Varicose veins are twisted, enlarged veins close to the surface. They can occur almost
anywhere but most commonly occur in the esophagus and the legs.
Veins, which return blood to the heart, contain valves that keep blood from flowing
backward as a result of gravity. When these valves become weak, blood pools in the veins of
the legs and causes them to bulge. These enlarged vessels are called varicose veins. Standing
and sitting for long periods of time, lack of exercise,
obesity, and pregnancy all tend to promote the
formation of varicose veins. Sometimes varicose veins are painful, but elevating the affected
leg usually brings significant relief.
Checklist for Varicose
Veins
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Symptoms of varicose veins may include a dull pain, itch, or heavy sensation in the legs.
The sensation is worse after prolonged standing and better when the legs are elevated.
Varicose veins typically appear on the legs as dilated, tortuous veins close to the surface of
the skin, and may look blue. Advanced varicose veins may cause ankle and leg swelling or skin ulcers.
Medical treatments
Other treatment is to elevate the legs frequently, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and
wear compression stockings with supportive shoes. Other treatments include surgery to remove
the vein, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of a chemical
solution into the vein to cause it to close. Any skin ulcers that develop are treated with
compressive bandages that contain antibiotic
solutions.
Lifestyle changes that may be helpful
Keeping the legs elevated relieves pain. People with varicose veins should avoid sitting or
standing for prolonged periods of time and should walk regularly.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful
A controlled clinical trial found that oral supplementation with hydroxyethylrutosides
(HR), a type of flavonoid that is derived from rutin,
improved varicose veins in a group of pregnant
women.1 Further research is needed to confirm the benefits observed in this
preliminary trial. A typical amount of HR is 1000 mg per day.
A small, preliminary trial found that supplementation with 150 mg of proanthocyanidins per day improved the function of leg
veins after a single application in people with widespread varicose veins.2
Double-blind trials are needed to determine whether extended use of proanthocyanidins can
substantially improve this condition.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs that may be helpful
Although witch hazel is known primarily for treating
hemorrhoids, it may also be useful for varicose
veins.3 Topical use of witch hazel to treat venous conditions is approved by the
German Commission E, authorities on herbal medicine.4 Application of a witch hazel
ointment three or more times per day for two or more weeks is necessary before results can be
expected.
Horse chestnut seed extract can be taken orally or
used as an external application for disorders of venous circulation, including varicose
veins.5 Preliminary studies in humans have shown that 300 mg three times per day of
a standardized extract of horse chestnut seed reduced the formation of enzymes thought to
cause varicose veins.6 Topical gel or creams containing 2% aescin can be applied
topically three or four time per day to the affected limb(s).
Oral supplementation with butcher’s
broom7 or gotu kola8 may also be
helpful for varicose veins.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.
References
1. Sohn C, Jahnichen C, Bastert G. [Effectiveness of
beta-hydroxyethylrutoside in patients with varicose veins in pregnancy]. Zentralbl
Gynakol 1995;117:190–7 [in German].
2. Royer RJ, Schmidt CL. [Evaluation of venotropic drugs by venous gas
plethysmography. A study of procyanidolic oligomers]. Sem Hop 1981;57:2009–13
[in French].
3. European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. Hamamelidis folium
(Hamamelis leaf). ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs. Exeter, UK:
ESCOP, 1997.
4. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX:
American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 231.
5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete
German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin, TX:
American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 149.
6. Kreysel HW, Nissen HP, Enghofer E. A possible role of lysosomal
enzymes in the pathogenesis of varicosis and the reduction in their serum activity by
Venostasin. Vasa 1983;12:377–82.
7. Capelli R, Nicora M, Di Perri T. Use of extract of Ruscus
aculeatus in venous disease in the lower limbs. Drugs Exp Clin Res
1988;14:277–83.
8. Brinkhaus B, Linder M, Schuppan D, Hahn EG. Chemical, pharmacological
and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica. Phytomed
2000;7:427–48.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.
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