Ginkgo leaf (G. biloba)*

Indicated in cases of chronic cerebral vascular insufficiency such as vascular insufficiency headaches, diabetic retinopathy, tinnitis, poor memory and senility.  It has both bronchiodilator and anti-inflammatory properties useful in treating asthma.  Ginkgo is also used for peripheral arterial insufficiency, varicose veins and impotence caused by impaired circulation.

Collinsonia fresh root, leaf and flower (C. canadensis)*

Indicated primarily for pelvic and venous congestion such as recent hemorrhoids and varicose veins, benign prostatic hypertrophy and chronic laryngitis.  It is also used for urinary calculi, diverticulosis, colitis, mitral valve prolapse and chronic heart weakness.

Hawthorn berry, leaf and flower (Crataegus monogyna)*

Indications include functional and organic heart weakness with pain, weak tonus of the heart muscle, angina, valvular insufficiency, mitral valve prolapse, heart murmur, venous stasis, poor capillary and venous integrity and varicose veins.  Hawthorn lowers cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure and prevents deposition of plaque on arterial walls.  This herb may potentiate other heart medications, i.e. digitalis.

Horse Chestnut seed (Aesculus hippocastanum)*

Has been researched extensively in Europe.  It has been found to be an effective remedy for varicose veins, spider veins and hemorrhoids.  It is a powerful agent for increasing tonus of the veins, arteries and capillaries.

Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum cassia)*

An effective and pleasant tasting circulatory stimulant.  It improves peripheral circulation especially to the small capillaries and is useful for spider veins and Raynaud's disease.

Lycium fruit (Lycium chinense)*

A rich source of flavanoid compounds which strengthen vascular integrity.  In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used to especially increase circulation to the lower extremities, i. e. cold feet, varicose veins, peripheral neuropathy and also to strengthen the eyes and visual acuity.

Bibliography:

Lloyd, J. U.  A Treatise on Crataegus

Lloyd, J. U.  A Treatise on Collinsonia

Weiss, R.  Herbal Medicine, 1985

Bartran, T.  Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, 1995

Bombardelli, Morazzoni and Griffini  Aesculus hippocastanum  Fitotherapia #6 pp. 483-511, 1996