Observable leg veins, of which varicose veins are one of the most common types, may be a cosmetic concern in some individuals or a source of pain and discomfort in others, notes MayoClinic.com. Varicose veins may be an indication of circulatory problems and should be evaluated by a health care professional. Certain herbal remedies may help treat your leg vein problems, although you should always discuss this treatment method with your doctor beforehand.
Leg Varicose Veins
Varicose veins, notes the National Center for Biotechnology Information, are tortuous and sometimes painful veins in which an unusually large amount of blood pools. This blood accumulation is due to dysfunctional valves in your veins, although varicose veins may also be caused by pregnancy and a condition known as thrombophlebitis. Although they may develop in various parts of your body, varicose veins are most common in your legs. Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men.
Useful Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are a time-honored approach to treating leg varicose veins, but more scientific research evidence may be required to validate the use of these herbs for this health purpose. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher and certified nutritional consultant, states that the following herbs may be helpful in treating your varicose veins: white oak bark, wild angelica, horse chestnut, dandelion, cayenne, butcher's broom, bilberry, stone root and aloe vera.
Featured Herb
Stone root is an herbal remedy that has historically been used in treating varicose veins and other vein-related problems. According to expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," stone root is an astringent tonic to your veins, or a substance that helps tighten your vein tissue. Stone root has been used to treat a variety of vein problems, states Smith, including varicose veins; venous stasis, or the pooling of blood in your veins; and poor circulation through your portal vein, which is the vein that drains blood from your gastrointestinal tract.
Disclaimer
Although many leg vein problems may not be life-threatening, they should still be evaluated by a competent and qualified health care professional. A naturopathic physician or a medical doctor specializing in clinical nutrition can counsel you on the most effective herbal remedies to take for your leg vein condition. The use of herbal remedies for this health purpose, however, does not guarantee a favorable health effect. Herbs should always be used with the utmost caution, as some herbs may cause side effects.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Varicose Veins
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Varicose Veins
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
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