Varicose Veins: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Varicose veins are abnormally enlarged, twisted veins that appear close to the surface of the skin, typically in the legs, due to increased pressure and blood pooling.

This condition is often caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, and age-related wear and tear on the veins. If left untreated, varicose veins can lead to discomfort, swelling, and increased risk of blood clots, which can be life-threatening. To alleviate varicose veins, herbal remedies such as witch hazel, horse chestnut, and butcher's broom can be used to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and strengthen vein walls.

However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to follow proper preparation and dosage guidelines to avoid adverse effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of varicose veins, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of varicose veins?

The main causes of varicose veins are primarily related to the weakening of the vein walls and valves, which can be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Prolonged standing, sitting, or standing with strain on the legs can increase the risk of developing varicose veins due to the increased pressure on the veins. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy, obesity, and age-related wear and tear on the veins can lead to the development of varicose veins. Other contributing factors include family history, occupations that involve prolonged standing or heavy lifting, and underlying medical conditions such as deep vein thrombosis or heart disease.

Furthermore, poor circulation, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle can also exacerbate the condition.

• Genetics: Genetics can play a significant role in the development of varicose veins due to inherited factors such as weak vein walls and poor vein valves.
• Prolonged Standing: Prolonged standing can cause varicose veins by putting pressure on the veins in the legs, causing them to become swollen and twisted.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can cause varicose veins due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins.
• Obesity: Obesity can contribute to varicose veins due to increased pressure on the veins in the legs caused by excess body weight.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause varicose veins due to the narrowing of blood vessels and decreased circulation, which can lead to increased pressure on the veins.
• Age: Age can contribute to varicose veins due to the natural weakening of vein valves and walls over time.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause varicose veins due to increased blood volume and pressure on the veins, particularly in the legs and pelvis.
• Injury or Trauma: Injury or trauma to the legs or pelvis can cause varicose veins due to damage to the vein valves and walls.
• Blood Clots: Blood clots can cause varicose veins due to the blockage of blood flow and increased pressure on the veins.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for varicose veins?

The main medicinal herbs used for varicose veins are Ruscus aculeatus, Hamamelis virginiana, Ginkgo biloba, Vitis vinifera, Aesculus hippocastanum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vaccinium myrtillus, Crataegus monogyna, Lavandula angustifolia, Angelica sinensis.

Ruscus aculeatus contains ruscogenins which exhibit veno-tonic properties, improving blood vessel tone and reducing vein distension. Hamamelis virginiana has astringent properties that help to tighten blood vessels and reduce inflammation, while Ginkgo biloba's flavonoids and terpenoids improve microcirculation and reduce oxidative stress. Vitis vinifera's quercetin and catechins have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reducing oxidative stress and promoting vein health.

Aesculus hippocastanum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vaccinium myrtillus, Crataegus monogyna, Lavandula angustifolia, and Angelica sinensis have varying degrees of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and veno-tonic properties that contribute to overall vein health and relief from varicose vein symptoms.

• Ruscus aculeatus: Ruscus aculeatus may help alleviate varicose veins due to its flavonoids and saponins, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can improve blood vessel function and reduce venous pressure.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana, also known as witch hazel, may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow in varicose veins due to its tannins, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may help improve blood flow and reduce varicose veins by increasing the flexibility of blood vessels and improving blood circulation due to its flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can relax blood vessel walls and improve microcirculation.
• Vitis vinifera: Vitis vinifera, also known as grape seed, may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in varicose veins due to its proanthocyanidins, which have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can improve blood vessel function and reduce venous pressure.
• Aesculus hippocastanum: Aesculus hippocastanum may help improve blood flow and reduce varicose veins by increasing the flexibility of blood vessels and improving blood circulation due to its saponins and flavonoids, which have been found to have vasodilatory and antioxidant effects that can relax blood vessel walls and improve microcirculation.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow in varicose veins due to its flavonoids and saponins, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can improve blood vessel function and reduce venous pressure.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as bilberry, may help improve blood flow and reduce varicose veins by increasing the flexibility of blood vessels and improving blood circulation due to its anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can relax blood vessel walls and improve microcirculation.
• Crataegus monogyna: Crataegus monogyna may help improve blood flow and reduce varicose veins by increasing the flexibility of blood vessels and improving blood circulation due to its flavonoids and iridoids, which have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can relax blood vessel walls and improve microcirculation.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia may help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow in varicose veins due to its flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can improve blood vessel function and reduce venous pressure.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis may help improve blood flow and reduce varicose veins by increasing the flexibility of blood vessels and improving blood circulation due to its ligustilide and butylphthalide, which have been found to have vasodilatory and antioxidant effects that can relax blood vessel walls and improve microcirculation.

What are the main herbal preparations used for varicose veins?

The main herbal preparations used for varicose veins are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Salve, Ointment, Gel, Poultice, Compress.

Tincture of Horse Chestnut seed (Aesculus hippocastanum) is used to reduce inflammation and improve circulation. Decoction of Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is used to improve circulation and reduce swelling. Capsules of Grape Seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and Vitamin C are used to improve circulation and reduce oxidative stress.

Topical preparations such as Creams and Ointments of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) and Salves of Plantain (Plantago major) are used to reduce inflammation and promote healing of varicose veins.

• Tincture: Tinctures made from the herb Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving the integrity of blood vessels, which in turn reduces pressure on the veins.
• Decoction: Decoctions made from the herb Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation, which in turn alleviates symptoms of varicose veins.
• Capsule: Capsules made from the herb Ginkgo biloba help with varicose veins by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the blood vessels, which in turn alleviates symptoms of varicose veins.
• Cream: Creams made from the herb Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving the integrity of blood vessels, which in turn reduces pressure on the veins.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from the herb Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving the integrity of blood vessels, which in turn reduces pressure on the veins.
• Salve: Salves made from the herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving wound healing, which in turn alleviates symptoms of varicose veins.
• Ointment: Ointments made from the herb Calendula (Calendula officinalis) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving wound healing, which in turn alleviates symptoms of varicose veins.
• Gel: Gels made from the herb Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation, which in turn alleviates symptoms of varicose veins.
• Poultice: Poultices made from the herb Willow (Salix alba) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation, which in turn alleviates symptoms of varicose veins.
• Compress: Compresses made from the herb Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving the integrity of blood vessels, which in turn reduces pressure on the veins.