Hormone Balance
★★★★★
Elevated estrogen levels are believed to contribute to varicose veins. Detoxing estrogen and balancing hormones may help.
This long article discusses the role of zinc in hormone balance:
http://goddessignited.com/copper-estrogen-zinc-hormone-imbalance/
Vitex is also believed to balance hormones. The following is from http://main.poliquingroup.com/Tips/tabid/130/EntryId/2321/Top-Ten-Foods-To-Detox-Estrogen.aspx
To help detox estrogen: Sesame seeds, fenugreek seeds, flax seeds, omega 3s, high fiber fruits and vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, citrus fruits, protien - especially lysine and threonine, magnesium sulfate
Aromatase blockers prevent testosterone from being converted to estrogen: melatonin, cherries, green tea
Weight loss and probiotics are also suggested.
Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom Herbs
★★★★★
These 2 specific herbs have made such a difference to my quality of life.
Background: I started getting varicose veins, and the aching that goes with them, when I was 16! Sixteen years old with varicose veins! And no, I wasn't pregnant, or obese.
The varicose veins just got worse over the decades.
The aching, TIRED feeling bothered me more than how they looked. I usually wore jeans, slacks, or a long skirt to hide them. And I hate support hosiery. It's so uncomfortable, especially in summer.
A few years ago, I was reading some traditional, conservative woman's magazine, maybe it was Woman's Day or Ladies' Home Journal, but I can't remember. There was an article about several herbal remedies that actually have some scientific evidence for being effective. It said that the herbs Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom were helpful for varicose veins.
I tried the herbs.
The local natural foods stores sell several brands of capsules with the herbs in them. Affordable.
A couple year's ago, a doctor warned me not to take those herbs for a few days before a planned surgery, and for a couple weeks afterwards. Doctors wisely are cautious about any herb or drug before surgery, that may or may not affect circulation or blood or the speed of bleeding and/or coagulation. Other than that, my physician does not object to the herbs.
The usual common sense caveat: Of course you should talk to your doctor about any herbal remedies that you are thinking of trying. Because (1) I'm not a physician, and (2) each person's body and health are different, and (3) natural herbs can still have side effects and/or interactions with other drugs/herbs.
The Horse Chestnut and Butchers Broom herbs have worked like a miracle for me, so I'm surprised that they are not well known.
(Bronx, Ny, Us)
01/14/2011
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
11/24/2011
★★★★★
Ditto on the horse chestnut. My mother suffered from numerous leg problems; when the varicose veins got worse, she took three tablets of the horse chestnut herb every day for a week or so and the varicose vein issue went away for months. She did not have to take the horse chestnut all the time; only when the veins were inflamed. Some people may find that they have to take the horse chestnut on an ongoing basis to get good results.
(Portugal)
10/15/2014
Hello, I have read that avoiding starchy foods (i.e. potatoes, white bread, pasta, bananas, oats and the like), helps in lowering the inflammation.
Best of Health! Andreas
(Oregon)
08/18/2022
★★★★★
I've used Horse Chestnut, either in tablets/capsules or in a topical for at least 30 years. Great results. I couldn't find it, supply chain issues, so I bought Butchers Broom. Within several doses I had HIVES, first time ever! Very sorry it can't be part of my arsenal.
Horse Chestnut and Castor Oil
★★★★★
As an acute case, I took 9 capsules of Horse Chestnut that day, spaced out 3 with each mealtime. I attempted massage with castor oil but it was too painful, I ended up just applying and wrapping the oil into my leg loosely and limped off to work that night. But the following day while still painful to touch I was able to walk normally and by day three the vein was back to normal varicose state and I reduced the dose to 6 a day until all tenderness and bruising resolved.
Horse Chestnut, Elastic Stocking
★★★★★
We purchased him an elastic compression stocking costing about 7 Euros, the type which starts just below the knee and extends to just above the ankle. He wore the stocking throughout the day and removed it at night to sleep. In addition, he took one 300-mg capsule of Horse Chestnut in the morning and one in the evening. As the bottle of Horse Chestnut contained 100 tablets, we continued this therapy for 50 days until the bottle was empty, and then discontinued the Horse Chestnut.
Now, 55 days later, my husband's legs look normal again and his veins are pain-free. He had had bulging, unsightly veins in his legs for so many years, we had assumed they would never shrink. We were wrong. Horse chestnut and an elastic stocking did the trick for my husband.
