BS: Witch Hazel

Subject: BS: Witch Hazel
From: *daylia*
Date: 12 May 07 - 08:29 AM

I've been reading that applying witch hazel ointment a couple times a day helps shrink swollen veins and relieve the pain they cause. Just wondering, has anyone here tried it? Sure sounds better than destroying the veins with surgery or laser, if it does work.

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 May 07 - 09:12 AM

I haven't used it for that but can't see how it would hurt to try. It's not expensive.

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 May 07 - 09:44 AM

It probably depends a lot on why the veins are swollen.

I'd PM MBSLynne, she's the herbologist here, but here is a site that seems to uphold your suggestion:

Medicinal properties of witch hazel.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: Sorcha
Date: 12 May 07 - 09:55 AM

I use it mostly as an astringent cleaner

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 May 07 - 10:03 AM

I think it will depend on how close the veins are to the surface. It's used in hemorrhoid pads, but I dunno how it will do with deeper veins.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: GUEST,researcher
Date: 12 May 07 - 10:04 AM

It works on haemorrhoids. Preparation H wipes are wetted with it.

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 May 07 - 10:09 AM

Looks like this thread has reached the bottom and just kept going!

Seen what's hanging off the end?

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: *daylia*
Date: 12 May 07 - 11:01 AM

Ya well, it's my lowest of the low -- (feet and ankles) that are buggin me most so right on, folks. Bottoms up!    :-)

You're right Sorcha, guess it wouldn't hurt to shell out a bit of $$$ at the natural food store and try it. Then I could let you all know, I guess. I just feel so squeamish about using unfamiliar substances ...

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: skipy
Date: 12 May 07 - 11:35 AM

My mother in laws name is Hazel!
I'll leave the rest to you guys!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: open mike
Date: 12 May 07 - 11:58 AM

witch hazel is available an any store..
if yo are talking about the liquid form

Dickinson's is the main brand.

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: open mike
Date: 12 May 07 - 01:36 PM

http://www.witchhazel.com/

Subject: RE: BS: Witch Hazel
From: *daylia*
Date: 12 May 07 - 02:38 PM

thanks everyone -- just got back from the natural foods (etc) store, and I feel better already!   Was told that horse chestnut works even better for legs / feet than witch hazel, and sold an inexpensive gel that contains

* hazel bark extracts
* horse chestnut seed
* amica flowers
* camphor
* menthol, and
* oils of lemon and lavender.   It seems to cool and 'shrink' and kinda heat up at the same time. Wow, my legs feel like chestnuts roasting by an open fire in a snowbank right now --- very cool!

Oh, and they also sold me horse chestnut/grape seed capsules to take orally once a day. Said to improve strength and elasticity of vein walls. So we'll see! ANd in the meantime, I was given some practical everyday advice too ie

* quit wearing those walking socks that are tightly elasticized around the ankles

* quit smoking to avoid high blood pressure      (egads egads)

* dont stand or sit for extended periods of time

* exercise regularly to improve circulation in the lower body (well, I do that anyway ...)

and best of all

* take as many breaks as possible during the day to put my feet up (higher than the hips) and just relax ....

Ahhhh, I do like the last recommendation.   ANyways, thanks for the links and info folks!   I'm off to write a new parody -- called "You're so Vein"

:-)    daylia