When the veins congregate below skin surface and cause purple, blue or red discoloration, the condition is known as spider veins.Because of its cosmetic and non-harmful nature, spider veins disappear without the need for any treatment. To avoid its recurrence you can use some of the following herbs. These herbs strengthen the veins and prevent leakage of blood.Best Herbal Remedies For Spider Veins
Gotu Kola
This herb has been in use since ancient times as a remedy for stress. It thus boosts memory. Besides, it strengthens the connective tissue around veins and also nurtures its protective sheath. You can take upto 8 gotu kola tablets (400mg each) daily for best results. It is also available in dried or liquid form which can be consumed in tea or tincture form. You can brew I teaspoon of gotu kola for at least 15 minutes and take the drink thrice daily.
You can also take up to 40 drops of the tincture form two times daily to get rid of spider veins. Avoid using gotu kola for more than 6 weeks. People with liver disease should avoid its use. Also, if you are a patient of skin cancer you should avoid use of gotu kola.
Prickly Ash
This herb has been in use since ancient times in North America as a herbal remedy chiefly because of its tonic actions. The red berries that this shrub bears contain alkaloids, resin, tannins and volatile oil. It improves blood circulation and hence alleviates symptoms of spider veins. It should however be not taken by people with gastrointestinal problems.
Butcher’s Broom
This is a tiny herbaceous shrub that has been in use for treatment of varicose veins. Butcher’s broom contains as many as three active components namely neoruscogenin, ruscogenin and saponins. Since these compounds have anti-inflammatory and vasoconstricting properties, this herb is a good remedy for spider veins. It is available in tincture or capsule form.
Butcher’s broom increases blood circulation to lower extremes and hence treat venous insufficiencies. Recommended daily dosage of this herb (capsule form) is 100mg. You can also take 12 drops of gotu kola in tincture form. People with high blood pressure should avoid its use.
Witch Hazel
This particular herb contains gallic acids and has astringent properties. It also contains tannins as well as essential oils. Witch hazel is helpful in alleviating the pain and swelling caused by spider veins. Besides, it tightens the veins and reduces inflammation.
Bilberry
This herb strengthens the walls of veins and makes blood vessels less fragile. Daily intake of bilberry extract has shown proven results in reducing spider veins. Choose any product that has 25% anthocyanidins and 20 to 40mg bilberry.However, one who is taking pine bark should avoid use of bilberry extract. Do not extend its use beyond 6 weeks. Somebody on blood-thinning medications and anti-inflammatory drugs should also avoid bilberry.
Horse Chestnut
This particular herb strengthens weak veins. It also nourishes the capillaries to ensure smooth blood flow. Hence, horse chestnut is a crucial herb for treatment of various circulatory disorders including varicose veins and spider veins. Horse chestnut is also known to regulate capillary permeability and reduce capillary fragility. It also repairs the bruises caused by broken blood vessels.
The active agent in horse chestnut i.e. aescin accounts for antithrombic activity and reduced blood clotting. Recommended dosage of horse chestnut is 250mg with up to 22% of aescin. You can also take 1 teaspoon of its extract. People with kidney disorders should avoid its use. Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking horse chestnut.
