Varicose
veins
This
is a condition of decreased venous tone (and usually, though less
visibly, decreased arterial tone as well). Veins, especially on
the legs, will become bulgy, rope-like, painful, and, at their worst,
will develop slow-healing ulcerations. Varicosity will often develop
in those who must stand for long periods of time: this points to
the fact that, as the tone of the veins decreases, the butterfly
valves are unable to close completely, and blood pools in the extremities
due to gravity.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Reduce varicosity and pain, tonify the blood vessels.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer tincture or capsules of Aesculus hippocastanum
(Horse chestnut) and Ruta graveolens (Rue).
· Apply compresses of Hamamelis virginiana (Witch hazel)
and Aesculus (Horse chestnut) externally to astringe the area.
Supportive Treatment:
· Resting the legs and elevating them is important.
· Using Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) internally and externally
can be helpful especially if there is purplish coloration on the
legs (stagnant blood).
· Antioxidant foods should feature prominently to help restore
and maintain the tone of the blood vessels (See protocol on Atherosclerosis).
· Essential fatty acids (such as those from Flax, Borage,
or Evening Primrose) can be helpful additions.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· If there is a wound or ulceration around the varicose vein,
treat it as an infected wound and administer large doses of Echinacea
along with external applications of Calendula and Symphytum officinalis
(Comfrey) to help speed healing. Rest and elevation become even
more important now.
