Though the complete reversal of varicose veins requires medical treatment, there are several conservative therapies and natural remedies that can alleviate and help prevent varicose and spider veins and early intervention may prevent time-consuming and expensive complications.
Conservative therapies, like the herbal remedies listed below, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent vein problems from worsening. For more information on the best treatment options for you, call 212.343.1600 and set up a consultation today.

Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica):
Despite its reputation as a tonic herb, gotu kola is used mainly for skin problems and wounds and has been found beneficial in the treatment of varicose veins. Clinical studies have shown that the use of gotu kola enhances vein integrity, aides healing, and improves circulation. Application of the extract locally has also demonstrated improvement in vascular tone, making problem veins less prone to damage. Except for the rare person who is allergic to gotu kola, the only problems encountered are occasional nausea if excessively high doses are used. Should be avoided if pregnant or while breast feeding.

Horse Chestnut (Aesculus Hippocastanum)

Horse chestnut seed extracts are used clinically to relieve symptoms and reduce signs of varicose veins, improving swelling and discomfort. In clinical studies, the extract has been found to inhibit the activity of damaging enzymes, making veins less permeable and fragile. Horse chestnut therapy should not be undergone by those with bleeding disorders.

Butcher’s Broom (Ruscus Aculeatus)
A traditional folk medicine, butcher’s broom, also known as box or knee holly, has been used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids for many years. Increasing scientific literature has supported such uses, having found that the extract has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. In clinical studies patients who were given the extract maintained venous tone and improved venous emptying in comparison to placebo-treated patients.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana)
Witch hazel extract has a long therapeutic tradition and is used primarily for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and local hemostatic effects and can be found in most pharmacies. Application of the extract can cause minor skin irritation in some people when applied topically; this herb is not recommended for internal use.

Conservative therapy can work for the symptoms of varicose veins. Simply keeping weight within normal range reduces the pressure in veins and exercising regularly can slow the progression of the condition. The American College of Phlebology recommends 30 minutes of exercise per day and advocates both periodic flexing of the ankle and 1 to 2 minutes of walking every 30 minutes to counteract the effects of sitting and standing. Women with varicose veins should not wear high heels, and anyone with the condition can benefit from elevation of their legs.

Another conservative therapy is compression of the legs using elastic or inelastic stockings (compression stockings). Elastic stocking options – the familiar support hosiery – can lessen symptoms in mild disease. Graduated elastic compression stockings are a more sophisticated version of this hose, exerting gradually decreasing pressure from ankle to thigh to encourage upward blood flow. Inelastic options are also available, but these rigid garments can be more difficult for people to manage.

While conservative therapy may improve symptoms of varicose veins, it does not cure the underlying problem. The definitive treatment is to stop the reflux of blood into the superficial veins of the legs. For these patients, eliminating the culprit veins can give back the quality of life that they once enjoyed.