Herbs and essential oils may reduce symptoms associated with venous insufficiency through strengthening the veins, reducing water weight gain and tightening the skin and tissues.
Identification
Venous insufficiency is a condition that causes weakening of vein valves in the legs; your veins are not able to circulate blood efficiently. Symptoms of venous insufficiency include swollen feet and legs and the development of varicose veins. Venous insufficiency may be a genetically inherited condition, but it may also develop as a result of pregnancy, bronchitis, emphysema, thyroid disease, kidney or liver problems or congestive heart failure.
Horse Chestnut
The horse chestnut is a tree that grows in Asia, Europe and North America. An extract of the horse chestnut seed may help to strengthen veins and reduce fluid leaking from the veins from accumulating in the legs and feet. According to Dr. Weil, horse chestnut seed extract should contain at least 20 percent of the medicinal compound escin (also known as aescin) located within the horse chestnut seed.
Butcher's Broom
Butcher's broom is a Mediterranean shrub whose leaves were once used to clean butcher cutting blocks; the roots and stems of butcher's broom are used for herbal medicinal purposes. Butcher's broom is purported to help alleviate venous insufficiency by strengthening the veins and through mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. An extract of butcher's broom, to be taken orally for the treatment of venous insufficiency, is available in health stores; pure extract of the herb may also be combined into massage oil and rubbed into the legs.
Astringent Essential Oils
Essential oils with astringent properties reduce inflammation and constrict body tissues. Through these astringent actions, essential oils can help to slow the formation of new varicose veins as well. Essential oils with astringent properties include calendula, bitter orange, cypress, lemon, myrrh, peppermint and spearmint. Purchase therapeutic grade essential oils and dilute them in a base of olive or almond oil to apply them to the skin on feet and legs.
Warning
Venous insufficiency may be caused by a serious underlying medical disorder; contact your physician if you experience symptoms insufficiency. Always speak with a doctor first before you use horse chestnut, butcher's broom or essential oils to alleviate symptoms associated with venous insufficiency. Women who are nursing or pregnant cannot take horse chestnut or butcher's broom and must speak with a physician before locally applying essential oils to their skin.
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