Horse Chestnut - For Hemorrhoids/Varicose

Herb Of The Week - Horse Chestnut - For Hemorrhoids/Varicose
Veins

For the next few weeks I'll shy away from the more commonly known
herbs and focus instead upon the herbs that are not that well known,
but have been demonstrated in research and study to possess some truly
remarkable qualities. I've talked about some rather obscure herbs
such as butterbur for migraine, but there are a lot more herbs that
are more widely available and known to herbalists, but not all that
familiar to the general public. Horse Chestnut is one.

HORSE CHESTNUT (aesculus hippocastanum) really does live up to its
reputation of being extremely effective for those of us who suffer
from varicose veins or hemorrhoids. The active ingredient in it is
aescin, which helps to protect the amounts and/or quality of collagen
and elastin in your body, which are both needed for preserving the
strength and tone of your veins and capillaries. Horse chestnut
reduced the swelling in the calves and ankles of patients with
varicose veins while improving the strength and firmness of veins and
capillaries. It also relieved many of the symptoms associated with
varicose veins: leg pain, heaviness, and fatigue. So... it may be
used internally to aid the body in the treatment of problems such as
phlebitis, inflammation in the veins, varicosity and hemorrhoids or
used externally as a lotion for the same conditions as well as for leg
ulcers.

It combines well with other cardiovascular tonics such as Hawthorn
Berry, Ginkgo, Cayenne pepper or BUTCHER'S BROOM. The signs and
symptoms of both external and internal hemorrhoids, including
bleeding, itching, soreness, and swelling, have been successfully
treated with repeated application of butcher's broom, over several
days or weeks. Circulation disorders of the legs have also been the
subject of considerable research activity. Dramatic improvement in
both subjective and objective measures is observed within days.

So here I go again, first talking about one herb and ending up talking
about another related herb. But the truth is herbs work FANTASTICALLY
when combine. Most herbs are improved by the actions of similar
herbs. Besides the synergism of the 2 or more herbs, you are
attacking the same problem from different angles. Think synergistic!


Also ... although I don't have hemorrhoids to try this on, it is said
that using a clove of garlic as a suppository works. If you try this
and it works, and you email me, I will post your report (annoymously
if you like!) It could help thousands.


And as usual, horse chestnut is not recommended for pregnant or
lactating women. In rare cases, large doses may be associated with
kidney or liver damage. Experts suggest 50 to 200 milligrams of aescin
per day for two weeks. Then drop down to 25 to 100 milligrams per day
of a 15- to 20-percent standardized aescin content.


Until next time remember .... most illness (upwards of 80% according
to experts) can be attributed to FOUR important factors that can
weaken your immune system and your ability to fight off disease:

1. Anxiety, depression, anger, guilt and other STRESS factors
2. Improper and/or inadequate NUTRITION habits
3. A sedimentary lifestyle that does not include enough EXERCISE
4. Not enough rest and quality SLEEP time


The United States Surgeon General warned Americans in a landmark 1988
report on Nutrition and Health that "diet related diseases account for
68% of U.S. deaths"

Remember, we ALWAYS recommend that you ALWAYS consult a professional
herbalist, naturopathologist or physician. We are just passing along
what we hope to be useful information.