HealingDeva.com

[Terri R.]

Now that swimsuit season is rapidly approaching, time to take a closer look at what works, and what doesn't work, for treating problems such as spider veins, varicose veins, and cellulite.

Spider Veins and Varicose Veins
Spider veins are a form of varicose veins, but do not cause any symptoms or ongoing medical problems.  They are simply enlarged or swollen vessels that often appear as very fine tortuous, interconnected bluish-purple lines. They commonly occur near the surface of the skin in the legs, where blood has to be pumped up against the force of gravity. Pregnancy appears to promote their development, as well as being overweight. 

Varicose veins are abnormally swollen or enlarged blood vessels caused by a weakening in the veins wall, which often lead to pain and swelling in the leg. Varicose veins occur from the backward flow of blood in the legs caused by damaged or diseased valves in the veins.

What is cellulite?
Cellulite is that unattractive cottage cheese-like dimpling found on thighs, hips, and buttocks. A diet low in fiber and high in sugar can be a major contributing factor to excess weight gain, along with those unsightly pockets of cellulite.  Women have tried just about everything over the years - from horsehair mitts, loofah sponges and rubberized pants to body rollers, and herbal wraps.

Self-Care
Experts recommend the following self-care treatments for healthier leg veins.
 
* Don't cross your legs when you sit.

* Take warm, not hot, baths, and end by splashing cold wateron the legs.

* Avoid high heels. Low-heeled shoes work calf muscles more, which is better for veins.  Don't wear tight clothes around your calves or groin that can restrict circulation. 
 
* Take three or four 10- to 15-minute breaks daily to elevate your legs above the level of your heart (for example, by lying down with your legs resting on three or four pillows).
 
* Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. Make a point of changing your position, shifting from one leg to the other or walk gently back and forth, frequently to encourage blood flow. 
 
* Weight control - Shedding excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off your veins. 
 
* Exercise. Get your legs moving. Walking is a great way to encourage blood circulation in your legs. 

While spider veins can't always be prevented, there are things you can do to either help or prevent some of these unwanted blood vessels from developing. Wearing support hose may help, along with keeping your weight at a normal level, and exercising regularly.  Eating a high-fiber diet and wearing low-heeled shoes can also help. Sun protection is important to limit the number of unwanted vessels on the face. 

Suggested Herbal Remedies Include:
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is said to be beneficial in helping circulatory problems.  This herb is closely related to asparagus, and its young shoots can be prepared and eaten just like the familiar vegetable.  If taken in supplement form, Naturopathic physicians often recommend 1,000 mg, two to three times daily, for pregnant women in their third trimester who are troubled by varicose veins or hemorrhoids. This herb did not become widely used in healing  until the 1950s, when French scientists isolated two chemicals from the underground stems of butcher's broom which cause blood vessels to narrow and help reduce inflammation.  Studies of butcher's broom for leg vein problems have produced intriguing results. A scientifically rigorous 1988 study showed that a combination of butcher's broom, vitamin C and another chemical found in citrus fruits improved symptoms. 

You can also try horse chestnut.  This herbal extract strengthens veins and reduces swelling and comes in an oral form as well as a topical cream, but should not be taken when pregnant or lactating.

Herbalist David L. Hoffman offers the following lotion, which can be used as necessary to relieve irritation:

* 8 parts of distilled witch hazel
* 1 part of horse chestnut tincture
* 1 part of comfrey tincture
* rose water, if desired

Hoffman also lists the herbs that provide all the effects needed to increase circulation and tone the tissue: prickly ash and ginkgo (to stimulate circulation); hawthorne, yarrow, horse chestnut (to tone the veins, also acts as an anti-inflammatory); witch hazel and yarrow (astringents); comfrey (to soothe irritation, also as a wound healer).

A new [conventional] procedure to treat varicose veins called the Closure technique was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 1999.

Natural Treatments for Cellulite
Cellulite is that unattractive cottage cheese-like dimpling found on thighs, hips, and buttocks. A diet low in fiber and high in sugar can be a major contributing factor to excess weight gain, along with those unsightly pockets of cellulite.  Women have tried just about everything over the years - from horsehair mitts, loofah sponges and rubberized pants to body rollers, and herbal wraps.  To date, there has been no proof that any of these products actually work, including the latest "anticelluite" herbal cocktail, "Cellasene."

Cellasene, and herbal cocktail which includes bladderwrack, grape seed, sweet clover, ginkgo biloba, borage seed oil, fish oil, and soya lecithin, is said to reduce cellulite by strengthening and preventing the breakdown of connective tissue and improving circulation to the skin.  Cellasene can have potentially dangerous side effects. For starters, the high levels of iodine in this product can lead to an overactive thyroid gland, which can cause high blood pressure and heart problems.  Ginkgo biloba and sweet clover both contain blood-thinning agents and could be dangerous in combination with certain prescription drugs. In short, Cellasene is a powerful blend of medicinal herbs that have never been tested together on a long-term basis.

What about liposuction?

Watch out for routine liposuction. It can make matters worse by removing deeper fat, leaving the superficial layer to dimple even more. If you do consider liposuction, make sure you investigate the new liposculpting procedure, which removes the superficial layer of fat responsible for cellulite.