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Articles > Venous Insufficiency: What is it?

Venous Insufficiency: What is it?

There are several reasons why varicose veins, spider veins and haemorrhoids can develop. A weakness in the vein wall and poor venous tone (sometimes this is hereditary) can lead to venous valve incompetence. This can lead to congested and dilated veins, a feeling of heavy, swollen and tired legs, varicose and spider veins and haemorrhoids. It is important to remember that varicose veins are only a superficial sign of what may be a wider venous insufficiency. When they have been established for a long time there are fewer prospects to change them cosmetically, especially if the veins have been permanently damaged. Yet if they are only a recent occurrence or superficial (e.g. spider veins) or if the valves are only weakened but undamaged then it is possible to improve the tone of the veins and capillaries sufficiently so that cosmetic results are achieved.

The long term goal of a natural treatment is to maintain good venous and connective tissue tone to reduce further trouble and improve venous blood return from the lower body. This is especially important in order to prevent annoying haemorrhoids, the feeling of heavy legs and oedema or serious risks like Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVD, also called Economy Class Syndrome). Those who have undergone varicose vein operations may minimise the risk of a second operation when taking vein strengthening herb, thus preventing new varicose veins from developing. In these situations it is indispensable to complement the topical treatment with an additional internal treatment with the most effective traditional herbs for vein conditions

Haemorrhoids (also called piles) are varicose veins in an awkward place. They are aggravated by pelvic congestion and conditions such as constipation, prostatic enlargement and a loss of elasticity of the anal sphincter. In pregnancy haemorrhoids and enlarged veins in the vulva can be caused by restricted blood circulation to the area due to the enlarged uterus that puts pressure on the pelvic veins. Higher than usual progesterone levels relax the tone of the veins further, making them dilate and enlarge. Obesity, hypertension and emotional tension can also result in haemorrhoids. It these situations it is indispensable to complement the topical treatment with an additional internal treatment with the most effective traditional herbs for vein conditions - Horsechestnut, Witchhazel, Butcher's Broom and Arnica - all these herbs are found in a traditional vein supporting cream or tincture.

- Organic fresh fruit and vegetable intake needs to be high to maintain optimum levels of flavonoids and other essential nutrients. Foods, especially fruits, containing high amounts of vitamin E, C and bioflavonoids support circulation and strengthen blood vessels. Zinc in brewer's yeast, buckwheat, grains and seeds speed the healing of damaged blood vessels. Garlic also helps to improve the circulation.

- In haemorrhoids it is crucial to increase dietary fibre and to resolve any associated constipation. Mucilage-containing herbs (e.g. Slippery Elm and Psyllium) help to keep the stool soft and ease bowel evacuation. External applications of a vein strengthening fresh-plant cream directly applied to the haemorrhoids should be complemented with internal vein tonics and circulatory stimulants in order to help to strengthen the veins and to reabsorb the pooling blood quicker and long-term.

- Regular walking (3 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes) and resting or sleeping with the legs elevated is recommended.

- Where there is oedema, legs should be rested on a wall for 30 minutes a day and intermittently for 10 minutes at a time. Elastic stockings or medicinal compression stockings can be useful, especially if they are applied first thing in the morning before getting out of bed. Kneipp treatments with cold water applied to the legs from the foot to the knee stimulate circulation and tone the area. Hot and cold cycles of water in the shower (4-6 times) improve overall circulation the last cycle should always be cold.