Varicose veins (Varicosities) are twisted, enlarged veins at the skin surface or the abnormal swelling of veins in the legs as a symptom of generally poor blood circulation, accompanied by loss of elasticity in the walls of the veins and particularly in their valves.
• A weakened valve can allow blood to leak backward and eventually flow in the opposite direction, causing blood to accumulate in the veins, which then become enlarged and swollen. Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, and twisting veins, often appearing blue or dark purple.
Prevention Measures for Varicose Veins
• Get plenty of exercise (such as walking)
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid standing still for too long
• Do not sit with the legs crossed
• Sit or sleep with your feet raised on a pillow
• Avoid wearing high heels
• Choose non-restrictive clothing
Complications of Varicose Veins
• Bleeding
• Thrombophlebitis – Blood clots in the vein of the leg cause inflammation of the vein.
• Chronic venous insufficiency – the Skin does not exchange oxygen, nutrients, and waste products with the blood properly because the blood flow is weak, though its not caused by varicose veins, but the two entities are closely related.
Clinical Treatment Methods
• Laser surgeries – Intense bursts of light are directed onto the vein, making it gradually fade and disappear.
• Endoscopic vein surgery – A tiny video camera is inserted into the leg to help the surgeon, then removal of the veins takes place via a series of small incisions.
• Ligation and stripping – Two incisions are made, one near the patient’s groin at the top of the target vein, and the other is made further down the leg, either at the ankle or knee. The top of the vein is tied up and sealed. A thin, flexible wire is threaded through the bottom of the vein and then pulled out, taking the vein with it.
• Sclerotherapy – A chemical is injected into small and medium-sized varicose veins, which scars and closes them.
• Radiofrequency ablation – A small incision is made either above or below the knee, and with the help of an ultrasound scan; a narrow tube (catheter) is threaded into the vein.
• Endothermal ablation – Its a procedure where heat is used to seal the affected veins.
• Endovenous laser treatment – A catheter is inserted into the patient’s vein. A small laser is threaded through the catheter and positioned at the top of the target vein; it delivers short Energy bursts that heat up the vein, sealing it shut.
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy – An endoscopic transilluminator (special light) is threaded through an incision under the Skin so that the doctor can see which veins need to be taken out. The target veins are cut and removed with a suction device through the incision.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy – The doctor puncture the Skin and remove the varicose veins through small slits. Scarring is usually minimal afterward.
Causes of Varicose Veins (Varicosities)
• Inadequate support of vein walls (Heredity [family history of varicosity],
• Obesity [fatty tissue],
• Aging [decreased muscular activity],
• Posture [prolonged standing or sitting])
• Increased resistance to the free flow of blood back into the trunk (Pregnancy [obstacle to venous return], Thrombosis [blockage within the vessels], Tumors [obstructive], Fashion [tight clothing will weaken tissue]).
Risk factors for Varicose Veins (Varicosities)
• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Being aged over 50
• Standing for long periods
• Family history of varicose veins
• Obesity (overweight or obese increases the risk of varicose veins)
• Gender (affect women more often than males, may be because female Hormones relax veins, taking birth control pills or Hormone therapy [HT])
• Genetics (often run in families)
• Obesity: Being
• Age (the risk increases with age, due to wear and tear on vein valves)
• Some jobs (individual who spend a long time standing at work may have a higher chances)
Symptoms of Varicose Veins (Varicosities)
• Veins look twisted, swollen, and lumpy (bulging).
• The veins are blue or dark purple.
• Some individuals experience aching legs.
• Legs feel heavy, especially after exercise or at night.
• A minor injury to the affected area may result in longer bleeding than normal.
• Lipodermatosclerosis – fat under the Skin just above the ankle can become hard, resulting in the Skin shrinking.
• Swollen ankles.
• Telangiectasia in the affected leg (spider veins).
• Shiny Skin discoloration near the varicose veins, usually brownish or blue in color.
• Venous Eczema (stasis dermatitis) – Skin in the affected area is red, dry, and itchy.
• Some individuals experience leg cramps, when suddenly standing up.
• A high percentage of people with varicose veins also have Restless Legs Syndrome.
• Atrophie blanche – irregular whitish Patches that look like scars appear at the ankles.
