Varicose Veins

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

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.

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

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).

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.

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.