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By Dr. Samuel P. Martin
In searching for cures or help with varicose and spider veins, one must beware of the quick fix or "miracle cure". Unfortunately, in America, there is a preoccupation for an easy solution, from losing weight to fitness and health. Veins are a health issue, not a blemish to be covered up or take a pill for...
There is also a fascination with "natural cures' be it an herbal pill or a treatment. Once vein problems appear, no pill or lotion will cause them to disappear. They can be covered up but not eliminated. Natural cures have a place in healthcare. There are many herbal medications that are beneficial for healthy living, but one must be cautious of excessive claims and check the ingredients. Because natural herbs do not come under FDA scrutiny, they can make unproven claims and they don't come under the same scrutiny as prescribed medications do. For instance, Ephedra, the weight loss product caused serious physical and life- threatening complications
Horse chestnut, an herbal remedy, has been shown to decrease swelling and some feel that it can strengthen the vein walls, but it will not eliminate existing vein problems. I am unaware of any medication that can decrease the inflammatory effect that gravity and pressure causes on varicose veins.