Note:
* Home treatment should aim to relieve pressure on the veins.
* Varicose vein sufferers should avoid tight clothing around the waist or legs.
* To ease Hemorrhoids, try to maintain regular bowel movements.
Precaution:
* Do not massage or rub varicose veins.
Varicose Veins Treatment Actions
Varicose veins result from a weakness or increased pressure in the veins causing the thin supporting walls of the veins to bulge out, resulting in distended veins and the pooling of blood.
• Vascular tonics help the tissues regain tone and strength. Flavonoid-rich herbs are especially useful here, although they do not work quickly.
• Circulatory Stimulants assist in the process of venous return to the trunk of the body.
• Astringents can support the work of the vascular tonics and best applied externally.
• Anti-Inflammatories ease localized inflammation and discomfort.
• Emollients and Demulcents, used externally, lessen local discomfort.
Prescription for Varicose Veins
• Hawthorn (1 part)
• Prickly Ash (1 part)
• Ginkgo Biloba (1 part)
• Yarrow (1 part)
• Horse Chestnut (1 part)
Dosage: – Upto 5 ml of tincture three times a day
• Distilled Witch Hazel is an excellent Astringent.
• Yarrow has healing, Astringent, and Anti-Inflammatory properties.
Varicose Veins Lotion for External Use
Lotion Mixture for External Use
• Distilled Witch Hazel (80 ml)
• Horse Chestnut tincture (10 ml)
• Comfrey tincture (10 ml)
Use: – Apply liberally as needed to ease irritation and discomfort. Rose Water (or another floral water) may be added to make the lotion more cosmetically pleasing.
Actions Supplied by Varicose Vein Prescription
• Circulatory Stimulant (Prickly Ash, Ginkgo Biloba )
• Vascular tonic (Hawthorn, Horse Chestnut, Yarrow)
• Astringent (Yarrow, Witch Hazel)
• Emollient and Demulcent (Comfrey)
• Vulnerary (Comfrey)
• Anti-Inflammatory (Horse Chestnut)
Garlic, Lemon, & Olive Oil Preparation for Varicose Veins
1) Slice up 10 Garlic Cloves and crush them with a pestle and mortar until you’re left with a paste.
2) Add the paste to a clean jar.
3) Extract the juice from 3 Lemons and add it to the jar.
4) Add 4 tbsp of Olive Oil.
5) Leave overnight (10-12 hours).
6) Using a cotton pad, apply to the affected area twice (2) a day for at least one (1) month.
Cayenne Pepper Preparation for Varicose Veins
1) Add 1 tsp of Cayenne Pepper powder to a cup of hot water and stir it.
2) Drink this mixture 3 times a day for 1-2 months.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Aloe Vera, & Carrots Preparation for Varicose Veins
1) Get one medium/large Carrot and grate it.
2) Get a strainer and extract the juice from the grated Carrot into a bowl.
3) Add 1 tbsp of Carrot juice to a new bowl.
4) Add 1 tbsp of Aloe Vera gel into the same bowl.
5) Add 1 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar into the same bowl.
6) Finally, mix well and use a cotton pad and apply topically at least 3 times a day for a month.
Witch Hazel Preparation for Varicose Veins
1) Soak a washcloth in Witch Hazel and place it on the affected area for a couple of hours, and do this 3 times a day for 1-2 months.
2) You can also fill the tub with lukewarm water and add 15-20 drops of distilled Witch Hazel.
3) Soak your legs in the tub for at least 15 minutes, then wash with clean water and repeat daily.
Cabbage Preparation for Varicose Veins
Horse Chestnut Seed Preparation for Varicose Veins
Precaution should be taken as Horse Chestnut contains significant amounts of esculin (a Poison that can cause death if eaten raw).
1) Purchase a Horse Chestnut extract gel.
2) Use the gel externally on the affected area 3 times daily massaging it into the Skin.
3) When used regularly, it can significantly reduce leg pain and swelling.
Calendula Marigold Preparation for Varicose Veins
1) Fill one cup with Marigold leaves, then add into a pan with 4 cups of water and boil for 5 minutes.
2) Get a cotton cloth, dip it in the mixture, and then apply to the affected area.
