There are a few home remedies for spider veins that can save you a trip to the doctor. Peruse our top 10 suggestions for keeping spider veins at bay!
Spider veins are not uncommon. They can appear at any time of life but are more associated with the aging process. Characterized by thin red and blue lines caused by visible veins, they may cause annoyance and embarrassment, especially when they appear in highly visible places such as the face and lower legs.
The good news is that there are a number of home remedies for spider veins, which may minimize their appearance, and may even help you to say farewell to them for good.
What Are Spider Veins?
Spider veins are so-called due to the way they appear to meander in lines, resembling a spider’s web. They can vary in visibility, length and thickness.
Normally, veins carry blood around the body in one direction, via the heart. With age, pressure or genetic factors, valves can fail to close properly and some blood can go back the other way. As veins are not designed to hold this blood, there is an added pressure that distends the vein, causing it to appear near the surface of the skin, or buldge in the case of varicose veins.
What might cause spider veins?
There are a number of factors which may contribute to the appearance of spider veins. Common contenders include hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, certain medications such as steroids, injury, alcohol consumption, obesity, long periods of standing or stillness, and genetics.
We look at a number of home remedies for spider veins, which may help reduce their appearance and possible discomfort.
1. Massage
Massage helps to stimulate the body’s circulatory system. A gentle massage can relieve pain and swelling, which may be associated with the formation of spider veins. Many kinds of massage are available but we recommend seeking out a professional therapist, preferably one with experience of treating spider veins.
It is vital that no pressure is applied directly to the veins themselves, so as not to exacerbate the issue, but just to gently massage around them, helping to keep the blood moving.
You could also gently massage around the areas yourself, with a soothing oil or moisturizer.
2. Diet
For optimal health, diet is crucial to our overall lives and wellbeings. We know that a balanced diet provides our bodies with the key nutrients we need to thrive.
Reducing our chances of obesity will reduce the likelihood of spider veins, and this can be achieved by eating foods that are high in fiber and antioxidants, and low in saturated fats, processed sugars, excessive alcohol, and sodium. This type of diet may reduce inflammation, and promote healthy blood flow.
Salty diets can make the body hang on to water, whereas extra potassium (such as in bananas), can help reduce water retention. High-fiber foods include nuts, lentils, potatoes and leafy green vegetables. These keep the system functioning well, and avoid any excess strain on the body, which can aggravate damaged veins.
It is also thought that flavonoids (plant compounds once known as vitamin P) may also reduce spider veins, again by aiding blood flow, and reducing blood pressure overall. You could try adding extra vegetables, such as onions, garlic, peppers, broccoli, spinach and citrus fruits to your diet.
3. Movement
It is not surprising that one of our home remedies for spider veins is movement. We have long known that being very still for long periods can cause issues with circulation, which is why we are advised to move around when on a long flight, for example, to avoid deep-vein-thrombosis.
To minimize spider veins, try to avoid sitting for long periods. If your job is sedentary in this respect, try and get up and move around, or change position frequently, to avoid blood pooling in the body. Try not to cross the legs, especially if you have spider veins behind the knees, or in the lower legs and feet.
Movement also leads us on to number 4…
4. Exercise
Regular exercise may aid the reduction of spider veins in several ways. Exercise can help to reduce blood pressure, increase circulation of the blood, and keep the body in optimal balance. It also stimulates oxygen flow and produces hormones which, along with the physical benefits, make us feel better.
Exercise can be high or low impact, depending on your desired outcome and ability. If you are not up for a run, or a high-impact gym session (and again, bear in mind that strain is not good for spider veins), you can try walking, swimming or yoga.
5. Put Your Feet Up
Movement and exercise are key remedies for spider veins, but just as important, is resting, and how you hold your body whilst relaxing. Raising your feet a little will allow the blood to move towards the heart. Let gravity do its work by elevating your feet and legs.
You can even do this if you have an office job, especially if you’re working from home. Lift the legs to the same level as the heart, or ideally a little higher. Don’t leave them there for hours though. Tap into the above advice to keep moving at regular periods.
6. Compression Stockings
It may be useful to invest in some compression stockings, especially if you aren’t able to maximize mobility. Compression stockings work by putting a little pressure on the veins, to stop them from buldging. This in turn aids blood flow to the affected areas.
You can purchase compressions stockings from Amazon**.
7. Non-restrictive Clothing and Shoes
Although compression stockings have a particular job, wearing tight clothing in general can restrict blood flow and sometimes even breathing. Avoid both issues by wearing comfortable clothing that doesn’t press into the body. You may find a change in clothing choice aids circulation and reduces spider veins.
Choice of shoes may also help, so it may be worth ditching the high heels, and instead opt for low shoes or sneakers.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar seems to have certain healing qualities. It’s a remedy for bad breath, and for quick relief from heartburn. It would seem it is also a contender as a remedy for spider veins. The vinegar may help to improve healthy blood flow and circulation, thereby reducing the formation of spider veins.
Try applying a little apple cider vinegar to the skin, or soak a little on a cloth and then wrap the cloth around the affected area, making sure you have no cuts or abrasions, for up to 20 minutes at a time.
9. Garlic and Herbal Remedie
Garlic may be a remedy for spider veins, and if raw garlic isn’t your thing, you could try a garlic supplement. Spices or supplements such as turmeric and cayenne may also bring relief. Other herbal remedies may include gingko bilboa, bilberry, and horse chesnut. As suggested by the National Institute of HealthTrusted Source, grape seed extract may also help to reduce swelling and spider veins, but note that grape seed extract may interfere with blood-thinning medications.
10. Essential Oils
Essential oils can be applied to spider veins as a cold or hot compress. Alternatively, you can add a few drops to a lovely bath. Or mix in with the above massage remedy. You can apply diluted directly to the area, but do a skin test first, to avoid unnecessary issues such as allergy or burning. Always buy organic where possible.
Essential oils which you may like to keep on hand include homemade clove essential oil, which can also be made with geranium, lavender, lemongrass, cypress and yarrow. Patchouli essential oil has benefits, too.
Read more:
- What is Slow Jogging & Why It Might be Good for You
- Rise and Shine: 3 Major Benefits of a Morning Workout
- Patchouli: Benefits & Drawbacks of the Essential Oil
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