Popular Home Remedies For Spider Veins
Herbal Supplements
Nutritionists, health food stores and “green living” blogs all tout herbs like horse chestnut, ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, witch hazel and butcher’s broom as natural home remedies for spider veins, varicose veins and other circulation problems.
Unfortunately, the general consensus is these herbal supplements do not work. There are no studies to prove the usefulness of any of the above-mentioned products in treating or preventing spider veins. While there may be other health benefits to these herbs such as less swelling and aching, spider vein improvement is, sadly, not one of them.
Will it hurt to just try them? It could. While most people seem to believe that natural means safe, this isn’t the case. Herbal supplements carry the risk of side effects and could interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. For these reasons, it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is advertised as the miracle cure-all for everything from split ends to poor digestion, as well as blemishes and bruises. Some holistic practitioners believe an apple cider vinegar compress can be applied to your spider veins twice daily to increase circulation and diminish spider veins.
This method also has no facts or studies to support its efficacy. While topical application has no negative side effects other than the smell, there is also no real proof it will benefit you.
Proven Spider Vein Treatment Methods
Now that we’ve dispelled some of the popular spider vein at-home treatment myths found on the internet, it’s time to talk about what you can do to rid yourself of those spider veins using methods that are proven to work.