A-Z varicose veins Articles

The tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) is commonly known as “horse chestnut” because of its large seeds that resemble chestnuts (although they are not related species). Extracts from the seeds have been used to treat chronic venous insufficiency.

Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency

This condition is caused by a blockage or valve failure in one or more of the major veins, most commonly in the legs. Since the blood cannot properly return to the heart, it pools in the veins, especially when movement is restricted, as in periods of prolonged standing. Thus, the veins in the legs are constantly filled with blood and can begin to bulge, resulting in a condition known as varicose veins. It can also cause swelling and purple discolouration of the legs, thickened skin on the feet and ankles, and even ulcers of the skin when the stasis is prolonged. This type of venous stasis also causes other venous conditions like hemorrhoids.

Other Health Benefits of Horse Chestnut

In addition to being effective in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, this herb has also long been used in the treatment of:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Cough
• Enlarged prostate
• Eczema
• Menstrual pain

It is also used in Bach flower remedies, and when the bud is used, it is called “chestnut bud”, whereas when the flowers are used it is called “white chestnut”.

Finding Safe Horse Chestnut Supplements

Young, fresh nuts contain some alkaloid saponins and glucosides, which can be poisonous when eaten. Be sure to only supplement with processed extracts from trusted sources. 

Extracts are standardized to the percentage of the active ingredient called aescin that they contain. Optimal aescin content is considered to be 17% or greater for supplementation at the recommended dose of 300mg two times daily. These extracts are generally found in capsule form either alone or in combination with other vitamins and herbs for vein health.

Potential Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Standardized horse chestnut seed extract products are likely safe for most people when used short term. Only use products which have had esculin, a toxic substance, removed. Horse chestnut products can sometimes cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, stomach upset, and itching.

Raw horse chestnut seed, bark, flower, and leaf contain esculin and are unsafe to use. Signs of esculin poisoning include stomach upset, muscle twitching, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and paralysis. Seek immediate medical attention if you've accidentally consumed raw horse chestnut. 

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if horse chestnut is safe. Some people are allergic to horse chestnut

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins occurring in the lower leg and occasionally the abdomen. They may start as small “spider” veins, and then gradually become larger over time, often becoming progressively painful.

When a vein is varicose, it will usually appear purple or blue underneath the skin. They are often raised up from the surface of the skin, creating a bumpy texture. They can ache dully, but if knocked against something hard can hurt quite a lot.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins: 

• Weakening of the vessel walls
• Faulty valves
• Added pressure in the area

Vein walls may become weak due to deficiencies in important nutrients such as bioflavanoids and vitamin C. When the vein wall weakens, the blood inside presses against it and causes it to balloon out, becoming varicose because of the loss of elasticity.

Valves can become faulty primarily due to poor circulation from a lack of exercise. However, they also need bioflavanoids to function effectively and to maintain their shape, and when you do not ingest enough, the flow of blood is affected, causing further ballooning of the vein wall.

Increased pressure in the affected area can be caused by prolonged periods of sitting or standing with the accompanying impairment in circulation and pooling of blood.

Other factors can include: obesity, genetics, hormonal changes like pregnancy, constipation, and hot weather.

Key Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Heavy, tired and aching legs are the most common symptoms of varicose veins. Swelling, leg cramps, itchy and thin skin, ulcers and blood clots may also occur as the condition worsens. Elevating legs and walking around can help improve these symptoms.

It is interesting to note that a hemorrhoid is also a varicose vein, just in a different part of the body. The usual cause of hemorrhoids is prolonged constipation and straining during bowel movements.

How Can I Get Rid of Varicose Veins?

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional treatment of varicose veins involves injections, surgery and compression therapy. Injections and surgery scar or remove the affected vessels, and the body compensates by increasing the use of other veins. Compression stockings help varicose veins by exerting pressure on the area to prevent blood pooling. These therapies take care of the problematic vein, but they will not correct lifestyle factors to prevent recurrence.

Natural & Nutritional Therapies

Nutritional therapy for varicose vein treatment focuses on strengthening the vein wall, improving blood flow, and enhancing the functioning of the valves that control the flow of blood through the vein.

• You can support vein wall strength with vitamin C and bioflavonoids. You can also use horse chestnut seed extract. It has been clinically proven to reduce ballooning of the vein wall and to reduce pain. You might also consider the herb hawthorn. It has active bioflavonoids specific for blood vessel walls.
• You can also improve the flow of blood with horse chestnut seed extract. It helps tonify the valves inside the vein so they regulate blood flow better. Gingko biloba can also make a difference in this respect.
• Coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E can be used to enhance general circulation throughout the vein.

Lifestyle changes to help with varicose veins include regular exercise and weight management. Avoid staying stationary for long periods of time because it stagnates circulation. Avoid tight clothing on the legs. Move the bowels regularly. Raise your legs above your heart level for 10-15 minutes every day. Alternate hot and cold leg baths to increase circulation. Massage around the area and towards the heart to ease blood congestion. Topically apply horse chestnut gel to the legs or add horse chestnut tea to bath water. It firms and tones vessels and reduces inflammation.

Dietary changes aimed at improving blood circulation and regulating bowel movements can prevent varicose vein formation. Dietary tips that may help include:

• Eating a high-fibre diet to add bulk to the stool and maintain regularity.
• Eat whole-grain products, flax seeds, fruits and vegetables.
• Eat one salad of raw vegetables daily.
• Drink 2L of filtered water daily to soften stools and maintain regularity.
• Eat citrus fruits and berries for bioflavonoids, which strengthen veins.
• Eat wheat germ, as a source of vitamin E, to improve circulation and tissue elasticity.
• Avoid constipating and irritating foods such as dairy products, spicy food, fats, processed foods, salt, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, cocoa, cola and black tea.