Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition that causes pain, swelling and varicose veins, which are enlarged dark purple or blue veins that bulge above the surface of the skin. Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the veins malfunction and fail to return blood efficiently from the legs to the heart. Certain supplements may help. Consult a qualified health care professional about the role of supplements in treating your condition.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola supplements may relieve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several research studies have shown that gotu kola reduced inflammation, improved circulation and stopped leakage from veins. Gotu kola is unrelated to the kola nut and has no stimulant properties. It has been used for centuries by Indian, Chinese and Indonesian herbalists for wound healing, stomach ulcers, asthma and mental fatigue. Its most popular current usage is for chronic venous insufficiency. Gotu kola may adversely affect the liver, and should not be used by patients with prior liver disease. Ask a trusted health care provider whether gotu kola is right for you.
Horse Chestnut
Also called buckeye and Spanish chestnut, horse chestnut is a large tree that originated in the mountains of the Balkan region in southeast Europe. Preparations made from the leaves, bark, seeds and flowers of the horse chestnut have been used for hundreds of years for medical conditions including rheumatism, cough and rash. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, preliminary studies have demonstrated that horse chestnut seed extract is as effective as compression stockings in treating the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Itching and gastrointestinal distress are potential side effects of this supplement. Use it only under the direction of a qualified health care practitioner.
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids
In his book "The Complete Family Guide to Natural Healing," author Paul Bedson recommends vitamin C with bioflavonoids for varicose veins and swelling in the legs. He states that this supplement helps maintain strong blood vessels and improves blood circulation. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, an important building block of bone, ligaments and blood vessels. Bioflavonoids are natural compounds found in plants and vitamin C-rich fruits. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State College, when bioflavonoids are added to vitamin C supplements, they help the body use vitamin C more efficiently. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before adding vitamin C with bioflavonoids to your dietary regimen.
References
- "Complete Family Guide to Natural Healing"; Paul Bedson; 2005
- Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: The Bioavailability of Different Forms of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Varicose Veins
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Horse Chestnut
