Ginger is used both as an herb for flavoring foods and as a type of alternative medical treatment. People use it to treat nausea, morning sickness, dizziness, gas, upset stomach and loss of appetite. Ginger may also be beneficial in minimizing the appearance of spider veins, and is often included in herbal remedies made for this purpose. Consult your doctor before using ginger or any alternative remedy, especially if you have health problems.
Spider Vein Causes
Spider veins occur when the valves in your veins are damaged or weak, causing the blood in your veins to go back down and collect in your veins. Your heart needs to work harder to pump your blood when this happens, potentially increasing your blood pressure and interfering with circulation. Injuries, sun exposure and hormone changes can also cause spider veins, which look like red or blue tree branches or spider webs.
Ginger and Circulation
Ginger may help improve your circulation -- and thus minimize the appearance of spider veins -- in a couple different ways. First, it might lower your blood pressure, according to a January 2005 article in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology." Lower blood pressure would minimize the pressure put on your veins. In addition, the article says ginger might have blood-thinning potential. Thinner blood is easier for your heart to pump. See your doctor before attempting to use ginger for these properties, especially if you are taking medicine with which there could be interactions.
Ginger and Fibrin
Fibrin is a blood protein that can build up in areas where your veins are injured. This makes the veins appear more prominent and can make spider veins more visible. Ginger is one of the natural substances that can help break up fibrin, according to a study published in February 2001 in the "Indian Journal of Medical Sciences." Another substance that can have this effect is bromelain, found in pineapples, onions, garlic and cayenne pepper.
Considerations
Eating small amounts of ginger isn't likely to clear up your spider veins by itself, but might help along with conventional spider vein treatments, such as wearing compression stockings. You can minimize your risk of spider veins by wearing sunscreen, not wearing high heels for long periods, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and not crossing your legs when seated. Do not use ginger in large amounts without first consulting with your doctor, because it could interfere with some prescriptions, including blood pressure medications and blood thinners.
References
- MedlinePlus: Ginger
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Fact Sheet
- Daily Mail: Can Alternative Medicine Help My Swollen Veins?
- Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Ginger Lowers Blood Pressure Through Blockade of Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channels
- Indian Journal of Medical Sciences: Ginger, Fat and Fibrinolysis
