Phlebitis Health Dictionary

Linn.

Family: Fabaceae.

Habitat: Ladakh, at 3,000-4,000 m, also cultivated.

English: Yellow Sweet Clover, Melilot.

Unani: Iklil-ul-Malik, Asaab-ul- Malik, Naakhunaa.

Action: Plant—astringent, wound healer, styptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, mild analgesic, anticoagulant, spasmolytic. Flower and leaf—diuretic, analgesic, anti- inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, vasodilator. Seed—used in cold.

Key application: In chronic venous insufficiency. For supportive treatment of thrombophlebitis, haemorrhoids and lymphatic congestion. (German Commission E.) As venotonic, vulnerary. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The herb contains coumarin derivatives; flavonoid glycosides, including kaempferol and quercetin. Di- coumarol (melitoxin) is produced when fermentation takes place in me- lilot. Seeds gave canavanin and trigo- nelline. Reported poisonous to horses. The flowers contain the flavonoids, quercetin and myricetin besides kaem- pferol.

The herb has shown increase in venous reflux and improvement in lymphatic kinetics. Animal experiments show an increase in healing wounds. Flower and leaf extracts have shown analgesic activity, prolongation in pento-barbital-induced hypnosis time and smooth muscle relaxant activity in mice; also exhibited hypotensive and vasodilatory activity in rabbit. Dicoumarol is a potent anticoagulant.

In Europe and China, the plant extract is used for inflammations, arthritis, rheumatism, phlebitis, venous insufficiency, haemorrhoids, brachialgia and bronchitis.

The Red Clove is equated with Tri- folium pratense.... melilotus officinalis

Adeno-carcinoma. Cause: often related to chronic pancreatitis, alcoholism. Beer drinkers, more than 7 pints a week, run a three times greater risk of the disease than one in a 100 threat to the rest of the population. (Imperial Cancer Research Report, April, 1989) Diabetes. A study carried out at Harvard School of Public Health found strong evidence in favour of the excessive consumption of coffee. Seventh Day Adventists and Mormons, who abstain from coffee, have much lower rates than the average. Relative risk was 1-8 with up to two cups a day and 2.7 with three or more. (New England Journal of Medicine, 1981, March 12, Vol 304, No 11, p630)

Symptoms. Weight loss. Pain upper abdomen. Change of bowel habit. Phlebitis. Low blood sugar. Sugar in the urine. Jaundice when head of the pancreas is involved. As little benefit is said to be gained from chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and because a majority of these tumours are unresectable, there would appear to be good grounds for herbal medicine, either as primary or supportive treatment.

Of possible therapeutic value for relief of accompanying gastric and pressure symptoms only: Sarsaparilla, Liquorice, Dandelion, Peppermint, Fennel, German Chamomile.

Tea. Barberry bark. 1 teaspoon to each cup of cold water. Steep overnight. Dose: half-1 cup 3 or more times daily.

Formula. Equal parts: Barberry bark, Dandelion, Galangal. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon (5ml). Tinctures: 2 teaspoons. Thrice daily to commence: after fourteen days increase as tolerated.

Primrose oil. High doses GLA believed to improve immune system and prevent weight loss.

Macrobiotic diet. A retired English doctor had cancer of the pancreas, inoperable, the size of a cricket ball, for which conventional treatment could do nothing. Regression being almost impossible, he would die within a few months. In the meantime he was advised to try the Macrobiotic diet comprising wholefoods, compost grown vegetables, vegetable oils and natural drinks such as carrot juice and herbal teas. He and his wife, living in Italy, carefully followed the diet, drank water only from a local spring and ate vegetables organically grown on their own land. The tumour diminished in size and the doctor recovered.

Note: Cessation of cigarette smoking will result in a decreased incidence of the disease in the male adult population. (American Journal of Public Health 1989 79 1016)

A substance found in fish oil has been shown experimentally to prevent cancer of the pancreas. Mackerel, herring and sardines are among fish with the ingredient.

Treatment by oncologist or general practitioner. ... cancer – pancreas

(PPN) the delivery of nutrients directly into a peripheral vein (in the arm). Feed solutions must have a low *osmolality (<1200 mOsm/l), and PPN can be given only for a short period (less than four weeks). There is a risk of *phlebitis. See artificial nutrition and hydration; total parenteral nutrition.... peripheral parenteral nutrition

n. inflammation of the tissues around a vein: seen as an extension of *phlebitis.... periphlebitis

n. inflammation of the wall of a vein (see phlebitis) with secondary thrombosis occurring within the affected segment of vein. Pregnant women are more prone to thrombophlebitis because of physiological changes in the blood and the effects of pressure within the abdomen. It may involve superficial or deep veins of the legs (the latter being less common in pregnancy than the former). Deep vein *thrombosis may precede *pulmonary embolism.... thrombophlebitis

