i have had problems with broken veins in my legs since i was 15, now my face flushes easily, especially in the winter!, and i am getting tiny broken veins on my face as well. i hate nothing more than having my red winter nose!! i am considering trying horse chestnut, butchers broom, or gingko. any advice about these?
i just started taking rutin supplements, and vitamin c.
thanks!
RE: how to strengthen blood vessels?
Just as a warning, last year I used a product called V-Nal which was horse chestnut, rutin and some other herbs. It was a cream that I used on my legs as well as tablets. I ended up in hospital for 48 hours with a severe nosebleed that wouldn't stop.
Admittedly, I was taking some anti-inflammatory medication for my back at the time, but the warning on the pack only said not to be used with blood thinning medication and although blood thinning is a side effect of anti-inflams, I certainly didn't connect the two initially. Just be cautious.
Lesley
RE: how to strengthen blood vessels?
Sounds most likley to be caused by the anti-inflams or possibly an interaction between those & one or more of the herbs.
Cat's claw thins the blood a little, but is one the better natural anti-inflammatories, without the various other side effects. 😉
RE: blood vessels.
Flexibility is a key part of strenght when it comes to blood vessels.
Probably the most important nutrients to maintain flexibity in our vessles & conective tissues generally are Vit C & copper. Also, the antioxidant effect of vit C & the rutin should reduce the oxidative stress (damage) to the walls of the vessels.
So, as well as what you're already taking I would take a copper supplement. A threapeutic dose for a couple of months, then a maintainance dose thereafter. Or some may get away with a copper bracelet although not to everyones taste. 🙂
Herbs can be a mine field, unless you see a Herbalist - cos they do have a pharmalogical effect.