Natural Healing: Prevent Varicose Veins

(Page 3 of 3)

July/August 2003
By Linda B. White, M.D. 
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Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a yellow-flowered shrub that, by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, tones the veins. Scientific research now supports a long history of folk use in treating varicose veins. Butcher’s broom extracts inhibit enzymes that degrade structural components of veins and render small vessels less permeable (inhibiting fluid from leaking out into the surrounding tissues). A 1988 Italian study showed that a combination of butcher’s broom, vitamin C and hesperidin (a citrus bioflavonoid) was safe and more effective than both a placebo and rutoside (a citrus bioflavonoid complex).

RELATED CONTENT

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is rich in anti-inflammatory substances and tannins (the mouth-puckering astringent substances also found in red wine and tea). Extracts of the bark of this North American tree, easily found in most pharmacies, have a long tradition of topical use for skin inflammation, hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Linda B. White, M.D. is the co-author of Kids, Herbs, & Health (Interweave, 1998), The Herbal Drugstore (Rodale, 2000) and Healing Young Minds (Rodale, 2004).

Resources

Bioforce
1869 Rte. 9H, Ste. 1
Hudson, NY 12534
(800) 641-7555
www.bioforceusa.com
Venaforce Horse Chestnut Tablets and Soothing Horse Chestnut Leg Gel, an internal and external treatment program for varicose veins

Healthy Legs and Feet Too!
6342 SW Macadam Ave.
Portland, OR 97239
(888) 495-0105
www.healthylegs.com
A variety of support stockings and pantyhose

Herb Pharm
P.O. Box 116
Williams, OR 97544
(800) 348-4372
www.herb-pharm.com
High-quality, organically grown gotu kola extract

Vitacost.com
2049 High Ridge Rd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(800) 793-2601
www.vitacost.com
Several brands of bilberry extract

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