3) Let it stay until it’s completely cooled.
4) Apply several times a day for 1-2 months.
Parsley & Rose Oil Preparation for Varicose Veins
1) Get 1 handful of chopped Parsley and place it in a pan.
2) Add 1 cup of water, and boil for 5 minutes.
3) Remove from the heat, cover and let cool until it’s lukewarm.
4) Strain the liquid from the Parsley.
5) After that, add 3 tbsp Rose oil into the strained liquid and mix them well.
6) Dip the cotton ball into the mixture and apply to the affected area.
7) Rinse it off with warm water.
8) Repeat this twice a day for 2 months.
Food Remedies for Varicose Veins & Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Amaranth
Apple Cider Vinegar
Bilberries
Blueberries
Buckwheat
Cabbage
Carrots
Cayenne Pepper
Cranberries
Garlic
Huckleberries
Lemon
Litchi Fruit
Olive Oil
Parsley
Wild Berries
• Amaranth – It contains numerous Flavonoids (including Rutin), which has been directly connected to eliminating varicose veins by strengthening capillary walls. Its high concentration of Vitamin C (an integral component in the production of Collagen) helps repair and strengthen blood vessel walls.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple Cider Vinegar main substance (acetic acid) is helpful at killing harmful bacteria (or preventing them from multiplying) and can also reduce blood triglycerides, blood clots, Cholesterol, and blood pressure.
• Bilberries – Oral Bilberry preparations are also used to prevent and treat a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to The Heart are weak or damaged, resulting in varicose veins, spider veins, sores or blood clots in the legs.
• Blueberries – The berries act to protect the walls of the capillaries and veins because of their Anthocyanin which reduce inflammation and swelling in the tissues.
• Buckwheat – Kasha is used particularly to treat fragile capillaries (seen as small Bruises with no apparent cause), but also helps strengthen varicose veins and heal Chilblains.
• Cabbage – Cabbage is rich in insoluble Fiber, Beta-Carotene, Vitamins B1, B6, K, E, and C, and a number of Minerals (like Calcium, Iodine, Magnesium, Iron, and Sulphur), and also loaded with anti-oxidants and Phytochemicals, hence its topical application on affected area reach the veins through the pores and help the blood clot, thereby stopping the seepage of blood.
• Carrots – Carrots is a great source of several Vitamins and Minerals (especially Vitamin A [from Beta-Carotene], Biotin, Vitamin K [Phylloquinone], Potassium, Sulfur, and Vitamin B6), which are helpful in repairing Skin tissue in case of damage and can also penetrate the Skin and help it with recovering faster from external Wounds and Trauma.
• Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne Pepper is a miraculous treatment herb for varicose veins as its a rich source of Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids (an anti-oxidant which is used to treat Allergies, viruses, or Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions), helps reduce atherosclerosis, encourages fibrinolytic activity, and prevents factors that lead to the formation of blood clots, all factors which can help reduce and treat varicose veins.
• Cranberries – Blueberries and Cranberries are highly recommended for Hypertension or Arteriosclerosis and in cases of swollen lower extremities, varicose veins, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), varicose ulcers and Hemorrhoids.
• Garlic – Garlic has very powerful Anti-Inflammatory properties that are ideal for reducing the swelling of varicose veins. It produces Sulfurous compounds (allicin and ajoene) which have the ability to improve blood circulation as they contribute to the prevention of inflamed blood vessels and blood clots.
• Huckleberries – Huckleberry is associated with protecting The Heart against a number of circulatory problems (such as venous insufficiency, angina, Thrombosis and varicose veins) by lowering Cholesterol. Eating Huckleberries more often can prevent varicose veins as Huckleberries helps in the production of Collagen and maintaining healthy blood vessels in tip-top shape.
• Lemons – Lemons large amounts of Vitamin C helps protect cells from damaging free radicals and prevent oxidative damage, varicose veins, High Blood Pressure, and Skin wrinkling. Its also high in Vitamin B6, A, E, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Phosphorus, and Protein.
• Litchi Fruit – Lychee are rich source of Rutin (a Polyphenol know to strengthen blood vessels) which is used by varicose veins and Hemorrhoids to protect against bruising effects.