veins that are distended, lengthened, and tortuous. The superficial veins (saphenous veins) of the legs are most commonly affected; other sites include the oesophagus (see oesophageal varices) and testes (*varicocele). There is an inherited tendency to varicose veins but obstruction to blood flow is responsible in some cases. Complications including thrombosis, *phlebitis, and haemorrhage may occur. Treatment includes elastic support and *sclerotherapy, but *avulsion (stripping), excision (*phlebectomy), or *endovenous laser treatment is required in some cases. Medical name: varices.... varicose veins

A deficiency of Vitamins C or E allows cells to deteriorate, thus weakening capillary walls and placing them at risk of being broken, severed or mashed; with subsequent clot formation, bruising, nose-bleeds, bleeding gums or petechia (small spots due to effusion of blood under the skin).

Large amounts of Vitamins C and E may be given for this condition without toxicity.

Alternatives. Teas. Dried leaves. Buckwheat. Heartsease. Marigold. Yarrow, Butcher’s Broom, Red Vine. One, or more in combination.

Tablets/capsules. Rutin (Buckwheat). Hawthorn, Motherwort.

Tinctures. Formula. Hawthorn 1; Marigold 1; Yarrow 2. One 5ml teaspoon thrice daily.

Dr Alfred Vogel. Yarrow 42; Horse Chestnut 30; St John’s Wort 21; Arnica 7.

BHP (1983). “Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) combines well with Vitamin C in reducing capillary permeability.”

Diet. Low fat. Low salt. High fibre. Bilberries.

Supplementation. Vitamin C 500mg daily. Vitamin E 400iu daily.

See also: CIRCULATION. PHLEBITIS. BRUISES, etc. ... capillary fragility

Poor circulation may be due to a number of disorders including varicose veins, high or low blood pressure, arterio-sclerosis, thrombosis, phlebitis, chilblains, anaemia, weak heart. A common cause is auto-toxaemia, calling for blood tonics and agents to assist elimination of wastes and poisons via the kidneys, skin and bowels.

Other causes requiring specific treatment are: thickening and narrowing of blood vessels, diabetes, Buerger’s disease, Raynaud’s disease (spasm of the arterioles and veins), arteritis. See appropriate entries.

As a protection against these diseases Garlic becomes increasingly popular. Control of blood fats through diet and exercise necessary.

Alternatives. Cayenne, Ginger, Hawthorn berries, Horseradish, Mustard, Prickly Ash bark, Buckwheat, Dandelion, Lime flowers, Mistletoe, Rosemary, Yarrow, Ginkgo.

Tea: Lime flowers, Hawthorn berries, Yarrow. Equal parts. Mix. Ginger, quarter part (or pinch of Red Pepper). Mix. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup water. Bring to boil. Remove vessel when boiling point is reached. Dose: 1 cup 2-3 times daily.

Tablets or capsules: Prickly Ash, Hawthorn, Mistletoe, Ginkgo.

Formula. Hawthorn 2; Yarrow 2; Prickly Ash 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid extracts: 1 teaspoon. Tinctures 2 teaspoons 2-3 times daily.

Practitioner. Liquid extracts: Hawthorn 2; Lily of the Valley 2; Prickly Ash 1; Tincture Capsicum (one- tenth part). Dose: 30-60 drops in water or honey, 2-3 times daily.

Diet and Supplements. See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. ... circulatory disorders

Aesculus hippocastanum L. German: Gemeine Rosskastanie. French: Aescule. Spanish: Castano de Indias. Italian: Eschilo. Part used: horse-chestnuts and bark. Contains aescin (saponin).

Constituents: hippocaesculin and other saponins.

Action: anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, astringent, tones and protects blood vessels, anti-oedema. Vitamin P action. As regards the veinous system, properties are similar to rutin. Stimulates production of prostaglandin F-alpha which contracts veins.

Uses: Bleeding piles and uterine bleeding, varicose veins, phlebitis. Tea is taken internally or used externally as a soothing and astringent wash to cleanse leg ulcers and suppurating wounds. Heavy legs. Swollen ankles. Chilblains. Night cramp: 20 drops of Tincture at bedtime. Thrombo-phlebitis. Bruises (ointment or gel). Slipped disc: to assist dispersal of extruded nucleus pulposus (ointment or gel). Preparations. Average dose: 1-2 grams. Thrice daily.

Tea: half a teaspoon powdered dried Chestnut to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Dose: quarter to half cup; sweeten with honey if necessary.

