Herbal Therapies - Diet and Supplements - Varicose Veins

Witch hazel - Application of a witch hazel ointment three or more times is necessary for two or more weeks before results can be expected. (Witch hazel may cause minor skin irritation in some people when applied topically; this herb is not recommended for internal use.)

Horse chestnut - Can be used both internally and as an external application for problems of venous circulation, including varicose veins. (Horse chestnut should be avoided by anyone with liver or kidney disease. Its internal use is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Topically, horse chestnut has been associated with rare cases of allergic skin reactions. Since circulation disorders and trauma associated with swelling may be the sign of a serious condition, a health care professional should be consulted before self-treating with horse chestnut.)

Bilberries - Support normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body, and in this way help prevent varicose veins.

Butcher's broom - Tons veins while reducing inflammation. Can also be prepared as tea.

Gotu Kola - Strengthens blood vessels and improve peripheral circulation.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba) - Strengthens blood vessels and improve peripheral circulation.

Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) - Strengthens blood vessels and improve peripheral circulation.

To disperse buildup of a protein that makes skin near varicose veins hard and lumpy, try eating more cayenne (Capsicum frutescens), garlic (Allium sativum), onion, ginger (Zingiber officinale), and pineapple, which contains bromelain, an enzyme that promotes breakup of fibrin.

Herbal Tea

Hawthorn berries 3 parts
Yarrow 2 parts
Horsechestnut 3 parts
Ginger 1 part
Prickly ash bark 2 parts
Use two teaspoonfuls of the mixture. Infuse for fifteen minutes. Drink three times daily.

External applications of Camomile, Comfrey, Oatstraw, White Oak Bark, or Witch Hazel are believed especially beneficial.
Aloe Vera gel can be used to soothe itchy or irritated varicosities.

Diet and Supplements
A high-fiber diet helps prevent straining of your stool, which can build up pressure and aggravate varicose veins. It is recommended that you consume at least 30 grams of fiber a day. To accomplish this, build your meals around whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, adding these foods to your diet as often as possible. Eat plenty of blackberries and cherries. They are rich in compounds that may prevent varicose veins or lessen the discomfort they cause. (See juice therapy for recommendations about fruit juices.)

Vitamin A In the form of beta carotene, 25,000 IU for skin integrity and to speed varicose ulcer healing.

B Complex One comprehensive tablet plus a tablespoon of brewer's yeast daily to help maintain strong blood vessels.

Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids 1,000 to 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C and 100 to 1,000 milligrams of bioflavonoids in divided daily doses to aid circulation, promote the healing of sores, and strengthen vein walls to prevent dilation.

Among bioflavonoids, rutin is used routinely to treat varicose veins. It is present in many foods, including citrus fruits, apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, rose hips, and buckwheat. Another bioflavonoid, quercetin, has shown promise in treating varicose veins.

Vitamin E 300 to 800 IU in gradually increased dosages to improve circulation, reduce susceptibility to varicose veins, relieve pain, and, sometimes, correct varicosities. Topical applications of vitamin E squeezed from capsules often relieves localized irritation and speeds the healing of varicose ulcers. (Although the Daily Value for vitamin E is only 30 IU, 300 to 800 IU a day is safe for most people. If you suffer from moderate coagulation factor deficiency, however, don't take this much vitamin E. It can cause dangerous bleeding in people who have this condition.)

Lecithin One tablespoon of granules daily (or two capsules with each meal) to emulsify fats and aid circulation.

Tissue Salts Two tablets of 6XCalc.Fluor. each morning and evening to improve the elasticity of blood vessel walls.

Zinc 50 milligrams daily to assist with healing and collagen formation and to help maintain the proper concentration of vitamin E in the blood.

Preferred Foods: Whole foods diet with emphasis on the following foods: fresh fruits, including berries and cherries, and citrus fruit making sure to nibble on the inside of the rinds, whole grains especially buckwheat and millet, garlic, onions, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Eat plenty of fish and cut down on red meat as much as possible. Moderately restrict fats and refined carbohydrates in diet.

Foods to avoid: Sugar, salt, alcohol, fried foods, processed and refined foods, animal protein, cheeses, and ice cream.