• Olive Oil – Olive Oil has Anti-Inflammatory, Toning, and soothing properties, that after being absorbed through the Skin, will reduce the size of dilated and enlarged veins and will activate blood flow. The oil also has a high content of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and Minerals. Its high content of Omega-3 Fatty Acids helps to improve the passage of blood through the veins and restores the function of the unidirectional valves.
• Parsley – Parsley is abundant in Vitamin C and has potent Collagen producing properties, very easily absorbed by the Skin‘s pores and helpful in reducing the appearance of blemishes and scars which make it an ideal home remedy for preventing and treating varicose veins. Parsley is rich in Vitamins (such as Vitamins A, K, C, and E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Choline, Folates), Minerals (such as Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, and Copper) and also contains several Flavonoid anti-oxidants that protect the cells from free radical damage, which is responsible for blood related problems.
• Wild Berries – Wild Berries act to protect the walls of the capillaries and veins because of their Anthocyanin which reduce inflammation and swelling in the tissues (such as cases of swollen lower extremities, varicose veins, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), varicose ulcers and Hemorrhoids).
Herbal Remedies for Varicose Veins & Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
Aloe Vera
Baical Skullcap
Buchu
Butcher’s Broom
Calendula Marigold
Chervil
Cypress
Dalbergia Lanceolaria
Ginkgo
Gotu Kola
Grape Leaves
Grape Seed Oil
Horse Chestnut
Melilot
Milk Thistle
Musk Mallow
Oak Tree
Patchouli
White Peony
Peruvian Bark
Prickly Ash
Rhatany
Rose Essential Oil
Rue
Sanicle
Spearmint
Stone Root
Sweet Woodruff
Tomato Seeds
Varuna
White Dead Nettle
Witch Hazel
Yarrow
Yellow Dead Nettle
Zanthoxylum
• Aloe Vera – Aloe Vera clear gel is useful for almost any Skin condition that needs soothing and Astringent, and will help varicose veins to some degree. Aloe Vera gel contains salicylic acid and other anti-septic compounds that kill off the bacteria and its also packed with Minerals, enzymes, anti-oxidants, and Vitamins A, C, and E, which all work together to reinforce the Skin‘s barrier.
• Baical Skullcap – Baical Skullcap remedy is also beneficial to circulation and disorders of the circulatory system (such as High Blood Pressure, Arteriosclerosis, varicose veins), and to prevent easy bruising of the Skin.
• Buchu – Buchu leaves is considered as a good source of Rutin (a bio-flavonoid used to help smooth circulation). It can also help to strengthen and increase flexibility in blood vessels such as arteries and capillaries.
• Butcher’s Broom – Butcher’s Broom helps stimulate circulation, and very useful in treating chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) health issues (such as varicose veins, ankle swelling, Hemorrhoids, night-time leg cramping and swelling of the legs). Its ruscogenins (active ingredients/compounds having Anti-Inflammatory and venous vasoconstrictor effects) is useful in treating venous disorders as it improves the tone of veins. It oral administration increase venous tone and to also exhibit Diuretic properties, thus brings relief from symptoms such as pain, heaviness, pruritus, and swelling associated with venous insufficiency.
• Calendula Marigold – Calendula Marigold ointment is beneficial for varicose veins (takes about 4 weeks or less). The ointment brings swift relief in phlebitis (inflammation of a vein), varicose ulcers, Fistulas, frost bites and bums. Marigold flowers compresses are useful to cure varicose veins. Its able to decrease cramping by improving blood flow to the painful area and lowering inflammatory responses. Marigold is an Anti-Inflammatory (can fight Infections and inflammation), contains Flavonoids, triterpene, Saponins, and Carotenoids which are thought to act in multiple ways (such as increasing venous tone, improving Lymphatic drainage, and reducing capillary hyperpermeability). It also has Toning and soothing properties, that after being absorbed through the Skin, reduces the size of dilated veins and activate blood flow in the affected areas. Massaging it as an ointment into the Skin relieves pain and stimulate the functions of the Lymphatic system. It can be consumed as a beverage or applied topically as an ointment to bring down swelling, ease pain, and stop inflammation.
• Chervil – Chervil prevents number of issues related to blood flow (such as varicose veins, hemorrhages and other similar issues), hence quite beneficial for proper functioning of The Heart.
