vitamins varicose veins

Can Butcher’s Broom Help Thread Veins?

Many patients are keen to explore natural alternatives to improving difficult vein problems – especially while they are in early stages – to either delay or avoid medical treatment.

One natural ingredient which is thought to have good properties for vein problems is Butcher’s Broom.

Butcher’s broom is a plant, also known as Balai du Boucher, Box Holly, Fragon, Fragon Épineux, Fragon Faux Houx, Fragon Piquant, Houx Frelon, Jew’s Myrtle, Kneeholm, Knee Holly, Petit Houx, Pettigree, Sweet Broom, Rusci Aculeati, Rusci Aculeati Rhizoma, Rusco or Ruscus aculeatus.

It is thought that the chemicals in butcher’s broom can help in a number of interrelated ways:

  • cause swollen blood vessels to narrow or constrict
  • improve blood circulation in the legs by preventing blood from “pooling” in the veins
  • relieve the symptoms of poor circulation in the legs, such as pain, heaviness, cramps, itching, and swelling.

In some cultures, butcher’s broom roots are eaten, but it is more commonly and conveniently taken in tablet form as a supplement together with vitamin C.

Does it Work?

Website varicoseveins.org reported:

“Unfortunately, all relevant conclusions of the research of butcher’s broom’s effectiveness when treating vein-related issues have not been officially published or approved by the medical community.

“You can try using the product, but remember it might only help some minor circulatory problems. If you are already experiencing symptoms of varicose and spider veins, it is preferable to find a medical professional to have your veins thoroughly examined to make sure there is not a more serious underlying condition that could potentially result in severe consequences, such as leg ulcers or deep vein thrombosis.”

Once a serious vein problem like varicose veins has been established, it is very unlikely that a supplement will be able to reverse the physical damage, so trying butcher’s broom is not recommended. At this point, surgery or laser treatment are the best options.

For patients interested in using butcher’s broom for spider veins or thread veins, there is also some advice to be aware of:

  • may cause stomach upset and nausea
  • not recommended while pregnant or breast-feeding
  • may also interact with a number of other medications, so ask your doctor before taking it

Varicose Vein Treatment

Cosmedics Skin Clinics offer the very latest EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) laser varicose vein removal at their London vein treatment centre with a renowned vascular surgeon with prices starting at £1,650 per leg (1 vein).

They also offer foam sclerotherapy and micro surgery in order to provide a tailor-made service with the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

Thread vein removal is available at a selection of clinics based in London using the latest techniques with GMC-registered doctors and surgeons.

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.