Natural Home Remedies To Cure Spider Veins

Spider veins can be described as small, dilated blood vessels that look like purple or blue jagged lines. They are more common in elderly people and are usually seen around the feet and ankles. There are several different factors that could cause spider veins, some of the most common ones being heredity, hormonal changes, poor circulation and standing for a long period of time. In some people, spider veins may be nothing more than an unsightly discomfort, but others could experience a lot of pain because of this problem. Unfortunately, there is no cure for spider veins, though you can manage the condition to a great extent by undergoing treatment at the right time.

While there are a few medical treatment options like sclerotherapy, catheter assisted treatment, laser procedure, vein stripping and endoscopic surgery most people prefer to opt for self-care measures and natural or home remedies to cure spider veins.

Given below are some of the most commonly used natural and home remedies for spider veins:

  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Dip a thin towel or a soft piece of cloth in apple cider vinegar for a few minutes and then wrap it around the part where spider veins are visible. Repeat this exercise at least twice a day and you should see an improvement within 8 weeks or so.
  • Witch Hazel: Distilled extracts of witch hazel act as a soothing astringent and studies show that it can also strengthen the blood vessels, which is why it is often used for the treatment of spider veins. You could apply the witch hazel extract gently over the area that is affected.
  • Horse Chestnut Seed: To relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, tenseness and itching, often caused by spider veins, apply a mixture of horse chestnut and witch hazel extracts. Combine ten parts of distilled witch hazel to one part of tincture horse chestnut and apply the mixture to the affected area.
Certain herbs can be taken internally to treat spider veins, as they improve circulation and strengthen the capillary walls. Some of these herbs include:

  • Bilberry Extract: Between 20mg and 40mg three times a day
  • Butcher’s Broom Extract: Around 300mg three times a day
  • Gingko Biloba Extract: Around 40mg three times a day
  • Grape Seed Extract: Around 50mg three times a day
  • Hawthorn Extract: Around 200mg three times a day
There are a few side effects associated with each of these herbs and therefore, it is absolutely essential for you to consult your doctor before taking any of them. Moreover, the daily recommended dosage may vary from person to person and so make sure that you check with your doctor about the dose that is suitable for you.

In addition to natural home remedies, there are a few lifestyle changes and self-care measures that can also be effective in treating spider veins. In order to control the condition, you need to:

  • Avoid crossing your legs when you sit. In fact, you should keep your legs slightly elevated, as often as possible.
  • Cut down on your intake of sodium, by restricting your consumption of salt, chips, processed meat, sauces and other types of processed food.
  • Exercise for at least half an hour each day, five times a week. This could include a brisk walk, cycling, jogging or swimming for 30 minutes or more.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight at all times, so that the pressure on your feet and legs is less.
  • Make sure that your clothes are loose-fitting and comfortable, so that they do not interfere with the flow of blood
  • Move around, instead of sitting or standing in one place. Get up and take a short walk for a couple of minutes, after every half an hour.
  • Practice certain yoga breathing and stretching exercises, as they improve circulation throughout the body.  
  • Quit the habit of smoking and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke.
  • Wear the right shoes at all times, especially when you walk or exercise. Make sure that your shoes are not too tight.
In case the remedies and self-care steps mentioned above do not improve the condition, you may need to seek professional help.

References
  1. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/varicoseveins.html
  2. http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/varicose-spider-veins.cfm