Home tincture: 1 part powder (or scrapings) to 10 parts 45 per cent alcohol (vodka or strong wine); macerate 8 days; filter. Dose: 1 teaspoon in water.

Liquid extract (bark): 15-30 drops.

Combination: with Cowslip root for varicose veins. (Biostrath)

Reparil. Over-the-counter-product. Contains Aescin, oedema-inhibiting principle of Horse-Chestnut. For local oedema of all types: traumatic oedema, oedema following fractures, cerebral oedema due to head injuries, thrombotic oedema, lymph stasis, venous stasis, varicose oedema. (Dr Madaus & Co., Cologne, W. Germany)

Powder, capsules: 200mg. 3 capsules twice daily. (Arkocaps) ... horse chestnut

Lameness or spasmodic pain in the legs when walking a certain distance due to deficient blood supply to the muscles. Associated with artery disorders, muscular weakness. The diseased artery cannot carry enough blood to supply the oxygen needs of the muscles.

Treatment. Circulatory stimulants. Vaso-dilators.

Alternatives. BHP (1983) – Prickly Ash bark, Cramp bark, Black Cohosh, Angelica root, Hawthorn, Wild Yam. Prophylactic – Garlic.

Decoction. Mix, equal parts: Black Cohosh, Prickly Ash bark, Hawthorn berries. One teaspoon to each cup of water simmered gently 20 minutes. Half-1 cup thrice daily.

Formula. Hawthorn 2; Black Cohosh 1; Prickly Ash 1. Dose: Powders: 500mg (two 00 capsules or one- third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: one 5ml teaspoon. Tinctures: two 5ml teaspoons. Thrice daily in water or honey.

Tablets/capsules. Prickly Ash. Hawthorn. Black Cohosh. Garlic, 2 at night. Cramp bark. Ginkgo.

Life Drops. 3-10 drops in cup of tea to relieve spasm.

Ginkgo biloba. “Walking distance is definitely increased.” (Rudolf F. Weiss MD. Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield Publishers)

Garlic. 80 patients with symptomatic state II occlusive disease (claudication), randomised, to take either Garlic powder 800mg a day in tablet form (equivalent to Kwai) or placebo for 12 weeks. A significantly greater improvement in walking distance, apparent after just 4 weeks, occurred in the Garlic-treated group compared with the placebo group. (Professor H. Kiesewetter, Department of Clinical Haemostasiology, University of Saarland, Germany)

Diet. Lacto-vegetarian.

Supplements. Vitamin E, 400iu morning and evening.

General. Venesection sometimes necessary. No smoking or alcohol. See: BUERGER’S DISEASE, RAYNAUD’S DISEASE, ARTERIOSCLEROSIS, PHLEBITIS, THROMBOSIS. ... intermittent claudication

Post phlebitis. An important fore-runner to leg ulceration without resolution of which an ulcer may reappear indefinitely. A condition due to pressure on the vascular system which causes deposition of excess fibrin in the capillaries and veins which arrests the circulation of oxygen and nutrients to the skin.

Symptoms. Those of a prelude to ulceration: eczema, pigmentation, pain.

Treatment. Aim should be (1) to reduce internal pressure on the veins and (2) to resolve deposition of fibrin.

Alternatives. Teas: Alfalfa, Nettles, Plantain. Brigham tea, Clivers, Bladderwrack.

Capsules: Evening Primrose oil (4 × 500mg) daily.

Tablets/capsules. Fucus (Bladderwrack). Motherwort. Chlorophyll, Rutin.

Formula. Equal parts: Dandelion and Burdock: add pinch or few drops Cayenne. Powders: half a teaspoon. Liquid Extracts: 2 teaspoons. Tinctures: 2-3 teaspoons. In water, thrice daily before meals. Topical. Graduated elastic stocking compression reduces tension on veins and prevents further deposition of fibrin. Juice, gels, or oils:– Aloe Vera, Houseleek, Evening Primrose, Comfrey, Chickweed, Zinc and Castor oil. ... lipodermatosclerosis

Pot marigold. Calendula officinalis L. German: Ringelblume. French: Souci des Jardins. Spanish: Calendula. Italian: Calendola. Dried florets. One of the most versatile and important herbal medicines. This is the same Calendula as used by the homoeopaths but the method of preparation and therapy is different. Contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and Vitamin A.

Keynote: injuries. Not the same plant as French Marigold (Tagetes patula).

Constituents: volatile oil, flavonoids, triterpenes.

Action: immune stimulant, anti-protazoal, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-spasmodic, anti- haemorrhage, anti-histamine, anti-bacterial effect particularly against staphylococcus and streptococcus, anti-emetic, anti-cancer, antiseptic, styptic, haemostatic, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, oestrogenic activity (extract from fresh flowers), menstrual regulator.

