Several different herbs can improve your vein health, especially if you have common venous conditions such as varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis. Although these herbs likely won't cure your vein-related medical condition, they may help to support other medical treatments. You should always discuss any herbal remedies with your doctor before taking them, because some may have side effects or negative interactions with certain medications.
Butcher's Broom
The herb butcher's broom may help to improve your vein health. Butcher's broom is a potential herbal treatment for chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that involves poor blood return in the leg veins from the feet to the heart, explains the University of Michigan Health System. Butcher's broom contains ruscogenins, compounds that may help to reduce swelling associated with vein problems in the legs, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. A double-blind study found that taking 150 mg of butcher's broom extract twice daily helped to treat chronic venous insufficiency better than placebo. The trial studied 166 women with chronic venous insufficiency over the course of three months and found the women who took butcher's broom experienced substantial reductions in leg swelling compared to those who took the placebo, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Another three-month-long, double-blind clinical trial involving 148 people had a similar conclusion.
Gotu Kola
Taking 200 mg two to four times daily of gotu kola may help to reduce swelling and leakage in your veins, especially if you have chronic venous insufficiency, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Gotu kola may also help if you have varicose veins, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. A 1992 review of medical studies on gotu kola found that the herbal extract can help to treat chronic venous insufficiency symptoms, as well as decrease edema in the ankles, swelling in the feet and vein fluid leakage. A double-blind study of 87 people suffering from varicose veins found that taking 30 mg per day of gotu kola helped to improve symptoms, and taking a higher dose of 60 mg helped even more, the University of Pittsburgh says. Another one-month-long medical study of 52 people with chronic venous insufficiency found that taking 90 or 180 mg daily of gotu kola extract helped to improve vein function compared to the placebo, which had no effect.
Horse Chestnut
Taking horse chestnut may boost your vein health and prevent or treat several vein-related conditions. Horse chestnut is a common natural remedy used for treating varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and even phlebitis, or deep vein thrombosis, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Extracts from horse chestnut seeds contain aescin, a compound that numerous double-blind studies have found to decrease leg swelling, strengthen veins and effectively treat venous problems, notes the University of Michigan Health System. For example, the University of Pittsburgh cites a large, 40-day-long clinical trial of 212 people that found taking horse chestnut substantially decreased leg pain and edema associated with venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Another three-month-long study found that taking horse chestnut was equally effective as using compression stockings in treating varicose veins and reducing swelling.
Red Vine Leaf
If you have chronic venous insufficiency, taking red vine leaf extract may help to reduce your leg swelling and other symptoms. The University of Michigan Health System cites a 12-week-long, double-blind clinical trial that found taking either 360 or 720 mg daily of red vine leaf extract substantially relieved leg pain and edema compared to placebo. The participants who took red vine leaf extract also reported reduced leg swelling, heaviness and tension sensations, as well as tingling in the legs, says the University of Michigan Health System.
Member Comments