Supplement Detective

By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist

Summary: Claimed Wheatgrass benefits range from improving digestion, helping diabetes to detoxification.  The evidence for the benefits of Wheatgrass in treating varicose veins is weak and is based on a link with chlorophyll.

Dear Curtis: I’ve had varicose veins for a while and they are starting to get worse.  I’ve heard that taking Wheatgrass juice benefits varicose veins.  Do you think this is the case?  Especially since I would have to go under the knife for a cosmetic surgery that likely wouldn’t be covered by insurance?

My Answer: I wouldn’t pin all your hopes on Wheatgrass eliminating your varicose veins.  In fact, from the research I’ve seen (which is fairly sparse and not well put together) eliminating or treating varicose veins isn’t even one of the big ‘claimed’ health benefits of Wheatgrass.

So, where did the claim come from then?

Probably one of the earlier studies from the 1940’s where researchers mentioned that there could be a possible role of chlorophyll in treating varicose veins.  A lot of people made the jump that since Wheatgrass is high in chlorophyll (what makes grass green) then it would be the best natural option to treat varicose veins.

From what I’ve seen in the literature and from the patients I’ve talked to I don’t think this is the case.

Wheatgrass is Safe

The other side of this coin is that Wheatgrass is inexpensive and well tolerated.  So you certainly are safe in giving it a shot unless you have any sort of allergies to grass.  But, my personal opinion is that Wheatgrass will not get rid of (or likely even help) your varicose veins.

Other Options

While I don’t want this article to focus completely on varicose veins it’s clear that most people get varicose veins from their lifestyle first and foremost.  And, while this advice certainly isn’t exciting or breakthrough, one of the first – and most helpful – things you can do is to improve you eating habits.

There is a link between constipation and varicose veins.  So make a point to have the base of your diet in soluble and insoluble fiber.  The best is fruits and vegetables.  Not only are they loaded with fiber but they are also very nutrient dense foods which is important for vein health.

Also, try to avoid standing for extended periods of time and applying too much heat to your legs (for example, extremely hot baths).  Compression stockings, while not sexy, are another good option because they help with the return blood flow which is one of the main issue with varicose veins.

Also, try to remember that varicose veins didn’t happen overnight.  It was a years long process to ‘make’ them and it’s going to take some time to start improving them.

Varicose Veins Surgery

I agree with you to try to avoid surgery and leave it for a last option.  Sure, you get rid of the varicose veins (for now), but unless you are addressing the root cause of the problem which is valve function and the overall health of the veins (including lifestyle changes) they are likely to come back.