Spider veins refer to small swellings in the blood vessels, and which are easily identifiable through the skin. The veins manifest as a web-like spread of tiny, twisted purple lines seen in different parts of the body. Some of the most common sites of spider veins include the face, the thighs, ankles and legs.

woman Leg

The color of spider veins ranges from red to purple, a variation which is largely dependent on the period of time that the blood has stagnated in the veins. These veins are more common than many people would love to admit. In addition to the discoloration, spider veins are also painful and can be very itchy.

Certain groups of people are at risk of this condition, including those who have a family history of the condition as well as those who are obese. In some women, pregnancy is a trigger factor for the development of spider veins. The diagnosis of spider veins is usually physical, although some patients may require specialized tests. In addition to lifestyle changes, there are natural remedies that one can use for the home treatment of spider veins.

 

1. Castor Oil:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Castor oil and hot water bath
Difficulty: Easy

 

Castor oil is ranked as one of the best home remedies for the natural treatment of spider veins. This is because when massaged on the affected part of the body, the oil enhances the circulation of blood to tissues where the condition has led to oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Additionally, the castor oil plays an essential role in preventing blood from clotting and pooling in the veins while reducing the pain and inflammation that accompanies this condition.

Directions:

  1. Place the castor oil in a shallow bowl and then heat using a hot water bath. The use of this bath is meant to eliminate the direct heating of the oil as this has the capacity to destroy the structural makeup of the oil.
  2. Once it is hot enough to use on your skin, slather some of the oil on the affected part before massaging gently.
  3. Allow the oil to remain on the skin for the best benefits.
  4. Use this remedy twice daily until the spider veins are healed.

 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV):

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: Apple cider vinegar and a clean piece of cloth.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a popular home remedy for the natural treatment of spider veins. ACV has the ability to eliminate the swelling of the veins while improving the circulation of blood to the affected parts of the body. ACV also discards the unsightly marks associated with the web-like veins, thus improving your outlook if you suffer from spider veins.

Directions:

  1. Soak the piece of clean cloth in the ACV so that it is completely covered by the liquid.
  2. Place the soaked cloth on the affected part of the skin and press gently so that this acts as a compress to keep spider veins in check.
  3. Allow the compress to remain on the veins for about 30 minutes.
  4. Make sure you use this remedy twice daily until the veins have recovered from the effects of the web-like and distorted veins.

 

3. Olive Oil:

Time Required: 25 Min
What You Need: A tablespoon of olive oil, an equal amount of Vitamin E oil as well as cotton balls.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Olive oil has for a long time, been used as a great home remedy for the treatment of spider veins. This is because the oil helps with improved blood circulation which is key to proper treatment of the condition. In addition to this, the oil helps reduce pain and inflammation which many people cite as leading symptoms of the condition. Vitamin E oil is added to olive oil for its known benefits which include healthy radiant skin, thus treating the discolored and damaged skin.

Directions:

  1. Place the olive oil in a shallow bowl before mixing it with an equal amount of the olive oil.
  2. Soak the cotton ball in the oil mixture before placing a spoonful of the mixture to your palms.
  3. Massage the part of the skin where the veins are protruded using the oil.
  4. Repeat this procedure twice everyday until you notice the spider veins have been eliminated.

 

4. Garlic:

Time Required: 12 Hrs
What You Need: 6 cloves of garlic, 3 fresh oranges, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a clean piece of cloth
Difficulty: Easy

 

Garlic is loved by many across the world, thanks to its excellent culinary properties. What you may not know is that garlic also possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties that help lower the pain and inflammation linked to spider veins. The garlic also allows for the elimination of toxins which have accumulated in the circulatory system while enhancing proper blood circulation.

Directions:

  1. Chop the garlic cloves and transfer the pieces to a clean container. Note that garlic is only effective when the cloves are chopped as this then allows the release of the cloves’ active ingredients used for treating the spider veins.
  2. Place the chopped garlic aside before squeezing the oranges to get fresh orange juice.
  3. Transfer the fresh juice to the chopped garlic before mixing in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  4. Allow this mixture to stand undisturbed for 12 hours.
  5. When the 12 hours elapse, shake the jar once more.
  6. Place two teaspoons of the garlic mixture onto your hands before you massage the mixture on the swollen veins.
  7. Massage the garlic-oil mixture in gentle circular motions for at least 10 minutes.
  8. You will then tie the piece of cloth on the part of the body where you have massaged the garlic oil mixture.
  9. Allow the tied piece of cloth to remain on the skin for about 20 minutes.
  10. You may also opt to use this remedy at bedtime so that the mixture works overnight to clear the spider veins faster and eliminate the inflammation in the affected area.

