7 Best Herbs For Varicose Veins (& Natural Remedies)

According to the National Institutes of Health, Varicose Veins can be defined as the following: "Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins just under the skin. They can look like blue or purple squiggles in your legs."

• Increase in blood pressure - This causes a change in blood flow which effects the veins.
• Smoking increases risk of varicose veins due to blood circulation as well.
• Standing or sitting for long period of times - You can help this by altering your standing position. Also, elevating feet for short periods of time while lying down can get the blood circulating from the veins in the legs and ankles.
• Being overweight is difficult on the body and varicose veins can develp.
• Pregnancy - There are a lot of hormonal changes during pregnancy and addtional stress on the legs. This changes blood flow and blood capacity making veins prominent. 
• Birth control or supplements that affect hormones. These may not directly cause varicose veins, but they interfere with fluid retention making veins more noticeable.
• Weak valves and damaged vein walls cause blood to pool instead of successfully pumping blood. This therefore causes more pronounced veins.
• Chronic Venous Insufficiency - This condition is when the long veins in the legs have difficulty transporting blood to the heart.

#1   Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is also referred to as Indian Pennywort (Centells Asiatica). This study shows 8 trials' successul use of Gotu Kola as a treatment for varicose veins.

Some of the improvements consisted of decreased swelling in the ankles and lessening of pain and heaviness in the legs. Other studies should be done for confirmation of results due to difficulty of getting specific information. However, the studies that have been done show promising results.

There is a long history of this herb's positive effects on blood flow and strengthening of connective tissues in the body. Gotu Kola has been used for years in Chinese, African, and Indian medicine for this issue as well as other ailments.

#2   Marigold

Marigold contains triterpines which decrease inflammation. This is because triterpines regulate immune-inflammatory markers. They also contain flavonoids which are known for helping decrease blood pressure and hypertension. 

These characteristics benefit circulation in the blood vessels. Additionally, the antioxidants in the flavonois help decrease the chance of blood clots forming. Overall, the circulatory system is helped when marigold is used as a paste on the skin.

#3    Pine Bark Extract

Pine bark, also known as Pycnogenol, is a strong antioxidant used to reduce high blood pressure and also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

Since it is beneficial for blood pressure, veins will benefit as well because pressure will be lifted off of the veins. It is wonderful how these everyday natural elements can benefit our health and beauty.

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#4    Horse Chestnut (aesculus hippocastarum)    

The herb horse chestnut is known to increase circulation of the blood. Its primary component, Aescin, which is found in the seeds of horse chestnut, is the reason for this. Therefore, horse chestnut is a wonderful herb to add in for vein issues.

Chestnut seeds also help with pain and swelling. This is beneficial because swelling can lead to varicose veins. One study showed horse chestnut as being as helpful as using compression socks for the legs.

It is important to note that horse chestnut seed extract is the only thing that should be consumed from this herb. The other parts of the plant are toxic to consume.

#5    Butcher's Broom (ruscus aculeatus)    

Butcher's Broom is another great herb highly beneficial to treating varicose veins in the lower legs. It has been used as a remedy to increase blood circulation amongst other ailments throughout the ages.

This study shows oral supplementation of Butcher's Broom extract helping the symptoms of varicose veins compared  to a placebo trial group. The medicinal properties of this herb (also known as ruscogenin) is also anti-inflammatory.  The herb works to decrease inflammation in the veins which in turn increases circulation and blood flow.

Note: Ask a doctor before taking, especially if concerned with zinc or iron levels due to saponins in the herb which has the potential to lower these mineral levels. 

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#6    Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)  

Another beneficial treatment option for varicose vein symptoms is witch hazel. The astringent component of witch hazel absorbs into the skin when applied topically to tone veins and constrict them. This makes the problematic area less visible. It will calm spider veins and the appearance of varicose veins in general.

The following is from the the Center For Vein Restoration. It is a tweaked version of the easy natural home remedy used to treat symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

• Bucket of slightly warm water
• 10-20 drops of witch hazel
• Soak legs for between 15-30 minutes
• Wash and dry legs after soaking

#7    St John's Wort

For someone looking for treatment options for pain management from varicose veins, look no further than St John's Wort.

This herbal has been studied in recent research as a treatment option for ailments such as cancer, viral diseases, as well an inflammatory diseases such as venous insufficiency. The properties of this herb helps ease the pain caused by problems with these veins. 

Other Natural Treatment Options

• These stockings apply gentle but firm pressure on the legs when you wear them. I have tried compression stockings before and am personally not a fan of the feel.
• However, if I had a more extreme problem with leg veins which cause pain as well, I would probably find these more worth the wear. They are a good idea for people suffering from this cosmetic issue.

• Grape seed extract is another great remedy for this cosmetic concern. Here is one study showing the postive effect on chronic venous insufficiency. Grape seed extract increases blood flood. It also thins the blood, so take caution if using certain medications for thinning the blood.

• Regular exercise as well as low-impact exercises can greatly impact the lessening of these veins. Exercise increases circulation in the blood and takes pressure on the capillary walls.

• Seeing a vein specialist is another option. A specialist will be able to view the medical condition and offer options available. This is a good idea especially if you have leg pain or need help deciding on the best lifestyle changes and treatment plan.

     Great Product To Use For Lessening the Looks of Varicose veins

I personally use this roll on and have it found to have positive effects right away. I had some veins that began to show through on my lower leg that made me self-conscious when wearing shorts or skirts. 

I began using this roller and noticed an immediate difference. I am not sure it will solve the problem altogether, but the herbal beauty treatment has improved the condition for me. 

This roller would be recommended especially for people with a mild condition. My veins were not extremely noticeable, however, they were apparent enough for me to worry about them. It is an inexpensive treatment that is worth a try.