Varicose veins, a common condition in women that usually affects the lower extremities, is the result of damaged valves in the veins. Normally, these tiny valves ensure that the blood flowing through the veins will return fully to the heart. But when these valves are injured, and do not open and close properly, some of the blood runs backward in the veins, pools, and finally engorges the vessels. Varicose veins are large, contorted, unsightly, and sometimes even painful.
Three mechanisms help return blood to the heart, says Dr. Leon Chaitow, a naturopath, osteopath, and acupuncturist from England, in an article on the HealthWorld Online website (www.healthy.net): the action of muscles through which veins run, the pulsation of arteries that run alongside veins, and the movement of the diaphragm during breathing. Thus, he says, poor breathing function and lack of exercise, as well as various mechanical stresses, such as those resulting from occupations that require long periods of standing, will make venous return less efficient. Other factors that can increase the chance of developing varicose veins are inadequate fiber, vitamins C and E, and bioflavonoids in the diet; increased pressure in the pelvis, as from chronic constipation; and use of birth control pills.
Another cause of varicose veins, says Dr. Chaitow, is thrombophlebitis, a condition in which the veins are obstructed due to clot formation or an aggregation of platelets and fibrin, which restricts blood flow, causing inflammation and damage to the veins.
Herbalist David L. Hoffman lists several other reasons why the walls of the veins receive inadequate support, resulting in varicose veins:
OBESITY—A buildup of fatty tissue in the legs results in inadequate support for veins.
GENETIC PREDISPOSITION—In about 40 percent of cases, there seems to be an inherited tendency to varicosity.
AGE—Over time the connective tissue that supports the veins degenerates, and a decrease in exercise worsens the problem.
TIGHT CLOTHING—Tight clothing constricts and weakens tissue.
PREGNANCY—Pregnancy creates intrapelvic pressure, which interferes with venous return.
According to Dr. Chaitow, the earliest symptom is feeling leg fatigue more often than usual. Other standard symptoms are an ache and heavy feeling in the legs, itching in the skin over the veins, and swelling, sometimes of the entire leg. The skin is discolored, and sometimes an eczema develops, with a breakdown of the skin that may lead to ulcers.
Standard procedures for treating varicose veins include elevating the legs, wearing elastic stockings, and, in severe cases, surgery.
Many types of support stockings are available, but it is best to buy them at a pharmacy or surgical supply store, where they will be better quality. If you have a severe problem with varicose veins, you might look into custom-made surgical support stockings. In this country, two companies, Jobst and Sigvaris, make them. If you can’t afford support stockings, sometimes an Ace bandage will give you the support you need. Wrap a threeor four-inch bandage around the leg where the varicosity is a problem. This may require wrapping your legs from the toes to the groin if the problem is severe.
With early intervention, the following natural remedies have a high rate of effectiveness.
Certain foods and supplements may strengthen the integrity of the vein wall. These include dark-skinned fruits and berries, such as blueberries, cherries, and purple grapes. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, especially quercetin or bilberry, improves elasticity, so that blood can return more effectively to the heart.
Dr. Chaitow also recommends vitamin E, in a daily dose of 500 to 800 IU, which is thought to help develop other channels of circulation, thus relieving the pressure in the veins. Vitamin E can also be applied directly to leg ulcers. Selenium, which works together with vitamin E, should also be taken daily in a dose of 50 micrograms. Essential fatty acids in the form of 500 milligrams of evening primrose oil and four to six capsules of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) a day will help decrease the likelihood of inflammation and lower the viscosity of the blood. Finally, he says, it is essential to consume enough fiber to keep the bowels functioning well so that no straining occurs.
Astringent herbs, such as horse chestnut, witch hazel, gotu kola, and butcher’s broom, are good to take, although the first two should not be used when pregnant or lactating. Naturopathic physicians often recommend 1, 000 milligrams of butcher’s broom, two to three times daily, for pregnant women in their third trimester who are troubled by varicose veins or hemorrhoids.
David Hoffman adds that prickly ash and ginkgo can be used to stimulate circulation; hawthorn, yarrow, horse chestnut to tone the veins; comfrey to soothe irritation and heal wounds. He offers the following lotion, which can be used as necessary to relieve irritation:
Another factor to consider is dietary support for the liver. This is because a congested liver backs up venous circulation and places additional pressure on the veins, which can then damage valves. Foods such as beets and artichokes and herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion can improve liver circulation. At the same time, it is important to refrain from substances known to cause liver damage, such as drugs, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals.
The main way to help relieve varicose veins is to do what you can to keep your blood flow moving, in spite of the fact that the veins are not doing their job properly. Helping the blood flow counteracts some of the problems caused by the damaged valves. Daily exercise is key. It is also important for keeping weight down. Excess weight creates stress on the body. Maintaining one’s optimal weight lessens stress on the body, which, in turn, decreases the chance of damaging the valves in the veins. In addition, exercise improves overall circulation in the arteries and veins. Dr. Chaitow suggests exercises that involve contracting the leg muscles, circling the ankles, and upside-down bicycling movements.
Of particular benefit are maneuvers that take pressure off the legs. It is helpful to sit with your feet and legs elevated, waist-level or higher, whenever you can. This allows gravity to help the blood flow back to your heart. Inverted postures in yoga or even just lying on a slant board with the legs elevated for a few minutes a day are beneficial. You can also raise the foot of your bed by six to twelve inches. Medical magnets can be placed over the feet for added healing power. Maneuvers that take weight off the feet are particularly important for people who work in occupations in which they are constantly on their feet.
Another form of exercise to consider is qi gong, which strengthens the veins’ ability to pump blood back to the heart.
Chelation therapy flushes toxins out of the blood. Many people know that chelation therapy improves arterial integrity, but few realize that it can aid venous circulation as well, thereby helping varicose veins. Chelation therapy also helps to overcome liver congestion and thrombophlebitis, two conditions that put women at risk for varicose veins. (See chapter 1 for a more in-depth discussion of chelation therapy.)
Dr. Tori Hudson, a naturopath in Portland, Oregon, offers the following tips in her column in Prevention magazine:
Dr. Chaitow adds a few more suggestions:
An increasing body of evidence is showing the benefits of natural modalities to overall health and well-being. Following is a sample of recent peer-reviewed scientific studies regarding varicose veins.
According to a 2012 article in Life Extension Magazine, studies have indicated that diosmin, derived from the flavonoid herperdin, is a first line treatment for chronic venous disease. A prescription medication in some European countries, the extract is taken orally and has been found to help maintain healthy blood flow as well as vascular tone and elasticity. It is also used for hemorrhoids.