Reflexology Treatments for Varicose Veins

1) Horse Chestnut Extract
The herb horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is one of the most widely used alternative medicine remedies for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (a related condition). The active constituent in horse chestnut is a compound called aescin.

In 2006, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies involving the use of oral horse chestnut extract in people with chronic venous insufficiency and found an improvement in the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency with the horse chestnut extract compared with the placebo. Horse chestnut extract resulted in a significant reduction in leg pain and swelling compared with the placebo.

The researchers concluded that based on the evidence, horsechestnut extract has potential as a short-term treatment for chronic venous insufficiency.

None of the studies, however, evaluated whether the extract could reduce the appearance of varicose veins. Whole horse chestnut is considered unsafe by the FDA and may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, convulsions, circulatory and respiratory failure, and even death. Tea, leaves, nuts, and other crude forms of the horse chestnut plant should also be avoided.

2) Grape Seed and Pine Bark Extracts
Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and pine bark extract (Pinus maritima) both contain oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), antioxidants that appear to strengthen the connective tissue structure of blood vessels and reduce inflammation.

Preliminary studies suggest that OPCs help people with various veins. Grape seed extract should not be confused with grapefruit seed extract. The most commonly reported side effects are digestive complaints such as nausea and upset stomach.

People with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn's disease, should not take pine back or grapeseed extract unless under a doctor's supervision because of its effects on the immune system. The safety of pine bark and grapeseed extracts have not been established in pregnant or nursing women or children. Pine bark or grapeseed extracts should not be combined with medications that suppress the immune system or with corticosteroids, unless under medical supervision.

3) Butcher's broom
A plant in the lily family, Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is also known as box holly or knee holly. It contains ruscogenins, constituents that proponents say strengthens collagen in blood vessel walls and improves circulation.

Side effects of butcher's broom may include digestive complaints such as indigestion or nausea. People with high blood pressure or benign prostate hyperplasia should not take butcher's broom without first consulting a doctor. The safety of butcher's broom in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established.

Butcher's broom should not be taken with medication for high blood pressure, benign prostate hyperplasia, or MAO inhibitors unless under medical supervision.

4) Reflexology
Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet. One small study compared reflexology with rest in 55 pregnant women. Reflexology significantly reduced leg swelling.
Pregnant women should consult their doctor before having reflexology. Some sources say that reflexology should not be done during the first trimester.

What Causes Varicose Veins?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Being overweight increases the pressure on veins.
Prolonged sitting or standing restricts circulation and puts added pressure on veins.
Chronic constipation
Genetics
Aging

Although in some people, varicose veins can be a cosmetic concern, in other people, they can cause swelling and uncomfortable aching, heaviness, or pain or be a sign of heart disease or circulatory disorders. If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to serious complications such as phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), skin ulcers, and blood clots. At any time, if varicose veins become swollen, red, or tender and warm to the touch, or if there are sores, ulcers, or a rash near the varicose vein, see your doctor.