Spider veins are similar to varicose veins, but are smaller and closer to the skin surface. They appear on your legs and face as tiny, thin red and blue lines in a web-like pattern. Spider veins develop when blood, returning to the heart, becomes backed up, or blocked. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, spider veins can be caused by hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy and menopause; heredity; or sun exposure. A treatment plan for spider veins can address the circulatory problems with herbs that tone and strengthen blood vessels, and diuretics to relieve edema.
Tincture
Step 1
Make enough tincture mixture for one day. Mix 34 drops of hawthorn tincture, 23 drops each of prickly ash and yarrow tinctures, and 10 drops of ginger tincture.
Step 2
Place this mixture in a clean glass bottle or jar with a lid. Use a clean eyedropper to add 30 drops of the tincture mixture to a quarter cup of water.
Step 3
Swirl the mixture with a spoon. Drink this mixture three times a day.
Infusion
Step 1
Place 3 tsps. dried hawthorn berries, 2 tsps. dried prickly ash, 2 tsps. dried yarrow and 1 tsp. dried and finely chopped ginger in a large teapot.
Step 2
Cover the herbs with 1 ½ pints of boiled water and infuse for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a metal sieve or paper coffee filter into a clean glass jar.
Step 3
Drink 1 cup three times a day. Store remaining mixture in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator.
Decoction
Step 1
Place 3 tsps. dried hawthorn berries, 2 tsps. dried prickly ash, 2 tsps. dried yarrow and 1 tsp. dried and chopped ginger in a metal or ceramic pot.
Step 2
Cover the herbs with 1 ¾ pints of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 3
Reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Remove from the heat and let the mixture cool. Strain the mixture through a metal sieve or paper coffee filter into a glass jar.
Step 5
Drink 1 cup of this mixture three times a day. Cover and store the remainder in the refrigerator.
Tips and Warnings
- Buy organic dried herbs and tinctures made from organic plants to avoid any pesticides or other harmful chemicals. Complement your herbal therapy for spider veins with exercise and a diet rich in brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
- Consult with your doctor before self-medicating with herbal remedies. Do not take herbal medicines while pregnant or breastfeeding until you speak with your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Tinctures of hawthorn, prickly ash, yarrow and ginger
- Eyedropper
- Clean glass jar or bottle
- Dried hawthorn berries, prickly ash, yarrow and ginger
- Water
- Teapot
- Metal or ceramic pot with cover
- Metal strainer or paper coffee filters
- Glass jar or bottle with cover
- Spoon
