Did you know that an herb that can be quite helpful to varicose vein sufferers was first used to scare away the devil? St John's Wort's ancient name was Fuga Daemonum which means Scare Devil. Its generic name Hypericum, derived from the Greek hyper ("over") and eikon ("apparition") clearly shows what this herb was used for. To early Christians the bright golden yellow flowers of the plant was symbolic of the light of the sun and hence, would repel Satan. On St John's Day, June 24th, the plant was harvested for use for the rest of the year. The Native American Indians also used this herb.

Today, St John's Wort is used to treat depression and anxiety with good effect on many people. It is always wise to check with your doctor before beginning taking the herb, especially if there are other prescription drugs or other herbs already being taken. Especially for those people who sunburn easily or are wary of sun exposure, there can be a measure of photosensitivity, or making you extra sensitive to sunlight. Slapping on a good layer of sun block before going out is always a good idea.

Some of the other properties of St John's Wort are what are being used to good effect to treat varicose veins. St John's Wort has anti-inflammatory and astringent qualities that are very helpful. St John's Wort can be used in different ways, as well; as a tea, an infusion, in an oil extract, also as a pill or capsule. Talk to somebody who is knowledgeable about herbs and be sure to get the okay of your doc; you may be well pleased.

Other astringent herbs you might study are white oak, witch hazel, and calendula. Witch hazel is not for internal use and it can be a little irritating to the skin. Those who tolerate it well might opt for massaging it into the skin or making a compress to lay directly on the varicosities.

Hot and cold compresses, either with vinegar, chamomile, or other herb, or just wetted with hot or cold water can be soothing. When taking a bath, if you can run hot and cold intermittently into the tub can help the circulation and bring relief from aches.

Speaking of circulation, the wearing of compression stockings can be very helpful as they help to squeeze the blood upward in its circulation up the leg, and the support can feel good as well! Making sure that none of your clothes or undergarments are constricting or are too tight is a very important precaution. Squeezing your legs in to knee-high hose that leaves a big depression in your leg after you take it off is tantamount to leaving an invitation for a varicosity to form there. Remember, there is good compression and bad compression and it behooves you to know the difference.

A good massage can often do wonders, especially if you are having a painful time of it. The masseuse will start at your feet and massage upward toward the hips, then follow along the lymphatic system to mobilize congested body tissues. The massage oil might also be infused with palmarosa, frankincense, juniper berries, and myrtle. These oils are made the most efficacious when added to St John's Wort infused oil. Who doesn't feel better after a relaxing massage with a little aromatherapy thrown in?