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Treat Varicose Veins NaturallyHorse Chestnut Reduces Swelling, Improves Circulation
A natural approach to relieving symptoms of varicose veins is as close as the supplement shelf in your favorite store or pharmacy.
For centuries, people throughout Europe have used horse chestnut to treat chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that causes varicose veins, leg cramping, swollen ankles and lower legs, and a feeling of heaviness. Now researchers say there is scientific proof to support the use of this herb. Horse chestnut seed extract (Aesculus hippocastanum) is derived from the seeds of a tree that is native to Greece, Bulgaria, and other Balkan states, but it also grows throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Also known as buckeye and Spanish chestnut, horse chestnut has been shown to improve contractibility of blood vessel walls, which in turn improves blood circulation and helps prevent varicose veins and edema. Varicose veins form when the valves in the veins in the legs malfunction. When the valves are healthy, they operate as one-way flaps that prevent blood from flowing backwards as it travels up the legs. If the valves become weak or damaged, blood can leak back into the veins and accumulate, resulting in varicose veins. Horse Chestnut StudiesResearchers in Switzerland reviewed five clinical studies that used horse chestnut seed extract in people who had chronic venous insufficiency and found that the herb was effective in relieving symptoms of varicose veins and reducing lower leg edema, leg pain, heaviness, and itching. Other research, including several randomized, controlled trials, has shown that horse chestnut seed extract is safe and improves the symptoms of people who have chronic venous insufficiency. Why Horse Chestnut WorksThe main active ingredient in horse chestnut is escin (or aescin), a type of chemical known to decrease fluid leakage from small blood vessels, block the activity of thrombin (which promotes blood clotting), and ease inflammation. In particular, escin blocks the action of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which breaks down proteoglycans, substances that are part of the supporting structure surrounding small blood vessels. The bottom line is, escin helps prevent vascular leakage, which then helps prevent varicose veins. Escin also blocks the action of substances that promote inflammation, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine and histamine and also decreases the breakdown of other compounds that help support capillary walls. How to Use Horse ChestnutHorse chestnut supplements are available in capsules and tablets; a cream is also available but it reportedly is not effective. When shopping for horse chestnut, look for seed extract that has been standardized to contain 16 to 20 percent escin. A typical dose is 300 mg (50 mg of escin per dose) every 12 hours. Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs when using horse chestnut seed extract because the combination increases the risk of bleeding. Avoid horse chestnut if you have liver or kidney problems. Mild side effects may include itching and stomach upset. ReferencesRathbun SW, Kirkpatrick AC. Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Curr Treat Options Cardiovasc Med 2007 Apr;9(2):115-26. Suter A et al. Treatment of patients with venous insufficiency with fresh plant horse chestnut seed extract: a review of 5 clinical studies. Adv Ther 2006 Jan-Feb;23(1):179-90.
The copyright of the article Treat Varicose Veins Naturally in Herbal Medicine is owned by Deborah Mitchell. Permission to republish Treat Varicose Veins Naturally in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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