Spider veins and varicose veins are a common affliction of women, who tend to suffer from these reddish or blue-tinged veins that create a network or webbing of superficial veins on the surface of the legs, most commonly the thighs, behind the knees and ankles. Dr. David Green of the Varicose Vein Center in Maryland believes that spider veins are caused by the hormone estrogen, as well as genetics. While spider veins are not as painful, nor do they cause the same amount of swelling or inflammation as varicose veins, many women believe they are as unsightly. However, several homeopathic remedies may be utilized to treat spider veins.
Pulsatilla
Pusatilla is an age-old remedy for spider veins, combining ingredients from the windflower plant. These components increase circulation of blood and stagnant areas of blood flow caused by long periods of sitting or standing, says Dr. Andrea Sullivan, a homeopathic practitioner in Washington D.C. She recommends women visit a naturopath or homeopath to determine dosage rates of pustilla.
Horse Chestnut Seed
Horse chestnut seed has been used for generations to treat the pain, itching and fatigue in the legs caused by spider veins. The herb helps restore circulation and decrease inflammation as well as strengthening capillaries. Extract of horse chestnut providing daily dose of approximately 50 mg of aescin is recommended by HomeMade Medicine, or 500 mg of oral horse chestnut up to three times a day. Optimal benefits of such therapy take about three months.
Bilberry Extract
Bilberry extract taken in 20 to 40 mg doses up to three times a day helps to provide strength to capillaries and vein walls, and when combined with vitamin C offers even more strength to blood vessel strength and support.
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel has long been used to provide soothing relief to topical skin irritations and when used as an astringent provides pain relief. Pour a small amount of witch hazel onto a cotton ball or pad and dab over areas of spider veins for immediate relief.
Popular Remedies
Soaking or wrapping spider veins or varicose veins with cheesecloth soaked in apple cider vinegar twice a day for 30 minutes may help relieve pain, swelling and throbbing often associated with spider veins. Drinking a cup of hot water blended with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper three times a day will provide pain relief and increase blood flow within a week or two. Drinking a cup of tea blended with white oak bark three times a day also proves effective, as does taking 2 tablets of Calcarea fluorica (0.125 grams each) three times a day to help increase vein elasticity, especially when combined with yarrow. Ask your doctor about taking an aspirin a day to relieve spider veins. Aspirin often acts as a blood thinner, which helps blood circulate through the veins.
