Message #986 - THE_HERBALIST Subject: Pregnancy: Varicose Veins ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Varicose Veins Categories: Pregnancy ----------------------------ASTRINGENT LINIMENT---------------------------- 1 pt Yarrow 1 pt Shepherd's purse 1 pt Calendula 1/4 pt Cayenne Vinegar OR Witch hazel extract During the last months of pregnancy, the circulatory system is doing double duty and the veins often suffer because of it. The added pressure of weight gain and an increase in blood volume put tremendous pressure on the veins, especially those that carry blood from the legs to the heart. The high levels of progesterone produced during pregnancy can further complicate the situation by causing relaxation of the smooth muscles and a decrease in muscle activity. Since contracting muscle activity is the primary force used to pump blood through the veins and back to the heart, decreased activity can cause stagnation and a pooling of blood in the lower extremities. Surface veins and capillaries, with their relatively weak walls, may become swollen, twisted, and enlarged. A lack of nutritional elements in the diet, especially vitamin C, rutin, and other bioflavonoids, combined with the extra stress on the circulatory system, can cause the fragile capillaries to break. A tendency toward varicose veins and hemorrhoids may also be inherited. If you bruise easily or have had trouble with varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids in the past, practice preventative medicine at the onset of pregnancy. Wear support hose, avoid standing for long periods of time, and include those foods that aid in building and repairing the blood veins in your diet. I have seen cases of serious varicose veins in pregnant women that could have been completely avoided if only the proper precautions had been followed. A lovely young friend of mine named Ann was a case in point. When Ann got pregnant, she was already suffering from an advanced case of "superwoman syndrome." Married to a loving but not particularly warm man, she was very thin and starving for warmth and affection. One had the sense that she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. She was delighted by her pregnancy, but it only seemed to increase her burdens. Early in her pregnancy the veins in Ann's legs began to distend. I believe that even then, had she followed the advice offered by her friends, she would not have had to suffer as she did. As it was, her aching legs did not slow her down; she remained thin, anxious, and overworked thoughout most of her pregnancy. But the veins began to protrude in purple highways up and down her legs, making even walking difficult. Finally, during the last trimester of her pregnancy, there was no recourse but to retire to bed. I think in many ways it was the best thing that could have happened to her. At last she could rest, be waited on, and cared for. Ann consulted a holistic physician, who recommended many of the suggestions that follow. In her two ensuing pregnancies, she followed the preventive measures advised by her doctor, and, though her legs troubled her somewhat, the problem with her veins was never as severe again. HERBAL REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS ù Diet is essential in the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. Vitamin C and related bioflavonoids strengthen the capillaries and are especially beneficial for healing them if they are injured. Foods high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids include buckwheat, nettles, rose hips, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, peppers, whole grains, hibiscus flowers, and the white rinds of organically grown citrus fruits. ù The allium family, which includes garlic, onion, chives, and leeks, helps maintain elasticity in the veins and capillaries. These foods are very helpful during pregnancy to prevent varicose veins. ù Lecithin, vitamin E, and rutin supplements are also recommended during pregnancy to prevent and repair varicose veins. ù The following astringent liniment is very helpful for varicose veins. Rub the liniment gently up the legs toward the heart two or three times a day, using a soft cotton cloth. This is invigorating and healing for the injured veins. Always rub toward the heart. A S T R I N G E N T L I N I M E N T Cover the herbs with warmed vinegar and/or witch hazel extract (available at pharmacies) and let the mixture sit for two to three weeks. Strain and rebottle. This liniment will last indefinitely and may also be used as an astringent for muscular pains and aches. ù To ease the pressure on the veins, spend some time every day with your legs slightly elevated. While sleeping and whenever sitting, elevate your legs with pillows. This allows the blood to flow smoothly and freely to the heart and relieves pressure on the veins. ù It may be necessary to wear support hose and/or Ace bandages to lend support to the veins during pregnancy. Don't neglect to do so if necessary, and don't wait until the veins become congested and swollen. Prevention is the key. Once the delicate capillaries and surface veins become distended, their elasticity is very difficult to restore. ù Deep breathing as well as muscular contractions can help ensure a healthy return of blood to the heart. Breathe deeply. You can feel the blood surging into the chest region. If circulation is a problem and varicosities result, do regular deep breathing exercises. ù Butcher's broom (Ruscus acluteatus) has a great reputation as an anti- inflammatory for the vascular system. It promotes circulation from the lower extremities and has been used successfully as both a preventive and a curative for varicose veins. Butcher's broom may be difficult to locate; you may have to get a natural food or herb store to order it for you. Butcher's broom comes in the form of capsules, tea, and tincture.