Question:
My partner has varicose veins. He has an appointment today to get them removed. His doctor gave us some literature about the veins, which tells what happens when we get them, but NOTHING on what the underlying cause/s are. While I was doing my herbology course, we were told that the underlying cause/s of varicose veins were from pressure applied to the lower abdomenal cavity via constant coughing, stomach problems (he has IBS), pregnancy, standing up too long, childbirth, strainng in bowel movements and/or constipation etc etc. The doctor said all above was just folklore but he cannot tell me what the underlying cause/s are. The doctor also said that they pose no health risks and they are just unsightly! Surely this IS NOT the case. If your valves close up in the veins, surely thats not right and the reason for them closing must be because of some other underlying cause/s. I was given some BROOM from my naturopath a little while ago for some little varicose veins starting on the back of my knees. Im wondering whether I should give this to my partner, so they don't come back (as I have heard they sometimes do!) Does anyone know of a GOOD site that will help me research this further? Ive been to a few "orthodox" sites, which most of them say the same thing as the doctor/s.

Answer: -I always thought they was due to circulation problems. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum) and Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) are traditional herbs used for varicose veins. There is a boatload of scientific evidence for both on PubMed/Medline that your doctor should be reading too: -Both my parents have varicose veins which developed into leg ulcers: they are far from harmless, if you get a bang or knock on the bluging vein...please tell your friend to take care not to bang into anything, especially sharp edges. the reult is horribly painful and can keep one off ones feet for over two months. We were told the condition of varicose veins was caused in the first place by standing for long periods, or bad circulation, and we have found that it can be greatly helped by walking every day at least two miles and wearing support stockings: they used to recommend surgical support stockings, but now say that even ordinary 15 denier tights from the supermarket do just as well. I hope some of this info may help,