Last Updated on October 21, 2016 by Marc Seward
Natural Remedies for Spider Veins
Spider veins are more than a beauty issue. They can burn and itch and of course there is that unsightly starburst pattern of purple, red, and blue, just below the surface of your skin.
Spider veins are a cluster of superficial veins that are caused by structural abnormalities of the blood vessels. These structural problems cause them to become weak and take on a spider web-like appearance. When these veins become weak, they are unable to push blood back up to the heart, and as a result, the blood stagnates and pools.
Varicose veins are larger and more swollen. Spider veins are smaller and more web-like. Spider veins, also called telangiectasia, appear on the insides of legs, thighs, back of calves, ankles, and sometimes even the face.
Spider veins are not dangerous, but they are uncomfortable, often causing your legs and ankles to swell, giving them a heavy, itchy, burning feeling. They also cause the skin to change color, due to the blood pooling.
In some cases, your legs may feel hot and sensitive to pressure. These symptoms are often worse during the day, when you’re on your feet, putting pressure on these veins. This condition is uncomfortable and looks serious, however, there are many ways you can get rid of spider veins in and out of the doctor’s office.
If your case is mild, you may want to consider trying one of these home remedies to get rid spider veins once and for all. Many of these options will also work well for varicose veins.
Who Gets Spider Veins
Spider veins run in families but tend to affect women much more frequently than men. Women are more at risk for developing spider veins due to menopausal or premenstrual hormones, birth control pills, or pregnancy. Spider veins are fairly common, affecting nearly 40% or pregnant women and 75% of women over the age of 65.
Causes of Spider Veins
Many factors may be responsible for the development of spider veins:
• Family predisposition
• Previous issues with blood circulation or blood clots
• Hormones
• Birth control pills
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Prolonged bed rest
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• High heels
• Tight clothing and hosiery
• Excessive heavy lifting
Natural Home Remedies
The appearance of spider veins is distressing and they feel awful, but fortunately, there are several home remedies you can try to help shrink the veins down and alleviate the symptoms.
Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut extract strengthens veins that have lost their elasticity. This makes it an ideal treatment to reduce the appearance of spider veins or varicose veins and to improve circulation. Horse chestnut can also help in any inflamed or swollen vein issues such as phlebitis or hemorrhoids.
Many studies have found that horse chestnut decreases inflammation. Horse chestnut also and increases blood circulation by thinning the blood. This combination of effect can help in strengthening the capillaries and veins.
- To take horse chestnut orally, it is recommended that you take 250 mg of standardized horse chestnut extract daily until your spider veins vanish.
- To apply horse chestnut topically, you can purchase a cream from a health food store and use daily until you notice results. You can even apply horse chestnut cream while taking the extract to get best results.
- Take 10 tablespoons of distilled witch hazel and mix with 1 tablespoon horse chestnut tincture. Apply to this solution to where spider veins are present. When purchasing horse chestnut extract, be sure to buy the kind that contains 50 mg aescin, which also helps to strengthen capillary cells and prevents fluid leakage.
Note: When taking horse chestnut orally, do not take more than the recommended dose, as large doses can be toxic. Horse chestnut contains esculin which is a poison in large doses.
Witch Hazel
The Witch Hazel herb is an astringent that acts as an anti-inflammatory and shrinks the veins. Active ingredients in witch hazel such as tannins and volatile oils constrict the tiny veins just below the skin’s surface.
- Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel extract and place on the affected area a couple times a day until the spider veins start to diminish.
This herbal home remedy can also be used to get rid of varicose veins and other inflamed or swollen vein issues.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to diminish the appearance of spider veins and increases blood circulation to the affected area.
- Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar.
- Use this saturated cloth as a compress and apply to the affected area.
- Allow the cloth to remain on the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
- Apply this compress twice a day for at least a month and until your spider veins start to disappear.
Mustard Oil
Mustard oil stimulates blood circulation while strengthening the valves. This solution may also help with appearance of red veins.
- Combine a few drops of mustard oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil, and massage onto the affected area twice a day every day. By massaging the affected area, you will also help improve blood circulation.
Ginkgo Biloba
This ancient herb helps to strengthen vein walls, promote tissue oxygenation, and improve circulation. If you work a job where you’re constantly on your feet, this herb will help keep your veins strong and healthy.
- Take 40 mg of ginkgo extract three times a day, every day. This supplement is most effective when you take 50:1 standardized ginkgo biloba extract.
Bilberry
Bilberry is great for eliminating spider veins, improving circulation and promoting new capillary formation. Bilberry works hard to strengthen capillary walls and connective tissues surrounding your veins, making this an excellent treatment.
- Take 20 to 40 mgs three times a day.
- Note: If you are on diabetes medication, consult your doctor before taking, as bilberry lowers your blood sugar. Do not take bilberry extract for more than 6 weeks. Also, avoid taking bilberry extract if you are taking blood-thinning medication, some anti-inflammatory drugs, or pine bark.
Lemon Essential Oil
Massaging lemon essential oil onto the affected area helps to alleviate swelling, improve circulation, and helps to strengthen capillary walls.
- Mix a couple drops of lemon essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut and massage onto the affected area a few times a day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen and elastin, which are vital to the construction of skin and blood vessels. These proteins help keep your veins healthy, flexible, and strong. Vitamin C also improves blood circulation and contains antioxidants that prevent tissue damage.
- Consume citrus fruits and juices everyday, especially orange and lemon.
- Consume foods rich in vitamin C, such as red peppers and cauliflower.
- Take a vitamin C supplement.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals that can cause damage to your skin. If applied topically it can help skin regenerate faster. Ideally try to get vitamin E from whole food sources. To help get rid of spider veins apply Vitamin E topically.
- Topical Vitamin E is more effective if combined with Vitamin C.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids such as Rutin and Quercetin have anti-inflammatory and skin regenerating benefits. There is scientific evidence that Quercetin can help with skin pigmentation issues (1). Rutin has been shown to potentially have benefits specific to vein inflammation.
- For the best results take a combination of Rutin- Quercetin (minimum 250mg each of Rutin and Quercetin)
Other Tips and Lifestyle Changes
Apart from the home remedies listed above, there are some other steps you can take to either get rid of spider veins or help prevent them from coming back.
- Exercise regularly to maintain circulation and maintain a healthy body weight.
- Do leg toning exercises, such as walking to increase circulation.
- Stay hydrated and drink enough water. Consuming enough water helps to keep connective tissues supple and healthy.
- Avoid drinks high in caffeine. Drinks such as coffee and sodas lead to dehydration and even constipation, which are contributing factors to the development of spider veins.
- Avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate. Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol or an extended period of time can cause these vessels to remain dilated.
- Incorporate spicy foods into your diet. Spices such as garlic, onions, cayenne pepper, turmeric and ginger help improve blood circulation.
- Avoid sitting or standing for too long. If sitting, try crossing your legs from time to time, and if standing, shift weight from leg to leg every couple minutes to maintain healthy circulation.
- Avoid wearing high heels.
- To reduce the pressure on your legs, elevate your legs about 3 times a day for 15 minutes.
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