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Aescin restricts edema by reducing the filtration of water and protein through the capillaries. It also appears to have a tonic effect on the circulatory system, as well as a mild diuretic effect, relieving the fluid retention that so often accompanies CVI. Just like doing exercises builds muscle tone and provides greater strength for daily activities, toning the vein system increases the veins’ ability to move blood back and forth to the heart. This ability has lead to horse chestnut’s extensive use for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, leg ulcers, deep vein thrombosis, phlebitis and frostbite. The German Commission E approves the uses of horse chestnut seed for CVI, pain and a sensation of heaviness in the legs, and nocturnal leg cramps. (See our October 2004 issue for more about the German Commission E.)

Ginger is a folk remedy for reducing the “stickiness” of blood platelets, which lowers the incidence of clots. Ginger is also one of the best herbs for blood circulation. Happily, ginger tea is a delicious way to take the herb: Just boil 5 to 10 slices of fresh gingerroot for 2 to 5 minutes in 2 to 4 cups of water. Add some honey for flavor, if you like.

Garlic and onions (Allium cepa) both have proven to be very effective in reducing blood clots, blood pressure and blood lipids. Some of the effects are due to the ability of garlic to reduce fats in the blood, but other mechanisms are also at work. I usually recommend about 1,000 mg of garlic, twice daily, or two or three raw garlic cloves, if you’d rather eat the whole food. An excellent prevention strategy is to use onions and garlic liberally in your cooking.

Reishi has been shown very effective for reducing blood clots and for healthy blood pressure. These mushrooms have the added benefit of lowering both cholesterol and triglycerides, along with improving the HDL (good cholesterol) to LDL (bad cholesterol) ratio. Try 200 mg of a 15:1 extract twice daily.

Several herbs contain essential fatty acids, which help reduce blood clotting. Three of the best are black currant, borage and hemp oils; their seed oils contain omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Fish oils are another good source of these body-friendly fatty acids. A mixture of these oils gives a full range of the essential fatty acids. Take 2,000 mg twice daily.

Jill Stansbury has been a naturopathic physician for more than 12 years, with a private practice in Battleground, Washington. She is the chair of the Botanical Medicine Department at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon, and the author of many books, including Herbs for Health and Healing (Publication International, 1997).

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