Uses: Internal. A remedy which should follow all surgical operations. Enlarged and inflamed lymphatic glands, gastric and duodenal ulcer, jaundice, gall bladder inflammation, absent or painful menstruation, balanitis, rectum – inflammation of, gum disease, nose-bleeds, sebaceous cysts, measles (cup of tea drunk freely), pneumonia – a cooling drink which is anti-inflammatory. Vaginal thrush.

Uses: External. Rapid epithelisation process in damaged skin tissue, especially alcoholic extract; rapid wound adhesion and granulation without suppuration. (Weleda)

Wounds where the skin has been broken: laceration with bleeding (Arnica for unbroken skin). Sores, leg ulcers, abscess etc. Sore nipples in nursing mothers, varicose veins, nosebleeds, grazed knees in schoolchildren. Bee, wasp and other insect stings. Chilblains, fistula, inflamed nails, whitlow, dry chapped skin and lips, wind burn, air pollution.

Dentistry: Tooth extractions: rinse mouth with infusion of the florets or much-diluted tincture – 5-10 drops in water.

Malignancy: strong tea, 1-2oz to 1 pint boiling water; use as a wash to cleanse exudations.

STD purulent discharge: inject douche of strong infusion as above.

Wm M. Gregory MD, Berea, Ohio, USA. “I have never seen one drop of pus develop in any wound, however dirty.”

Preparations: For internal or external use. Average dose, 1-4 grams, or equivalent. Thrice daily.

Tea: dried petals/florets. 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Drink freely.

Home tincture. 1 handful petals/florets (approximately 50g) to 1 pint (500ml) 70 per cent alcohol (Vodka); stand 14 days in a warm place, shake daily. Filter. Dose: 5-20 drops in water.

Poultice. Handful petals/florets to 1 pint boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Apply on suitable material to injuries where skin is broken; replenish when dry.

Herbalist’s Friend. 1 part Tincture Calendula to 4 parts Witch Hazel, for phlebitis and painful varicose veins.

Weleda. Calendula lotion locally, or as a mouth wash and gargle. ... marigold

Sweet Clover. Melilotus officinalis, Willd. German: Steinklee. French: Couronne royale. Spanish and Italian: Meliloto. Arabian: Aklil-ul Malika. Indian: Iklil-ul-mulk. Chinese: Hsu?n-ts’ao. Dried flowering plant. Keynote: thrombosis.

Constituents: coumarin derivatives, flavonoids, tannin, dicoumarol (anticoagulant).

Practitioner use.

Action: aromatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant, antibiotic (seeds). Contains Coumarin, an anticoagulant and antithrombotic. Sedative. Mild analgesic (leaves and flowers). Antiflatulent. Styptic, to arrest haemorrhage.

Uses: thrombosis, facial or intercostal neuralgia (compress), conjunctivitis (infusion as an eye douche), rheumatic aches and pains, wounds, externally, for the healing of, (compress). Swelling of lymph glands.

Flatulent colic. Phlebitis, heavy legs, varicose veins, menopausal disorders, insomnia, nervousness. Combines with Milk Thistle or Goldenseal.

Preparations: Tea: 1-2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Dose: half-1 cup, thrice daily. (Cold as an eye douche)

Powder. 375mg (quarter of a teaspoon).

Tincture. Dose: 3-5ml thrice daily.

Fomentation. Aches and pains.

Externally: herb pillow.

Contra-indications. Emetic in large doses. Should not be used without supplementation with Vitamin K. Not used in presence of Warfarin. ... melilot

The formation of a thrombus (blood clot) in an undamaged blood vessel. A thrombus that forms within an artery supplying the heart muscle (coronary thrombosis) is the usual cause of myocardial infarction. A thrombus in an artery of the brain (cerebral thrombosis) is a common cause of stroke. Thrombi sometimes form in veins, either just below the skin or in deeper veins (see thrombosis, deep vein).In arteries, thrombus formation may be encouraged by atherosclerosis, smoking, hypertension, and damage to blood vessel walls from arteritis and phlebitis.

An increased clotting tendency may occur in pregnancy, when using oral contraceptives, or through prolonged immobility.

An arterial thrombosis may cause no symptoms until blood flow is impaired.

Then, there is reduced tissue or organ function and sometimes severe pain.

Venous thrombosis may also cause pain and swelling.

Diagnosis is made by doppler ultrasound.

In some cases, angiography or venography may also be used.

Treatment may include anticoagulant drugs or thrombolytic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotic drugs.

In life-threatening cases, thrombectomy may be needed.... thrombosis