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SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2001

My Reference

Varicose veins

DESCRIPTION:

Varicose veins are winding and dilated segments of superficial veins. Each superficial vein contains small valves that prevent blood reflux using gravity (this occurs mainly standing up). Blood flows normally because our veins use those traps, located on each side of the vein lining to direct the blood in the right direction. Blood flows from the superficial veins towards the deeper veins, and circulates from the feet to the heart.

Varicose veins are caused by several factors. Superficial veins dilate, loose their elasticity and their contraction ability. Since they dilate, the small valves can no longer touch one another, they separate. So, they loose their ability to direct blood circulation in the right direction. When standing up, and mainly standing still, the blood flow drops back towards the feet, putting pressure on the vein linings, causing dilation, hence varicose veins.

SYMPTOMS:

  • Blue veins, swollen in appearance, stretched or twisted, mainly found on the interior leg, around the ankles and behind the calf.
  • Heaviness and cramps (mainly during night time).
  • Pressure and itchiness surrounding the affected veins, and / or shooting pain, pins and needles and burning sensations (mainly the inferior limbs).
  • Swollen feet and ankles (oedema) at the end of the day.
  • In more severe cases, skin becomes dryer and changes its appearance. A brown pigmentation and varicose ulcers may appear on the ankles.
  • A very slow venous circulation may lead to blood clot formation (thrombosis) inside the affected vein.
RISK FACTORS:

  • Heredity. Certain families are more susceptible to varicose veins. 2 out of 3 varicose veins are genetic.
  • Obesity.
  • Pregnancy, which is accompanied by numerous hormonal changes during the first three months, and a venous compression in the last three months.
  • Oral contraceptives (the hormones contained in the pill may cause venous lining loosening and blood clot formation).
  • Standing in an upright position and standing about for several hours (cashier, waitress, etc...).
  • Sitting for several hours.
  • Lack of exercise (the deeper leg muscles enable venous blood circulation back towards the heart).
  • Heat (A very hot bath, a sauna or the sun).
NUTRITION:

Avoid alcohol, coffee and salt. Change your eating habits in order to maintain your weight or loose weight if necessary. Obesity impairs blood flow back to the heart.

Buckwheat contains a generous quantity of rutina, a substance which contributes to the preservation of capillary lining strength and integrity. Several medical publications mention that the daily intake of 20 to 100 milligrams of rutina may considerably reinforce capillary linings. Half a cup of buckwheat may contain up to 6000 milligrams of rutina (more than the daily dose required to remedy to capillary fragility). I would say that a serving of buckwheat pancakes is one of the best way to treat the problem! Kasha, a cereal made of buckwheat oatmeal can also do the job.

You can use peanuts. In fact, this plant’s therapeutic agent is not the peanut itself, but the red skin around it. This red layer is one of the most edible source of oligomeric proanthocyanides (OPC). These complex substances have the ability to reduce capillary fragility and permeability.

Cranberries, cherries, blackberries and blueberries are very beneficial for circulation. They stimulate new capillary formation, reinforce capillary lining and improve the circulatory system’s general condition.

TO PREVENT OR STOP THE PROCESS:

Wear support stockings or hose. They slow down venous dilation and decrease the quantity of stagnant blood in the inferior limbs. Inversely, eliminate jeans, socks and boots that are too tight. They compress the legs and harm circulation.

Do not expose your legs to high heat. Banish very hot baths, hot wax hair removal and saunas.

Sleep with your legs elevated.

Exercise regularly, choose walking, swimming and biking, which activate venous circulation.

RECOMMANDED PLANTS:

  • Milk thistle #94 or L.G.-W #820 (for liver and gallbladder).
  • UR.-W #880 or KID.-W # 809 (for kidneys and urinary tract).
  • L.C.-W # 817 or Oregon grape # 400 or All cell salts # 860 (a lymphatic cleanser).
  • Intestinal program to ensure adequate toxin elimination.
  • Chicory # 103 or Sweet root # 398 (a digestive aid).
  • B.P.-W # 727 or Spring greens # 731 (a blood purifier).
  • V.V.H.-W # 892 or Calendula # 475 or Chestnut leaf # 158 or Chickweed # 315 or Mullein # 310 (circulation).
  • Blessed thistle and Lily of the valley # 740 (oxygenation).
  • Wild rose hip # 140 or Chippewa pine # 359 (reinforce capillaries, vitamin C source).
ORTHODOX MEDICAL SOLUTION:

All actual medical solutions remove those varicose veins, but don’t prevent the formation of new ones.

Sclerotherapy: The injection of an irritant solution in a vein, which scars and completely stops blood flow.

Stripping: The removal and ligation of a vein section.

Laser treatment: This procedure is used in severe cases only.

In conclusion, the development of varicose veins may increase with age. There are no miracle treatment to prevent their development. If you are predisposed to varicose veins, consider venous hygiene as a protective lifestyle. As much as possible, avoid all factors which are linked to their development.

Référence :

Ce que vous souhaitez savoir sur la maladie variqueuse par le DR Jean-Claude Plot chirurgie vasculaire. Réseau Proteus portail santé de médecine intégré, Doctissimo (votre dictionnaire santé), La pharmacie verte par James A. Duke Ph. D.