The word "varicose" comes from the Latin word "varix", meaning "twisted". Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that are usually bluish purple.

Small, one-way valves in veins ensure blood only flows towards the heart. In some people, these valves become weakened and blood collects in the veins, causing them to abnormally enlarge.

Varicose veins are most common on the legs, because leg veins must work against gravity. Standing increases pressure on leg veins.

Varicose veins are a common condition in the United States. Up to 25 percent of women are affected and up to 15 of men are affected.

Although in some people, varicose veins can be a cosmetic concern, in other people, they can cause swelling and uncomfortable aching, heaviness, or pain or be a sign of heart disease or circulatory disorders. If left untreated, varicose veins may lead to serious complications such as phlebitis (inflammation of the veins), skin ulcers, and blood clots.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

* Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
* Being overweight increases the pressure on veins.
* Prolonged sitting or standing restricts circuluation and puts added pressure on veins.
* Chronic constipation
* Genetics
* Aging

Natural Treatments for Varicose Veins
These are some of the natural treatments that have been explored for varicose veins. Many of them are believed to work by strengthening veins, which reduces fluid leakage from vessel walls.

At any time, if varicose veins become swollen, red, or tender and warm to the touch, or if there are sores, ulcers, or a rash near the varicose vein, see your doctor.

1) Horse Chestnut Extract
The herb horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is one of the most widely used natural treatments for varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, a related condition.

The active constituent in horse chestnut is a compound called aescin. Aescin appears to block the release of enzymes that damage capillary walls.

In 2006, researchers with the respected Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies involving the use of oral horse chestnut extract or placebo for people with chronic venous insufficiency.

The researchers found an improvement in the signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency with horse chestnut extract compared with placebo. Horse chestnut extract resulted in a significant reduction in leg pain and swelling compared with a placebo.

Adverse events were usually mild and infrequent. The researchers concluded that based on the evidence, horsechestnut extract was an effective and safe short-term treatment for chronic venous insufficiency. None of the studies, however, evaluated whether the extract could reduce the appearance of varicose veins.

Whole horse chestnut is considered unsafe by the FDA and can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, convulsions, circulatory and respiratory failure, and even death. Tea, leaves, nuts, and other crude forms of the horse chestnut plant should also be avoided.

Manufacturers of horse chestnut products remove the toxic component, esculin. These products appear to be safe, as there have been few reports of harmful side effects despite being widely used in Europe.

People with kidney or liver disease and bleeding disorders should avoid horse chestnut. The safety of horse chestnut in pregnant or nursing women or children has not been established. Horse chestnut should not be combined with aspirin, Plavix (clopidogrel), Ticlid (ticlopidine), Trental (pentoxifylline), Coumadin (warfarin), and other anticoagulant ("blood-thinning") drugs unless under medical supervision as these medications may increase the effect of the medication.

2) Grape Seed and Pine Bark Extracts
The extract of grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) and pine bark (Pinus maritima) bot

Answered by Arle Rambabu , an ibibo Master, at 3:46 PM on May 01, 2009