I often get asked are there any natural treatments for varicose veins and spider veins. The answer depends on what aspect of veins you are trying to treat. If it is the ache from varicose veins there is ONLY ONE product that has undergone any sort of rigorous scientific evaluation and that is Horse Chestnut Extract. This has been demonstrated to help leg pain and swelling when compared to placebo (Cochrane Database Syst. Review 2006).
ALL the rest of the myriad of products (including St Johns wort, Lavender, Witch hazel, Flavinoids (incl. berries. cherries and plums), Rosemary, Bilberry extract, Gingko biloba, Gotu kola extract, Hawthorn extract, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene and Vitamin B complex) that have been claimed to be of benefit have NOT undergone any scientific evaluation that validates the claims that are made. Hence the claims that are made must be treated with a great deal of cynicism and skepticism. As many of these products associated with these unproven claims can have significant side effects and contraindications it is reasonable that they are avoided until their efficacy can be satisfactorily demonstrated by clinical studies.Until proven to be of any usefulness it is likely that most if not all of the products are just expensive placebos.
Another product that has been heavily advertised is Veins Clear (refer my previous blog post) but there is no scientific study that demonstrates that Veins Clear has any effect on treating any type of leg veins. Vein Away is another product that made lots of claims but these were found to be unsubstantiated when it was compared to placebo in a scientifically controlled study. This study was conducted by Dr Sue McKoy and presented at a Phlebology conference. There has actually NEVER been a product that has EVER been scientifically demonstrated to improve the appearance of veins or halt the progression of the condition. Reflexology and acupuncture / acupressure maybe useful in the management of the ache due to varicose veins but there are no scientific studies that I am aware of that confirms the effectiveness of these approaches.
Dr Varcoe, I note that you talk about other manual type therapies like reflexology. Does lymphatic massage or draining help? I suffer from poor circulation in my legs and even though I have had treatment for veins and this helps tonnes, still have puffy
legs. 🙁 Read a bit about lymphoedema which seems to go hand in hand with poor veins. Any advice appreciated.
what is the recommended dose for the horse chestnut extract?
Hi Jeff, I have seen doses from 300mg two times a day and up to 500mg of horse chestnut seed extract 3 times a day. If you are going to use this type of product go to a reputable source (pharmacy or health food shop) for your information and dosage guidelines.
As with all products there can be side effects which can be dose dependent so you need to get advise from people who have experience with this product. I personally have never used or prescribed this product as people seeking my services invariably want their
problem fixed rather than the symptoms treated
Hi Jennifer, You are correct in believing that patients with vein problems often have a mixed picture that involves some dysfunction of the lymphatic system. This is more likely to be the situation in the more severe cases. Treatment of your lymphatic
system with lymphatic massage / drainage may improve your symptoms of swelling and ache but will not effect the progression of any venous disorder that you may also have.
Hi, stumbled across this post @Jeff – I got some liquid extract at my local health food shop, Go Vita. They seem to have a range of quality herbal supplements from Mediherb. I got a liquid supplement to take 5mls a day. Bitter taste but hopefully results
with some of my issues.
Hi Crystal, Please keep me updated about your progress. I am specifically interested in feedback about whether people are finding horse chestnut useful for swelling and aching of their legs ( especially if they also have varicose veins). Dr Paul Varcoe
Hi Dr V, i have been taking the liquid extract, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. The naturopath who advised me said it could take up to 6 weeks to notice any difference in legs. The liquid extract has made me very nauseaous a couple of times. I have
taken it before a meal on empty stomach, so I won’t be doing that again. :/
Hi Crystal, Thanks for the update. Are you taking HCE for aching, swelling or both? It would be great if you could give a rating for how your symptoms are and if they change. I suggest you rank your initial symptom(s) out of 5 (1= mild, 5 = severe) and
then note the change (if any) over time. What dose are you on?
I had sclerotherapy done nearly seven years ago and after only three sessions, my spider veins disappeared. Last year they started coming back and I am thinking of having sclerotherapy again. I would like to know who is permitted to perform this kind of
procedure? Can it be a GP? I am trying to avoid long drive down to Penrith (I live in the Upper Mountains). Thanks folks.