlying vascular condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). We looked at our grandmother’s calves, lumpy and ropy with varicose veins, and my mother’s notched surgical removal scars and hoped that by the time we reached “that age” modern medicine would have better solutions.Īpproximately 20 percent of all adults will get varicose veins in their lives, particularly as they age. I spotted the first spider vein on my leg early in high school, after waterskiing with my cousin.
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