Varicose veins is a condition that refers to enlarged, gnarled veins. The reason why this occurs is that the veins which perform the task of carrying blood to the heart fail to do so in an efficient manner.As a result, blood begins to pool resulting in dilation and bulging veins. Valves in the veins of the legs and ankles are most commonly affected. Besides hereditary and ageing process, other factors that may escalate the risk of varicose veins include pregnancy and excessive body weight.
Some of the symptoms seen in varicose veins include feeling of heaviness, pain, burning sensation and noticeable swelling in legs or ankles. There are a number of herbal cures that must be availed in order to improve circulation and control the problem of varicose veins. Lets’ take a good look at the list of herbal remedies for varicose veins.
Effective Herbal Remedies For Varicose Veins
Butcher’s Broom
If you want to do something for your failing vein health, butcher’s broom is unquestionably worth a try. As a matter of fact, butcher’s broom is considered as a reliable form of herbal treatment for cases of chronic venous insufficiency.
This herb contains a sufficient amount of ruscogenins, which aid in controlling swelling, a common and troublesome clinical feature in patients with varicose veins.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut, with the botanical name of Aesculus hippocastanum offers definite relief from varicose veins. The seeds extracted from the herb work well as a venotonic. In simple words, the herbal seeds strengthen and tighten the muscular tissue that constitutes the vein. It is essentially the presence of an active compound, Aescin that promotes improved blood circulation via toning effect.
According to herbalists, Horse chestnut can effectively deal with inflammation too, and this is one of the reasons why it is commonly chosen for herbal cure of weakened veins, ulcerations as well as hemorrhoids.A standardized herbal extract with 16 to 20% of Aescin is one of the most common forms in which this herb is used. The intake or topical application of Horse chestnut is contraindicated in individuals with liver or kidney disorders and even for those taking blood thinning drugs.
Gotu Kola And Varicose Veins
Centella Asiatica, is perhaps one of the most trusted herb of treatment for an array of ailments, beginning from ulcerations in the stomach, hepatitis, bronchial asthma to diarrhea and varicose veins. Till date studies have been conducted to verify the role of Gotu kola in venous insufficiency. It has been fully ascertained that the use of this herb aids in minimizing swelling and helps improve circulation, as well. This happens due to the richness of certain chemicals known as triterpenoids.
It is quite easy to avail the vein strengthening benefits of Gotu kola or Indian pennywort by consuming it in the form of either herbal tea or tincture form. Some of the side effects associated with its use are gastrointestinal upset, nausea and drowsiness.
However, such effects are seen only when an excessive dose of Gotu kola is taken. Also, Gotu kola has a tendency to interact with several medications; for example cholesterol lowering drugs, sedatives as well as medicines that lower blood sugar level. You may go ahead with its use only after seeking proper medical consultation.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel, otherwise known as winter bloom, has been extensively used as tinctures for many conditions, one of them being varicose veins. Herbalists tout witch hazel as a potent anti inflammatory with astringent and haemostatic properties. Not only does it improve vein health, it contains constituents, such as tannins which aid in tightening and repairing distended vessels.
Its topical application as a cold compress (twice in a day) help in relieving pain and swelling on a temporary basis.Its ingestion has, however, been linked with many adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting and constipation. Owing to the high level of tannins, Witch hazel should not be used for a long duration of time. As with other herbs, medical consultation is advised.
Prickly Ash
The bark and red berries of Prickly ash offer help for individuals dealing with swollen veins and poor elasticity which results in pooling of blood in the lower extremities.
The alkaloid and tannin content is responsible for stimulating the tonic actions of the herb. This is probably why tincture or tea form of prickly ash is recommended for those dealing with circulatory problems, such as leg ulcers or varicose veins. One can also use this herb for topical application. Consumption of prickly ash is not advised in patients taking anticoagulant drugs.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.