15. 03. 2020. Supplements for Varicose Veins or Chronic Venous Insufficiency | ConsumerLab.

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Supplements for Varicose Veins
Question:
Do any supplements help for varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency?

Answer:
As discussed in the Encyclopedia article about Varicose Veins on our site, herbs such as horse chestnut,
gotu kola and butcher's broom may help to reduce the appearance of veins which become dilated and
distorted, or improve symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, a related condition in which weakened
blood vessels in the leg can cause swelling and pain.

Citrus bioflavonoids may also be helpful, although be aware that these should not be taken in
combination with certain medications.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), which are compounds found in substances such as pine
bark extract and grape seed extract, have been found to reduce leg pain and swelling associated with
chronic venous insufficiency. A branded form of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), may also reduce the
appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy, although the evidence for this is weak. Bilberry
supplements, which contain compounds similar to OPCs, have been suggested to treat varicose veins;
although currently there is little evidence to support this use for varicose veins in the leg.

There is evidence that both bilberry and pine bark extract may be helpful for hemorrhoids, which are a
form of varicose veins.

For more information, including dosage, for these and other proposed treatments, see the Encyclopedia
articles about Varicose Veins and Chronic venous insufficiency.

Supplements for Varicose Veins:

What is Pycnogenol and does it work? >>

What are the benefits of grape seed extract? >>

Just one dose of a horse chestnut extract (standardized to 20% aescin) caused me to have
significant nausea and vomiting. Might there be a problem with the product? >>

I would like to try gotu kola for varicose veins but I've heard it's not safe to take. Is that true? >>

Do arnica pills really work to prevent bruising? >>

Does arnica gel, cream, or spray reduce bruising, pain, or swelling? >>

See other recent and popular questions >>

COMMENTS Add Comment

Susan8155 December 9, 2015

I have had positive experience with both gotu kola and with Vitamin C bioflavinoids for signs of venous
insufficiency.

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15. 03. 2020. Supplements for Varicose Veins or Chronic Venous Insufficiency | ConsumerLab.com

Comment on Post

Patrick18235 August 22, 2019

I have used nattokinase with good results. It aim at improving circulation, acting like a proteolytic
enzyme and clearing arteries and veins of dead tissues, fibrins, or pieces of proteins jamming the
veins and arteries. It will act within few weeks/months depending on a number of factors (doses,
etc..) but you can definitely measure beneficial changes by measuring blood pressure over time.
Comment on Post

ConsumerLab.com August 23, 2019

Hi Patrick - Thank you for sharing this. Please see the Nattokinase Supplements Review
for more about the evidence for nattokinase, and our tests of products
https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/nattokinase-supplement-review/nattokinase/.
Comment on Post

This CL Answer initially posted on 12/1/2015. Last updated 8/2/2017.

ConsumerLab.com members may submit questions to CLAnswers@ConsumerLab.com. We read all

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