Varicose Veins - Supplements

 
Varicose Veins
Standing up or sitting down for long spells can cause the veins in your legs to bulge and become more visible. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Try a beneficial flavonoid

    Take 1,000 mg a day of hydroxyethylrutoside to reduce the size of varicose veins associated with pregnancy

  • Compress and elevate

    Relieve the symptoms of varicose veins by wearing compression stockings and elevating your legs frequently

  • Get a checkup

    Visit your doctor to find out if your varicose veins may be the result of a more serious venous condition

Also indexed as:
  • varicose veins

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Butcher’s Broom
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with butcher’s broom may be helpful for varicose veins.


1 star Butcher’s Broom

Oral supplementation with butcher’s broom1 or gotu kola2 may also be helpful for varicose veins.


SupplementAmountWhy
Flavonoids
Refer to label instructions 1 star Taking hydroxyethylrutoside may help reduce the size of varicose veins associated with pregnancy.


1 star Flavonoids

A controlled clinical trial found that oral supplementation with hydroxyethylrutosides (HR), a type of flavonoid that is derived from rutin, improved varicose veins in a group of pregnant women.3 Further research is needed to confirm the benefits observed in this preliminary trial. A typical amount of HR is 1000 mg per day.


SupplementAmountWhy
Gotu Kola
Refer to label instructions 1 star Supplementing with gotu kola may be helpful for varicose veins.


1 star Gotu Kola

Oral supplementation with butcher’s broom4 or gotu kola5 may also be helpful for varicose veins.


SupplementAmountWhy
Horse Chestnut
Refer to label instructions 1 star Horse chestnut seed extract can be taken orally or applied topically treat varicose veins.


1 star Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut seed extract can be taken orally or used as an external application for disorders of venous circulation, including varicose veins.6 Preliminary studies in humans have shown that 300 mg three times per day of a standardized extract of horse chestnut seed reduced the formation of enzymes thought to cause varicose veins.7 Topical gel or creams containing 2% aescin can be applied topically three or four time per day to the affected limb(s).


SupplementAmountWhy
Proanthocyanidins
Refer to label instructions 1 star One trial found that supplementing with proanthocyanidins improved the function of leg veins in people with widespread varicose veins.


1 star Proanthocyanidins

A small, preliminary trial found that supplementation with 150 mg of proanthocyanidins per day improved the function of leg veins after a single application in people with widespread varicose veins.8 Double-blind trials are needed to determine whether extended use of proanthocyanidins can substantially improve this condition.


SupplementAmountWhy
Witch Hazel
Refer to label instructions 1 star Witch hazel may be applied topically to treat varicose veins.


1 star Witch Hazel

Although witch hazel is known primarily for treating hemorrhoids, it may also be useful for varicose veins.9 Topical use of witch hazel to treat venous conditions is approved by the German Commission E, authorities on herbal medicine.10 Application of a witch hazel ointment three or more times per day for two or more weeks is necessary before results can be expected.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net

Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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