Grape Leaf
Vitis vinifera
Grapevine leaf, recognized in Europe as a medicine for long-term poor circulation in the leg veins, with swollen, heavy legs and varicose veins.
What is Grape Leaf?
- Plant family
- Vitaceae, the grape family
- Parts used
- The dried leaves, as a tea, tablets or capsules, or in creams and gels for the skin
- Genus
- Vitis
- Species
- vinifera
Also called
Grapevine Leaf, Red Vine Leaf, Vitis vinifera
Traditionally used for
- Poor leg vein circulation
- Heavy legs (traditional)
- Piles (traditional)
Traditionally described as
Health topics
Where Grape Leaf appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Poor Circulation
Recognized in Europe as a well-established medicine for long-term poor circulation in the leg veins.
Traditions that use it
European Folk Medicine
Recognized in Europe for long-term poor circulation in the leg veins, and traditionally for heavy legs, piles and fragile skin capillaries.
Safety
Who should avoid it
Grapevine leaf medicines are for adults only. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks for leg circulation problems, or more than 1 week for piles or fragile skin capillaries.[1]
Side effects
Reported side effects include allergic skin reactions (itching and redness), nausea, stomach and gut complaints, and headache. How often these happen isn't known.[1]
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Based on long-standing use, the European Medicines Agency also recognizes grapevine leaf as a traditional herbal medicine for adults:
- To relieve discomfort and heaviness of the legs from minor vein circulation problems
- To relieve itching and burning from piles (haemorrhoids), after a doctor has ruled out anything serious
- For symptoms of fragile small blood vessels in the skin
This rests on at least 30 years of safe use, not on proof from clinical trials.[1]
Research in people
The European Medicines Agency accepts grapevine leaf as a well-established medicine for long-term poor circulation in the leg veins (chronic venous insufficiency). This causes swollen legs, varicose veins, and heavy, painful, tired, itchy or cramping calves. Some clinical studies found it improved symptoms, including leg swelling. Treatment is usually for 12 weeks.[1]
In short
For adults only.
Sources
- [1] Grapevine leaf (Vitis vinifera L., folium): summary for the public (EMA/381757/2017) — European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)Government health agency
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.