• Cypress Essential Oil – Cypress Essential Oil serves as a varicose veins (spider veins) home remedy. Its styptic (having the properties of an Astringent, while also helping to stop excessive blood flow through contraction of the blood vessels). It improves blood circulation throughout the body and keeps a good care of the circulatory system in all aspects. It resolves bleeding disorders related to circulation and inflamed veins.
• Dalbergia Lanceolaria – Dalbergia odorifera heartwood decoction is applied for stagnation of disordered blood.
• Ginkgo – It used orally promotes vasodilation, thereby improving many of adverse conditions especially those focusing on cerebral insufficiency and claudication.
• Gotu Kola – Gotu Kola has been used as a pure blood tonic having a positive effect on the circulatory system by improving the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries. Its asiaticoside and madecassoside may help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, thus keeping them from leaking.
• Grape Leaves – Grapes red leaves are helpful in the treatment of varicose veins, Hemorrhoids, and capillary fragility. Grapes are highly nutritious, and together with the leaves are used to treat varicose veins. Its Anthocyanins reduce capillary permeability.
• Grape Seed Oil – It contains Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins which are Bioflavonoids beneficial by strengthening capillaries.
• Horse Chestnut – Horse Chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is an excellent remedy for venous disorders (such as varicose veins, venous ulcers, Hemorrhoids, and frostbite). Horse Chestnut helps in giving relief from leg cramping and phlebitis (the problem of swollen veins) given that it can improve blood circulation and elasticity of blood vessels. Horse Chestnut seed is rich in two (2) very powerful anti-oxidants (Quercetin and Kaempferol Glycosides) with intense disease-fighting capabilities. Horse Chestnut extract regular use can cure chronic venous insufficiency, because (at the lowest level) the seeds extract prevent the breakdown of Proteins in the capillary walls, aid in Raising the venous tone through its anti-swelling and Anti-Inflammatory properties and lessen the symptoms associated with varicose veins. Precaution should be taken as Horse Chestnut contains significant amounts of esculin (a Poison that can cause death if eaten raw). It contains terpenes (the Plant Compounds with the most active component being aescin) whose mechanism of action appears to be related to the inhibition of leukocyte activation (an important pathophysiological mechanism contributing to chronic venous insufficiency) and decrease in vascular leakage by inhibiting elastase and hyaluronase, which are involved in proteoglycan degradation at the capillary endothelium.
• Melilot – Melilot is widely used to treat venous issues (such as varicose veins, blood clots in the veins, Hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis and Lymphatic Congestions). Its an effective remedy for venous disorders. It oral administration increase venous reflux, thus brings relief from symptoms such as pain, heaviness, pruritus, and swelling associated with venous insufficiency.
• Milk Thistle – Its seed flour lowers blood sugar, cleans even slowly slagged blood, and helps cure varicose veins.
• Musk Mallow – Musk Mallow Essential Oil is applied externally to treat cramp, poor circulation and aching joints. Its leaves and roots are used for varicose veins.
• Oak Tree – Oak Tree bark has Astringent action due to the high levels of Tannins which works by shrinking or constricting the tissues of the body (both internally and externally) and good for treating internal bleeding and external bleeding, Hemorrhoids, varicose veins.
• Patchouli – Patchouli Essential Oil Astringent properties helps to eliminate hemorrhaging by the contraction of blood vessels, boost circulation (increasing oxygen to the organs and cells), thus helps the body retain a healthy-looking, youthful appearance.
• White Peony – White Peony tea has blood thinning properties (a traditional blood tonic), helping to decrease inflammation, improve the function of The Arteries, control High Blood Pressure, and promote healthy blood vessels.
• Peruvian Bark – Peruvian Bark contain quinidine (a quinine stereoisomer chemical compound which is a standard anti-arrhythmic medication), which is useful for managing irregular heartbeats and varicose veins.
• Prickly Ash – Prickly Ash bark and berries are a circulatory system Stimulant and a warming remedy that is used to treat poor circulation. It enhances the blood circulation, thus a beneficial medication for treating conditions where The Arteries of the limbs have narrowed, preventing sufficient blood reaching the hand or leg muscles (such as in varicose veins, intermittent claudication and Raynaud’s disease).
