Alternative medicine

Though they haven't been well-studied, a number of alternative therapies claim to be helpful treatments for chronic venous insufficiency, a condition associated with varicose veins in which leg veins have problems returning blood to the heart. These therapies include:

• Horse chestnut
• Butcher's broom
• Grape (leaves, sap, seed and fruit)
• Sweet clover

Talk with your doctor before trying any herb or dietary supplement to make sure these products are safe and won't interfere with any medications.