Herbal Treatments For Veins

Veins are blood vessels like arteries, although they are not as strong as arteries and send blood back to your heart instead of away from your heart. The Franklin Institute states that your veins, like your arteries, are made up of three distinct layers, including an outer tissue layer, a middle layer of muscle and an inner lining consisting of epithelial cells. Certain herbal treatments may support the health and function of your veins. Ask your doctor about herbs that may treat your vein-related ailments.

Vein Problems

Approximately 27 percent of American adults suffer some type of vein-related disease or illness, reports the University of California-Davis Health System. Vein problems occur with much greater frequency than arterial problems and occur more commonly in people of advanced age. Possible vein-related health problems include varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis -- formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, often in one of your deep leg veins. Of these three conditions, varicose veins is the most common condition experienced.

Common Herbal Treatments

Most vein-related herbal treatments are used to help treat varicose veins. Nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that many herbs may be beneficial in treating various aspects of this condition, including aloe vera gel, bilberry, bromelain, butcher's broom, ginkgo, gotu kola, hawthorn berries, cayenne, dandelion, horse chestnut, witch hazel, white oak, myrrh, magnolia flower, scutellaria and wild angelica. These herbs have traditionally been used in treating varicose veins, although they may not be backed by scientific research.

A Useful Remedy

Butcher's broom is a useful remedy in the treatment of varicose veins, as it helps improve circulation in your legs. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, butcher's broom has numerous purported uses, including for varicose veins, constipation, inflammation, leg cramps, circulatory conditions and lymphedema. Butcher's broom, notes Balch, may also help treat thrombophlebitis, vertigo, Raynaud's phenomenon and carpal tunnel syndrome. Various parts of the butcher's broom plant are used in herbal supplements and preparations.

Warning

Certain vein-related health problems may lead to serious health consequences if they are not addressed in a timely and appropriate manner. Herbal treatments for vein-related conditions may trigger unwanted side effects in your body and should always be used with the same caution and respect afforded prescription medications. Review appropriate dosage, possible side effects and drug interactions with a botanically trained health care practitioner before using herbal remedies to help treat your vein-related health condition.