• Rhatany – Rhatany may be applied to Wounds to help staunch blood flow, to varicose veins, and over areas of capillary fragility that may be prone to easy bruising.
• Rose Essential Oil – Rose Essential Oil (made from Rosa Damascena extract) is one of the best Essential Oils for leg veins as it contains several therapeutic compounds known to promote healing in the body, improves blood circulation, inhibits blood pooling, and strengthens the blood vessels.
• Rue – Its contain Rutin (a Flavonoid) which has the effect of supporting and strengthening the inner lining of blood vessels and reducing blood pressure. It stimulates the peripheral blood flow and reducing blood pressure, thus stimulating the blood flow in the event of varices, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein)
• Sanicle – Sanicle contain allantoin which increases the healing rate of damaged tissue. Sanicle (in combination with other herbs) is highly esteemed/reputed for its effectiveness in the treatment of blood disorders.
• Spearmint – Spearmint Essential Oil on consumption (or inhalation) can increase the rate of blood flow, thus great for those suffering from conditions that impair normal blood flow (such as varicose veins) as it has a stimulating property on The Heart.
• Stone Root – Stone Root is an important remedy in the treatment of venous and capillary weakness, thus acts upon the tissues and valves of The Heart, relieving irritation, increasing its power to act, and regulating its contractions. It helps in cases of passive vascular engorgement with dilated capillaries, torpid portal circulation, and lack of muscular tonicity.
• Sweet Woodruff – Sweet Woodruff Coumarin and Flavonoid constituents make it helpful for varicose veins and phlebitis (inflammation of a vein). Its dried plant contains Coumarin which acts as an Anti-Coagulant (prevent the clotting of blood), though in excessive doses it can cause internal bleeding.
• Tomato Seeds – They contain salicylic acid (similar to aspirin) which work as an Anti-Coagulant (preventing blood clots and improving blood flow). Tomatoes are also rich in Lycopene, whose concentrates in the cell membranes prevents damage to the Lipids in our cells. It reduces the appearance of the damaged veins and influences the thickness, strength, and fluidity of our membranes, if applied to the Skin topically, allowing nutrients to be absorbed and preventing toxins from entering.
• Varuna – Varuna is effective useful in dilating the superficial capillaries that stimulates circulation, particularly known as a blood purifier and used to maintain homeostasis.
• White Dead Nettle – White Dead Nettle herbal tea can be used to halt internal bleeding. Its infusion is also applied topically as compresses to effectively treat/ease varicose veins and Hemorrhoids.
• Witch Hazel – It contains considerable amounts of Tannin, making it a useful Astringent when used topically to soothe inflammation of the Skin and mucous membranes in disorders (such as varicose veins and Hemorrhoids). Gently apply distilled Witch Hazel or Witch Hazel cream or ointment to the affected area 1–2 times a day, or combine equal parts of Witch Hazel and Calendula creams of both herbs and apply 1–2 times a day (The remedy is particularly effective on painful varicose veins). Witch Hazel appears to help damaged blood vessels beneath the Skin, may be due to its Flavonoids and Tannins. Its bark and leaves are used to accelerate healing of the Wounds and to stop the bleeding. Witch Hazel is a highly effective in strengthening veins and acts as an Anti-Inflammatory, getting its medicinal properties from the Tannins, Flavonoids, Essential Oils, Choline, and Saponins. Tannins account for its Astringent action, which help tighten distended veins and repair their normal structure, help shrink tissue and act as mild Sedatives to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins.
• Yarrow – wash (externally) varicose veins in a cool Yarrow infusion, or apply the ointment 1–2 times a day. Make a Yarrow infusion and leave for 10 minutes, then take 3/4–11/4 cups (150–300 ml) a day for upto 10 weeks. Do not take Yarrow during Pregnancy.
• Yellow Dead Nettle – Yellow Dead Nettle cleanses the blood and its infusion dressing is beneficial for varicose veins.
• Zanthoxylum – Zanthoxylum bark is useful at improving circulation (one of the foundational healing uses) by increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood through the body, while at the same time cleansing, thus a beneficial herb for The Heart and circulatory system.
