Spider veins can be defined as dilated blood vessels that affect thighs, face, feet and ankles. These are tiny and twisted vessels that are visible on the skin. These veins appear mainly in purple, red or blue colors beneath the skin. Malfunctioning of circulatory system is one of the causes of spider veins. Pregnancy, obesity, age, hormonal changes, long term standing on feet, long term heavy lifting etc. are some of the factors that affect this disease.
Spider veins affect both men and women. Women have been found to be more affected with spider veins as compared to men. Though the disease is not serious but it can lead to extreme discomfort. They can cause the legs and ankles to swell and to feel hot and heavy. The delivery of blood and oxygen to the tissues is hindered and the removal of waste is delayed this can cause the skin to become thin, discolored and susceptible to ulcers.
Changing lifestyle, exercising, consuming nutrients etc. are some of the ways spider veins that can be treated. In many cases, spider veins disappear on their own after a few months, but several home remedies can expedite the process. Here are some of the effective herbal cures for the trouble of spider veins.
HOME REMEDIES FOR VARICOSE VEINS
1.Butcher’s Broom
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is also known as box holly or knee holly. Butcher’s broom is a yellow-flowered shrub that, by virtue of its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, tones the veins. German researchers verify that this herb helps to tighten, strengthen, and decrease inflammation in veins, helping blood flow up the legs. Butcher's broom contains compounds called ruscogenins. These substances decrease inflammation while constricting the vein. Drinking a cup of diluted extract of Butcher’s broom can be valuable in curing the disease at a faster rate. Butcher’s broom extract improves varicosities by constricting and strengthening veins. Take 300 milligrams three times a day. A compress of butcher's broom may be applied externally.
2.Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is the most popular herbal treatment for varicose veins. Horse chestnut is an astringent and also a fine tonic for blood circulation. Aescin is the main compound in this herb which seems to inhibit the release of enzymes responsible for damaging capillary walls. Horse chestnut can relieve symptoms like swelling and pain besides strengthening blood vessel walls.
Whole horse chestnut is considered unsafe by the FDA and can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, convulsions, circulatory and respiratory failure, and even death. Tea, leaves, nuts, and other crude forms of the horse chestnut plant should also be avoided. However, for varicose veins, the extract from horse chestnut seeds is thought to be most effective. For varicose veins and even for CVI, 300 mg of horse chestnut seed extract which contains 50 mg of the active ingredient, aescin, should be taken two times a day. Horse chestnut extract is widely available in natural health stores.
Topical creams containing horse chestnut may also help to get rid of spider veins when applied to the affected area on a regular basis. Use the cream and extract together for the best results. Horse chestnut is not recommended for people with liver or kidney disease. You shouldn’t take this herb in combination with blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin). Pregnant and feeding mothers should also consult their physician before they consider taking horse chestnut extract.
3.St. John’s Wort
St. John's wort can be advantageous in reducing the inflammation of veins entirely and very efficiently. It also reduces inflammation and is used externally and internally for both spider veins and varicose veins. Drink infusions of St. John's wort to provide nutrients and compounds that will nourish the stressed veins. Use it externally in salves, oils, or tinctures, rubbing them into the affected area. This is one of the most basic herbal cures used in the case of same. This herb should be used fresh or freeze-dried, as it loses its medicinal properties if air-dried.
4.Witch Hazel
Witch hazel the famous astringent herb is rich in anti-inflammatory substances, tannins, gallic acids and essential oils. Distilled witch hazel is soothingly astringent when applied to areas with varicosities by means of a cotton ball dipped in the extract. Several studies in animals have shown that witch hazel helps to strengthen blood vessels as well. Extracts of the bark of this North American tree, easily found in most pharmacies, have a long tradition of topical use for skin inflammation, hemorrhoids and varicose veins. When applied to hemorrhoids, witch hazel reduces pain and swelling. It also tightens and soothes aching varicose veins and reduces inflammation. While you can take it internally as tea, it is best to make a strong decoction for use as a compress. Drinking a cup of freshly prepared with hazel tea is proved to be valuable in reducing the discomforts caused due to spider veins.
5.Rosemary
Rosemary is proved to be valuable in curing spider veins, varicose and hemorrhoids very efficiently. Rosemary not only strengthens and protects vessels with its antioxidants, but also improves circulation, thus helping to alleviate both varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Using rosemary extract can very effectively help in purifying the blood and hence increasing the blood flow. Use liberally in foods, and make a liniment to apply topically.
6.Grape Seed, Pine Bark Extracts
Grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) and pine bark extract (Pinus maritima) both contain oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPCs), OPCs in the bark of pine trees and in grape seeds seem to strengthen the connective tissue structure of blood vessels which leads to reduced inflammation. They protect capillaries, veins and even arteries from free radical damage along with enhancing the performance of vitamin C which is essential for collagen formation. They also increase the tone and elasticity of capillary walls. This makes capillary walls more resistant to hemorrhages, ruptures and infection.
People with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn's disease, should not take pine back or grapeseed extract unless under a doctor's supervision because of its effects on the immune system. Pine bark or grapeseed extracts should not be combined with medications that suppress the immune system or with corticosteroids, unless under medical supervision. It’s better to avoid giving grape seed extracts to children and pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as those taking blood thinners.Grape seed extract should not be confused with grapefruit seed extract. The most commonly reported side effects are digestive complaints such as nausea and upset stomach.
7.Gotu kola
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a tropical plant that enhances the integrity of blood vessels and speeds wound healing. It keeps small vessels from “leaking,” thereby decreasing swelling. Gotu kola seems to work by strengthening connective tissues to cure as well as prevent varicose veins. The extract of gotu kola leaves are said to contain ‘triterpenes’ that improve the tone of veins making them less susceptible to the degenerative processes which may result into varicosity and other problems. Gotu kola extract is also helpful for venous insufficiency, water retention in the ankles, foot swelling, and varicose veins. Take 200 milligrams three times a day. Steep 1 tsp gotu kola leaves in a cup of hot water for 10-15 minutes. Strain and add honey if using. Have this tea 2-3 times a day. If you suffer from some liver disease, consult your doctor before taking gotu kola.
7.Bilberry extract
Bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus), which is rich in flavonoids called anthocyanosides, also can be helpful. Bilberry extract stimulates new capillary formation, strengthens capillary walls, and enhances the effect of vitamin C in reducing blood-vessel fragility. Take 20 to 40 milligrams three times a day.
8.Castor Oil
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory and stimulating properties. It stimulates the blood circulation and increases the flow of blood to the blood starved tissues. It prevents the blood from clotting in the veins and reduces their swelling. Massage the affected areas with warm castor oil twice a day.
9.Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is very good in stimulating the blood circulation and in strengthening the valves. Massage twice a day all the affected areas. You will notice a difference in the spider veins very soon.
10.Lavender oil, Lemon oil , Chamomile oil
Lavender is also proved to be beneficial in treating the problem of spider veins. Applying a little of lavender oil over the inflamed veins can be advantageous in reducing the problem efficiently. Calendula oil and Chamomile oil are also useful in healing the spider veins at a faster rate. Lemon oil reduces swelling and pain of varicose veins in feet and legs.
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