Spider veins are apparent blood vessels that appear red or blue on the skin, says the American Academy of Dermatology. They typically occur on the legs and ankles but can also be seen on other body parts where the tiny veins congregate below the skin surface.
Apart from the discoloration, spider veins have no major symptoms although burning or itching may be felt. Regarded as a milder variant of varicose veins, spider veins are closer to the skin surface but do not trigger any health risk. Because they may give an ugly appearance, the patients try to get rid of them through medical and home treatments.
In many cases, the condition vanishes on its own after some months, but a myriad of home remedies can accelerate the process. So, here are the effective home remedies for spider veins that relieve the existing symptoms and prevent new such veins from forming. At least, you will escape the expensive doctor’s visit.
Home Remedies For The Treatment Of Spider Veins
1. Use Apple Cider Vinegar
This is one of the common home remedies for varicose veins, which may also aid in reducing the unsightly appearance of spider veins by boosting circulation to the problematic area.
According to Janet Zand who is the author of ‘Smart Medicine for Healthier Living,’ the patient of spider veins must soak a cloth in undiluted apple cider vinegar, apply it as a compress on the skin where the veins are visible, and allow the piece to remain for 20 minutes. This process must be repeated twice a day at least for 30 days to observe the vanishing appearance.
2. Put Witch Hazel At Test
This is a relaxing astringent that has proved to be an effective external remedy for spider veins. According to the German Commission E that refers to the panel of experts, witch hazel is really a worth trying home remedy for treating the condition. The herbalist James A. Duke suggests the most effective use of this herb. He advises patients to soak a cotton ball in the distilled extract of this herb and then apply the ball to the problematic area. This procedure should be repeated for a few times in a day. However, the duration required for the condition to vanish will vary from one patient to another.
3. Try Horse Chestnut
If you are suffering from itching or swelling due to spider veins, having horse-chestnut seed can be your ideal home remedy. Many medical studies have shown that this herb has the power to boost circulation in legs, strengthen veins and capillaries, and reduce inflammation if it exists. The herb strengthens veins that are no longer elastic, which can aid in diminishing the look of spider veins.
The book ‘Prevention’s Ultimate Guide to Women’s Health and Wellness’ suggests consuming 250 mg of standardized extract of this herb daily until the veins do not vanish. You can also apply a topical cream containing this herb to get rid of spider veins. As a tip, use both the extract and cream for obtaining the best results. However, it will take more than three months to see its effectiveness. Therefore, it is vital to be patient if you are taking this herb.
4. Experiment With Ginkgo Biloba
This is one of the best-selling herbs in the United States. In case of spider veins, the herb heals by strengthening the tissues that form the vein walls, improving circulation, and stimulating tissue oxygenation.
The book ‘Natural Remedies: Nondrug Healing Strategies That Work Best’ recommends having 40 mg of the herb thrice a day until the condition disappears. For better results, go for a 50:1 standardized extract, as it offers a higher therapeutic benefit. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that this herb may trigger side effects. Therefore, do not take this herb without discussing with your health care professional.
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5. Exercise Regularly
Mayo Clinic suggests exercising regularly to fight with spider veins. It suggests walking or running so that the leg muscles are toned and strengthened, circulation is improved, and weight gets managed. However, patients should not stand or sit for more than half hour for preventing blood from pooling in the affected area of legs. Similarly, even crossing the legs is not recommended, as it can damage the veins.
6. Consume Bilberry
Experts recommend having bilberry extract because it has been proven effective in boosting capillary formation and strengthening capillary walls. Apart from these effects, it is also powerful enough to improve the effect of vitamin C in lowering the weakness of blood vessels. So, it is advisable to consume 20 to 40mg thrice a day.
7. Increase The Intake of Bioflavanoids
Bioflavonoids are natural compounds that help in strengthening blood vessels throughout the body. They also co-operate with other useful supplements such as Vitamin C to make capillaries less weak. Therefore, it is recommended to have blueberries and raspberries on a daily basis that are rich sources of bioflavonoids. In order to treat spider veins, it is advisable to have blueberries with cereals. Even grapefruit is a good food to have, as its white membranes are rich in bioflavonoids.
8. Eat Ginger
Ginger is known to boost circulation due to which it can alleviate the appearance of spider veins. It works by lowering your blood pressure, which lessens the pressure on your veins. Further, ginger has blood-thinning potential due to which it becomes smoother for your heart to pump. Therefore, having ginger daily can help treat the condition. However, it is advisable to see your doctor prior to consuming ginger, especially if you are having medications that can interact with it.
9. Trust Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a famous herb that is considered to be very rich in zinc, bioflavonoids, vitamin C, and sulfur.These contents help in treating spider as well as varicose veins. Most experts suggest having 200mg of this herb’s extract thrice a day.
10. Limit Exposure To Sun
If spider veins are on your nose and cheeks, they do not cause damage. Therefore, the treatment emphasizes on restricting further damage. The condition on the face is mostly due to sun exposure, says the Department of Health and Human Services. Therefore, these patients should consider using sunscreen daily and avoid going outside during peak daylight hours.