 

5. Witch Hazel:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Witch hazel, warm water and a clean washcloth.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Witch hazel is an ideal home remedy if you suffer from spider veins and would like to take a natural approach to speed up the healing process. The herb is effective for the treatment of spider veins because it improves the strength of the blood vessels, thus going a long way in restoring the normal function of the veins. This is important because part of successful treatment involves getting rid of the marks left behind by the web-like network of swollen veins.

Directions:

  1. Place your washcloth in a bowl containing witch hazel.
  2. Allow the piece of cloth to soak in the witch hazel before wrapping it on the affected part.
  3. Remove the soaked washcloth after half an hour. If your legs are affected by spider veins, you may want to soak your legs in water containing witch hazel for at least half an hour before rinsing and drying them for best results.
  4. Use this remedy at least thrice daily until the condition clears.

 

6. Grape Seeds:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Grape fruit seeds. You may also use Grape seed oil in place of the fresh seeds, alongside jojoba oil and peppermint oil.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Grapes are some of the juiciest most succulent options available for those who would like to eat healthy. What you may not know, however, is the fact that while you indulge in the fleshy part of the fruits and discard the seeds, you are actually wasting away the best part of the fruits especially if you suffer from spider veins. The reason for this is that the seeds are packed with Vitamin E and antioxidants that go a long way in the treatment of spider veins.

Studies have shown that the antioxidant compounds present in the grape seeds work by increasing the strength of the blood vessels, which in turn helps manage damage to the veins. This reduces inflammation. By improving the structural strength of the veins, it is possible to prevent the back-flow of blood. The next time you want to discard grape seeds, remember their benefits in getting rid of the symptoms of spider veins. The other alternative in the use of grape seeds is the use of oil extracted from the seeds.

Directions:

  1. Simply chew on the grape seeds as you indulge in the fruit. Note however, that the seeds have a characteristic bitter taste, so you may want to dry the seeds before crushing them to get a powder. You will then add this powder to your meals.
  2. In case you opt to use grape seed oil, simply mix the three oils, that is grape seed oil, jojoba oil and peppermint oil.
  3. Place a tablespoon of the mixed oils and rub it in the palms of your hands in order to warm it up and enhance absorption.
  4. Massage the affected part of your skin using this oil in gentle strokes.
  5. Use this remedy at least twice daily to get the best benefits.

 

7. Pine Tree Bark:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Need: The bark of the pine tree (freshly obtained), 10 cups of warm water and cheesecloth (may be replaced by a big strainer).
Difficulty: Moderate

 

Extracts obtained from the bark of a pine tree have been seen to be one of the most effective natural treatments for spider veins. Just like the grape seeds, these extracts contain powerful antioxidants that help enhance proper blood circulation in the affected veins while promoting the repair of various tissues in the body. These antioxidants, most notably the pycnogenol, go a long way in strengthening the walls of the affected veins. If this sounds like the perfect natural remedy for you, then you will be glad to know that all you need is warm water and the application of adequate pressure. The latter allows for the complete extraction of the required antioxidants for your remedy.

Directions:

    1. Clean the bark from the pine tree thoroughly, but do not dry it; instead, ensure that the bark remains wet for this procedure.
    2. Place 6 cups of water in a pot and allow to boil before adding in the clean wet pine bark.
    3. Cover the pot using the lid and allow the mixture to simmer until the water remains just about half of its original volume (this should be around 3 cups or so).
    4. Turn the heat off and get the cheesecloth read to strain the mixture. If you do not have any cheesecloth with you, a big strainer will work just fine.
    5. Do not discard the mixture you have just strained- place it aside-, but do return the pine bark to the pot.
    6. Add the remaining cups of water to the already-boiled pine bark and allow to boil once more.
    7. When the water gets to just about half of its original volume, lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer.
    8. Pass the mixture through the cheesecloth/strainer once more.
    9. Add the second batch of strained liquid to the first batch from step 5 above.
    10. Return the total extracted liquid from step 9 to the pot and boil.
    11. When the liquid reduces, turn down the heat and let it simmer until it is just about quarter cup full. This is the concentrated liquid containing precious antioxidants from the pine tree.
    12. Let this liquid cool down before you can use it as a remedy.
    13. Once cool, put a few drops of the extract onto the palms of your hands and massage gently on the part of the skin affected by the spider veins.
    14. Use this remedy thrice daily until the spider veins heal.
    15. Note that the pine tree extract must be stored in a dark bottle to improve its shelf life. If you have any doubts, you need to confirm with a medical doctor in order to allay your concerns.

 

Other natural home remedies available for the treatment of spider veins include Fuller’s earth (commonly referred to as the bleaching clay) which helps tone the distorted veins, marigold which has a high concentration of flavonoids to treat spider veins as well as cabbage. Simple lifestyle changes such as taking a short break away from your desk during work, avoiding sitting or standing for extended periods of time as well as moderating one’s frequency of wearing high heels go a long way in preventing and managing spider veins. Regular exercise is also recommended for the treatment of spider veins.