MEDICATIONS AND ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR VARICOSE VEINS AND OTHER VEIN PROBLEMS
There is much contraversy about the use of medications and alternative treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. The underlying problem with venous insufficiency is a structural change in the veins that most would consider irreversible. However, there are numerous claims that this condition can be managed using supplements.
WHAT ARE THE SUPPLEMENT CLAIMS?
Some of the supplements used for the alternative treatment of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency claim to alleviate the symptoms such as swelling, pain, and by promoting vein health,improve the appearance of ones legs. There are numerous studies that are listed supporting these findings.
WHAT ARE THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF THE SUPPLEMENTS?
Some of the ingredients of natural ingredients that are used in the alternative treatments of varicose veins include the following list:
1. Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica): has been reported to strengthen vein walls, fix the permeability of the veins and capillaries, and help maintain vein health
2. Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum): contains aescin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve vein elasticity, strengthen vein walls and improve vein tone. It is thought that aescin does this by plugging small leaks and holes in the veins and capillaries. Horse chestnut is also reported to improve microvascular circulation, lessen the swelling and fluid retention.
3. Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus): contains the active ingredient ruscogenins, which are reported to have the ability to narrow blood vessels, lessen inflammation and swelling, as well as strengthen and improve vein walls and tone
4. Grape seed extract : Grape seed extract is rich in antioxidants, which helps protect the cell against harmful free radicals. It has been reported to "improve circulation, increase skin elasticity, and prevent blood clots from forming." 5. Vitamin K1: Fat soluble vitamin that is essential in the bodies ability to synthesize certain clotting factors
6. Diosmin 95: Diosmin 95® has been reported to strengthen the vein walls and vein valves by keeping the neuromediators in veins more active for a longer period of time. Keeping the neuromediators more active will prevent and reduce the discomfort and appearance of varicose and Spider veins.
7. Hesperdin: a natural flavenoid that is reported to increase vein tone and reduce inflammation.
8. Arnica Montana: a plant extract thought to decrease bruising and swelling.
9. Witch hazel: extract of the leaf and bark of the plant has been reported to reduce inflammation and swelling.
10. Bilberries: support normal formation of connective tissue and strengthen capillaries in the body, and prevent varicose veins.
11. Gotu Kola: Strengthens blood vessels and improve peripheral circulation.
12. Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba): Strengthens blood vessels and improve peripheral circulation.
13. Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata): Strengthens blood vessels and improve peripheral circulation.
14: Vitamin E: a free radical scavenger that has bene reported to reduce inflammation
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NAMES OF THESE PRODUCTS?
1. Venacura: contains the active ingredient Diosmin 95.
2. Venarin: contains extracts of Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica), Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), and Grape seed extracts as well as Vitamin K.
3. Complete La Femme Vein Support Formula: contains Hesperdin and Diosmin.
4: The other supplements and topical agents can be purchased from a reputable dealer.
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS FROM RELIABLE SOURCES?
Alternative treatments of varicose veins and other conditions are gaining more traction in institutions that have previously offered only traditional medicine. There are many websites and traditional stores offering products, and it can be quite daunting trying to figure out which claims actually make scientific sense. I have compiled a list of links below that I feel are credible sources of additional information about alternative treatment of varicose veins and chronic vneous insufficiency, as well as other medical conditions.
1. The University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine
2. The University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine
3. Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UC San Francisco
4. M.D. Anderson Center for Integrative/Complementary Medicine
5. Stanford University Center for Integrative Medicine


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