Q and A: Herbal Remedies for Varicose Veins
Health professionals answer readers questions about natural treatments for varicose veins.
By Robert Rountree and Daniel Gagnon
September/October 1997
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Bilberry can improve the strength and tone of blood vessals to get rid of varicose veins.
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In every issue of Herbs for Health, professionals from a variety of health-care fields answer your questions about using medicinal herbs. Medical doctor Robert Rountree and herbalist Daniel Gagnon responded for this issue.
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Q&A
My sister-in-law has varicose veins, which she got while pregnant. I’d like to know if there are herbs to assist her with this problem.
N. R.
Montecito, California
Both pregnancy and chronic constipation can lead to persistent increases in the pressure inside the superficial veins of the legs and rectal area. This pressure stretches out the walls of these veins and damages their valves, thus creating varicosities or hemorrhoids. While it is difficult to completely reverse this kind of damage, there are several supplements I have found useful, either alone or in combination:
• Proanthocyanidins are a group of plant flavonoids extracted from grape seeds, pine bark, and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). In addition to being potent antioxidants, they increase the strength and tone of blood vessel walls by enhancing collagen cross-linkage. A typical dose is 50 to 150 mg daily.
• Collinsonia root (Collinsonia canadensis)—a traditional remedy for hemorrhoids—probably works by a mechanism similar to proanthocyanidins. I usually prescribe 1 to 2 droppersful of tincture daily for two or three months.
• Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) contains a variety of compounds that have been shown in many studies to improve venous insufficiency and varicose veins by strengthening connective tissue. The standardized solid extract is the most potent form; it is used in a dose of 60 to 120 mg daily.
• Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a kind of lily with a long history of use for venous problems; it acts as a vasoconstrictor. In addition to oral preparations, it is available as a cream which can be applied two or three times a day.
—Robert Rountree