For those unaware, Spider Veins are small, red, purple, and blue vessels that twist and turn, similar to Varicose Veins. Spider veins are easily visible through the skin. They are typically visible on the legs and face. They are seen primarily in the older demographic, with a greater incidence in females. Arising from poor blood circulation and improper removal of waste substances, they can cause the skin to become thin, itchy, and increase susceptibility to ulcers. Spider Veins generally resolve on their own after a few months. However, various home remedies can be implemented to expedite the process.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple Cider Vinegar is the hallmark home-remedy treatment for Spider Veins. Janet Zand, in her book “Smart Medicine for Healthier Living,” suggests,
- Saturating a cloth with apple cider vinegar and applying it as a compress directly to your spider veins.
- Allow the cloth to remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes, and then remove.
- Repeat the process once or twice a day for at least one month, or until you can no longer see the veins.
This is a tried and tested method. It serves as a two-pronged attack: both increasing the circulation in the region (therefore addressing the root problem) as well as lessening the appearance of the veins.
2. Horse Chestnut
Horse chestnut is another great option. It diminishes the appearance by bolstering the vein architecture, thereby restoring elasticity. Topical creams and Horse Chestnut extracts are recommended together. Both should be applied regularly to the affected region until the appearance normalizes. Both remedies are widely available.
3. Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel is an understated, yet effective, option. An astringent herbal extract, it makes a great topical treatment choice.
- It is recommended to dab a cotton ball in Witch Hazel extract, and then gently apply it to the particular region every few hours.
Distilled Witch Hazel extract is available at all leading drugstores.
4. Fruits rich in Vitamin C
It would be intelligent to make use of fresh fruits. Fruits rich in Vitamin C (oranges, lemons, strawberries, pineapples) are a weapon-of-choice for combating Spider Veins. They help strengthen vessel walls, improve blood movement and serve as antioxidants. Antioxidants are instrumental in preventing free radical damage to blood vessels. A fruit that deserves special mention is the guava. Guavas help fight down Spider Veins in a plethora of ways. Apart from being loaded with Vitamin C, Guavas are endowed with high Vitamin K levels. Vitamin is beneficial on two levels: it improves circulation and mitigates discoloration of the skin (a major aesthetic concern associated with Spider Veins). It is also rich in Lycopene, an antioxidant. A shallow understanding of hemodynamics is crucial to understand why so many of these remedies involve improved blood circulation. If the blood is in motion, it will not stagnate and cause damage to the vessel walls.
5. Oil Massage
Oil massages are a centuries-old treatment regimen for spider veins. Their ability to heal lies in their ability to substantially increase blood flow. Coconut and Mustard oil, especially, have been found indispensable in getting rid of Spider Veins. Mustard Oil has been proven to strengthen the state of your venous valves. Coconut Oil carries out its effects by penetrating deep into the skin, and providing normal color once again.
- For maximum efficacy, warm the oil first and massage it into your skin twice a day.
- Massage in the direction of your heart for maximum therapeutic value.
Your Doctor may advise all sorts of convoluted procedures to eliminate Spider Veins, ranging from sclerotherapy, laser therapy, endovenous laser, radiofrequency ablation to vein surgery. But with these simple, natural remedies, you can save yourself a massive bill, and treat Spider Veins in the comfortable confines of your own home.
Note: Please do further research before choosing and following any one treatment regimen.