Incline Bed Therapy
★☆☆☆☆
(Somewhere, Europe)
12/06/2018
Barbara, different strokes for different folks. The raising of the head side of the bed has totally eliminated any swelling in feet. But it's not a steep incline, only 2-3 inches up from the floor.
Linseed Oil, Tyrosine and Echinacea
★★★★★
(Brooklyn, Ny)
10/18/2009
(Vancouver, British Columiba, Canada)
10/19/2009
(New York)
02/26/2012
It is important to distinguish between linseed oil and flaxseed oil. Although both oils come from the same seed, they are treated differently. Flaxseed oil is raw, cold-pressed linseed oil, and it is often sold as a dietary supplement. Linseed oil is heated and subjected to chemical treatment, and it is not safe to consume. People who use flaxseed oil as a dietary supplement want to take advantage of the rich nutritional value of the oil in raw, cold-pressed form. If you want to eat flaxseed oil, make sure you purchase oil which is clearly marked as "food grade."
Magnesium
(Easton, Maryland)
07/31/2014
★★★★★
I was suffering from severe varicose vein pain yesterday when I read this post about magnesium. I took 500 mg of Magnesium (elemental) (from 2000 mg magnesium glycerinate/lysinate chelate) - these items in parentheses are listed on the bottle of magnesium I happened to have at home. I chewed the 5 tablets so that I was sure they dissolved. Within a short time I was pain free. What a relief!!!! Thank you!!!! I suppose the relaxing effects of the magnesium was responsible. I'm going to try eating more spinach with butter to see if this would be equally as effective. That way I would be getting additional whole foods benefits such as Vitamin E, C, etc.
@Anon: Several herbs are also very good for vascular disorders include ---Grapeseed Extract, White Oak Bark, Butchers Broom, Horse Chestnut.
Mullein Leaves
★★★★☆
Multiple Remedies
★★★★★
Nattokinase
★★★★★
After multiple thromboses, 2 heart attacks, and a stroke, I found out about it on a coronary care website.
5 weeks ago, I began with 4000 FU per day increasing to 4x 4000 FU per day for 3 weeks. Will shortly drop back to 4000 FU per day. I use alongside K2 every second day. My issues have settled, my varicose veins are noticeably less, not hard and painful anymore. ( I have had this chronic complaint for approximately 35 years.)
To say that I am impressed by the results is an understatement.
My heartbeat is still often irregular however I am seeing better results and quicker recovery times.
Nattokinase
★★★★★
Nettle Tea
★★★★★
Oil of Cypress
★★★★★
Most annoying is the feeling of 'heavy legs'. On warm days, my ankles swell up despite the support hoses I wear every day.
But am seeing great results using essential oil of Cypress with Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) as carrier.
I make a small amount of salve which I apply twice a day, or more often when it's warm weather or when I expect to do a lot of standing and walking. The reason I make a small amount is I like it to be fresh.
The recipe is simple, two tablespoons of VCO; 15 drops of Oil of Cypress. Personally, I started with 7 drops to test for allergic reactions, none came, and the dosage of Cypress could be increased. Store in a glass jar, essential oils eat away at plastic. Keep in a cool place.
Apply twice a day on feet and calves, even thighs if you want or need. Massage gently and only stroke upwards. Works great to reduce fluid retention around the ankles, and my legs don't feel as "heavy".
Hope this helps!
Oil Pulling
★★★★★
(Escondido, CA)
10/16/2008
I've never heard of "oil pulling." Can you explain this for me?
EC: Read more here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/oil_pulling.html
Oil Pulling
★★★★★
(Chaguanas, Trinidad)
07/26/2012
What is OP? I am from Trinidad as well. Chaguanas.
Three specialists gave different feedback on why my right foot was swelling. One said nothing is wrong, anothe said is Capillary leak syndrome, the other said is very mild varicose veins. I have been trying all sort of treatment but nothing is working.
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
07/28/2012
Hi Cherry, You might want to see an acupuncturist and inquire about cupping. It's a method that moves and clears blood stagnation which is what you are most likely experiencing. My acupuncturist has performed this on me for varicose veins long ago, which took care of them and also when my knees were bothering me. It's quite an amazing technique. Hope this info helps, Lisa
