Varicose veins have been afflicting humankind for millennia. It is no surprise, then, that looking at herbs you will find many ancient herbal and folk-remedies that treated varicose veins. Some say that they work well, by themselves, when integrated into lifestyle and dietary changes, or as a complementary procedure along with modern medicine and doctor's orders. This is meant to be an overview of some of the herbal remedies on the internet, from books, and from family sources. However, and I mean HOWEVER, I can not prescribe or make any personal recommendations. When using herbs as healers, it is always wise to do so with the knowledge and support of your medical doctor.

Along with medical doctors, we are lucky these days to have knowledgeable and competent herbalists who are not only wise in herbcraft but have much complementary medical knowledge. Many physicians have come to appreciate herbal knowledge and are happy to work in concert with herbalists. Some physicians are not. You should always follow the advice of a doctor that you trust. Some herbal remedies are not suited to be taken along with prescription drugs. Horse chestnut, for example, has compounds that can slow blood coagulation. So if you are on blood thinners, take coumadin or meds after a stroke, DO NOT use horse chestnut. Witch hazel is not meant to be taken internally, and some folks might find it a bit of an irritant on the skin. These are examples, and there are other cautions related to the interaction of herbs and prescription drugs that can't be included in an overview. So check with your doctor, and hopefully find some more good medicine for yourself!

These herbs can be made into or bought as tinctures or made into tea. Their actions can improve vein elasticity, improve blood vessel tone, stimulate circulation and help relieve water retention. Horse chestnut and Butcher's Broom have long been used. Butcher's Broom has also been applied directly on varicose veins. It should not be taken internally by pregnant women. Other astringent herbs would include white oak, witch hazel, and calendula. They are also good used in sitz baths.

Herbs that have been used to stimulate peripheral circulation include ginko, ginger, cayenne, prickly ash, or garlic, fresh or in capsules.

Diuretics include dandelion, yarrow, and hawthorn. These can be used in hot and cold compresses as well. Bilberries and gotu cola are also used.

My grandmother was wise in folk medicine as well as working as a nurse for most of her adult life. Her favorite remedy was apple cider vinegar and honey. She would mix a tablespoon of each in a cup of warm to hot water. She drank this religiously every day and lived over ninety years. She advocated the tonic and rubbing vinegar on varicose veins. She said that vinegar was not just an astringent, but she felt it "broke things up" when it came to blockages anywhere in the body. She used it for the same purpose when it came to arthritis. From my experience with that very wise woman, wise words indeed!