Definition

Enlarged, twisted superficial veins. May occur in almost any part of the body, but most commonly observed in the lower extremity and in the esophagus. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the anus or rectum.
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Causes

Incompetent venous valves that may be acquired or congenital. The development of varicose veins is promoted and aggravated by pregnancy, obesity, and occupations that require prolonged standing or sitting without movement (usually at their job), sitting with legs crossed, or lack of exercise.

Varicose veins are the result of a breakdown of the valves inside the veins that allow blood to flow back to the heart. If the valves do not work properly, blood accumulates in the veins, stretching them and causing varicosity.

Esophageal varices are caused by portal hypertension that accompanies cirrhosis of the liver.
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Symptoms

Pain in the feet and ankles, swelling ulcers on skin. Severe bleeding if a vein is injured. These are prominent, bluish, bulging veins and are often accompanied by dull, nagging aches and pains. Swelling, leg sores, leg cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are characteristic. See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms. Spider veins are harmless and should not cause any problems.

Symptoms of hemorrhoids include: rectal itching, pain, and blood in the stool. Besides lack of circulation, hemorrhoids are usually caused by constipation, improper diet, and/or liver damage.
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Treatment

In hemorrhage, elevation of extremity and gentle but firm pressure over the wound will stop bleeding. The use of a tourniquet is not desirable. Sterile dressing should be held in place with a firm bandage. The patient should not be permitted to walk for some time. The Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding due to hemorrhage from the esophageal varices.

In general, treatment consists of rest, elevation of extremity, and use of an external support. The use of elastic stockings is much preferred to elastic bandages. Injection of sclerosing solutions by the doctor may be utilized in small varicosities. Vein removal may be necessary for major varicosities.
Herbal Medicine Formulas and Recipes
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Nutrients

Vitamin C, 3,000-6,000 mg. per day, will aid circulation by reducing blood clotting tendencies. Biofavonoids complex, 100 mg. per day, promote healing and prevent bruising. Brewer's Yeast, as directed on the label, contains needed protein and B vitamins. Lecithin liquid or capsule, as directed on the label, is a fat emulsifier that aids circulation. Multivitamin complex, as directed on the label, is needed for healing. Vitamin B complex, 3 times per day, is needed to help in digestion of foods and relief of hemorrhoids. Vitamin D, 1,000 mg. daily taken with 1,500 mg calcium chelate and 750 mg. magnesium at bedtime, helps relieve leg cramps when combined with calcium and magnesium. Vitamin E, 400-1,000 IU, start with 400 and increase slowly, helps improve circulation and aids in preventing heavy feeling in the legs. Zinc, 80 mg. per day, aids in healing.
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Herbs

• Alum root, wild
• Barberry
• Bayberry
• Bennet
• Bistort
• Buckthorn bark
• Burnet saxifrage
• Butcher's broom
• Collinsonia root
• Dock, yellow, root
• Eucalyptus
• Figwort
• Flag, sweet
• Golden seal
• Horse chestnut
• Hyssop
• King's clover
• Marigold
• Marjoram, sweet
• Nettle
• Parsley
• Red grapevine leaves
• Rue
• St. John's wort
• Sassafras
• Sheep sorrel
• Shepherd's purse
• Stone root
• Thyme
• Witch Hazel

Recommendations

Diet should be low in fat and refined carbohydrates, and contain plenty of fish and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid animal protein, processed and refined foods, sugar, ice cream, fried foods, cheeses, peanuts, junk foods, tobacco, alcohol, and salt. Add plenty of fiber to the diet.

To increase circulation, you must exercise. Avoid long periods of standing or sitting. Change your daily routine to allow more time for exercise and movement of your legs. Take rest periods several times during the day to elevate your legs. Avoid crossing your legs, heavy lifting, and putting any unnecessary pressure on your legs. Wear loose clothing that does not restrict blood flow. Wear supportive elastic stockings; these will help support varicose veins and help prevent swelling.

Take a sitz bath daily. Mineral bath therapy can be therapeutic.

Vitamin K can help bleeding hemorrhoids. Good sources are: alfalfa, blackstrap molasses, and dark green leafy vegetables.
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Suggestions

An herbal wash that relieves varicose veins:
Sweet flag root
Nettle leaves
Horse chestnut leaves and fruit
Thyme leaves
Mix in equal parts. Add 3 tbsp. to 1 quart cold water, bring to a boil. Add 1/2 tbsp. salt and use to bathe the legs.
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Bibliography

• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 253, 447-448.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pg., 264.
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 154-155, 160-161.
• Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 50, 118, 185, 232-233.
• The Old Herb Doctor, by Joseph E. Meyer, pg., 156.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 87, 122, 243, 258, 307.
• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 200, 335-337.
• The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 43, 46, 81, 492.
• The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel, pgs., 26, 119, 132-136, 140, 216, 399.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 307-308.
• The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pgs., 96, 107, 123, 137-138.

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