Venous insufficiency: 5 plants that relieve the most common symptoms

April 19, 2022 12:16 PM

Swollen ankles and legs, Tingling, cramps and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are the most common mild symptoms of venous insufficiency. The varicose veins and the hemorrhoids They are another common problem derived from insufficient venous return.

Some natural care is of great help, specifically taking a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, with foods that stimulate circulation, maintain proper hydration and physical movement. The massages and the Phytotherapy They also take care of the circulatory system.

Infusions and products for topical and oral use with extracts of medicinal plants help to prevent and reduce the discomfort of vasodilation. At the same time they can complement the treatment of pathologies such as hypertension and atherosclerosis.

He pregnancy It can favor circulatory disorders. Some of these remedies can be used, unless otherwise indicated and always consulting the doctor.

These are 5 especially useful medicinal plants for venous insufficiency widely used in phytotherapy:

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Cypress, a great veinotonic

The cypress (Cupressus sempervivens L.) is a Mediterranean tree that adapts to various types of soil. For medicinal purposes, the ripe galbules (or false fruits) are used and, in traditional phytotherapy, also the leaves and tender shoots.

Properties: The galbules, rich in antioxidants, are venotonic and reduce the degenerative process of the venous walls.What is it for: To treat venous disorders and those associated with venous insufficiency, such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, varicose ulcers or phlebitis.How to use: In suppositories, creams, lotions, essential oil, and other topical preparations. You can also prepare a decoction with 20 grams per liter of water for topical use, except during pregnancy and lactation. Before using cypress, do a sensitivity test, applying a very small amount, as some people may find it irritating.

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Rusco, ideal for varicose veins and hemorrhoids

The butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus L.) grows on calcareous soils, arid and stony places, and forests with a warm climate. For medicinal purposes, the dried rhizome is used, which has ruscogenin.

Properties: It is venotonic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. In traditional phytotherapy it is also used as a febrifuge and cleanser.What is it for: To treat different problems of venous insufficiency, such as hemorrhoids, varicose veins, phlebitis, edema. Stimulates the venous walls and reduces blood stagnation.How to use: The extract is used in ointments and other topical products. Apply them with an upward massage for more immediate relief. In sensitive people, it can cause mild itching. In pregnancy and lactation, use under medical supervision.

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Horse chestnut, tonic and anti-inflammatory

The horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum L.) grows in humid areas up to 1,300 m altitude. For medicinal purposes the seed is used and, in some traditional remedies, the bark and the leaf.

Properties: The seed contains escin, with anti-inflammatory, venotonic and anti-edematous action. In popular medicine, decoctions and compresses of the leaves and bark are used for pain, fever and circulatory problems.What is it for: To relieve symptoms of venous insufficiency (swelling, itching, heaviness), edema, bruising, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, phlebitis and joint pain.How to use: Traditionally, dried and ground into a decoction, infusion and compresses. Many herbal products carry their extracts. It should be avoided in pregnancy, lactation and in children.

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Red vine against pain and heaviness

The red vine (Vitis vinifera) can be found both cultivated and wild in temperate climates. For medicinal purposes, the leaves, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, and the oil from the seeds are used.

Properties: It is veinotonic, astringent and vasoprotective. Its protective action on blood capillaries has also been highlighted.What is it for: To relieve pain, swelling, itching, cramps, tired legs and other symptoms of mild or chronic venous insufficiency. In external use, to relieve couperose and varicose veins.How to use: For topical use, in infusion (10 grams of leaf per cup of water) or in decoction (60-80 grams of leaf per cup of water). Internal use preparations are also marketed with dry extract or red vine fluid, and creams for topical use. Do not extend the treatment for more than a week.

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Clover to relieve the legs

The melilot (Melilotus officinalis) grows in vacant lots, gardens, path edges and ruderal areas. For medicinal purposes, the inflorescence and tender stems are used.

Properties: It contains coumarins and flavonoids, which give it anti-inflammatory, venous tonic and anti-edematous properties, that is, it improves lymphatic circulation.What is it for: For pain, cramps, feeling of heavy and swollen legs, itching and other symptoms of venous insufficiency and circulatory problems, such as hemorrhoids and thrombophlebitis, etc. Also for mild skin inflammation.How to use: In adults, preparations with melilot extracts are used for internal and external use. To make an infusion, 1 gram of plant is used per cup.

What is venous insufficiency and how to prevent complications

Through the blood that flows through the arteries, veins and capillaries, our body is capable of transporting oxygen and nutrients to each cell and eliminating waste products. A wonderful circulation system regulated by one of the most important organs: the heart. However, the balance in this complex system adapted to flow against gravity depends on many factors and can be easily altered.

Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins have difficulty moving blood from the legs to the heart. This causes the veins to fill with blood and dilate.

Varicose veins, hemorrhoids and tired legs These are other very frequent vascular alterations that warn of a malfunction of the venous circulation. They usually appear in women, due to a hormonal issue.

Among the symptoms of venous insufficiency, in its mild form, we find itching, cramping, heaviness, cold hands and feet, or pain.

Take action when the first symptoms appear it is key to avoid serious consequences that can compromise the quality of life.

Mild discomfort can be alleviated by integrating healthy habits and with natural products based on medicinal plants. Some plant active principles are also indicated as complementary therapy in moderate and chronic vascular conditions.

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