By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Varicose Veins
Herbal creams for varicose veins are topical treatments that use natural ingredients to alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
These creams typically contain herbs such as horse chestnut, butcher's broom, and chamomile, which help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. Examples include creams containing witch hazel and arnica, which can reduce swelling and promote healing.
By using these creams, individuals can experience relief from pain and discomfort, improving their overall quality of life and allowing them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and confidence.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for varicose veins, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Vitis vinifera
- 2. Hamamelis virginiana
- 3. Calendula officinalis
- 4. Helichrysum italicum
- 5. Echinacea angustifolia
- 6. Artemisia absinthium
- 7. Taraxacum officinale
- 8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 9. Salix alba
- 10. Urtica dioica
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for varicose veins?
- What ailments similar to varicose veins are treated with herbal creams?
1. Vitis vinifera
Vitis vinifera, also known as grape, creams helps with varicose veins because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The active compounds present in Vitis vinifera, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, help to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the affected veins. Regular use of Vitis vinifera creams can also strengthen the vein walls, improving their elasticity and reducing the appearance of varicose veins.
This can lead to a significant reduction in discomfort and visible signs of varicose veins.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitis vinifera creams that help with varicose veins.
- Resveratrol: This polyphenol helps with varicose veins by improving blood vessel function, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen production to strengthen blood vessel walls.
- Vitisin a: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in varicose veins, promoting blood vessel health and reducing symptoms.
- Oligomeric proanthocyanidin: This flavonoid compound helps to strengthen blood vessel walls by improving collagen production, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress, which can contribute to varicose veins.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of grape used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which help improve blood vessel health and reduce inflammation associated with varicose veins.
- Seeds: Contain flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which have been shown to improve blood circulation and reduce the visibility of varicose veins.
- Fruits: Rich in flavonoids and resveratrol, which help to improve blood vessel health, reduce inflammation, and promote circulation to alleviate varicose vein symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic grape for varicose veins.
- Harvest 500g of dried vitis vinifera flowers and leaves from a reputable supplier to ensure quality and potency.
- Combine 250g of the harvested vitis vinifera with 500ml of a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture for 2 hours at 60°c while stirring occasionally to facilitate the extraction process.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to separate the oil from the solids.
- Add 50g of a natural emulsifier like beeswax and 50g of a preservative like sodium benzoate to the oil and mix until well combined.
2. Hamamelis virginiana
Hamamelis virginiana, also known as American witch hazel, creams helps with varicose veins because of its unique properties.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in Hamamelis virginiana reduce swelling and promote blood flow to the affected area. This helps to improve circulation, alleviate pain and discomfort, and even out skin tone.
By tightening the skin and reducing inflammation, Hamamelis virginiana creams can provide relief from the visible symptoms of varicose veins, making them a popular natural remedy for this common condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hamamelis virginiana creams that help with varicose veins.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds help to reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, which can alleviate symptoms of varicose veins such as swelling and pain.
- Flavonoids: These antioxidants help to reduce oxidative stress and improve blood vessel tone, which can help to reduce the visibility of varicose veins and alleviate associated symptoms.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds help to constrict blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with varicose veins.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of american witch hazel used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Barks: Used due to their high concentration of hamamelitannins, which help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
- Leaves: Utilized for their astringent properties, which help to constrict blood vessels and alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
- Stems: Employed for their rich content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, beneficial for varicose vein treatment.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic american witch hazel for varicose veins.
- Harvest 1 cup of hamamelis virginiana leaves and flowers at peak potency in early morning.
- Dry the plant material in a low-temperature oven at 150 degrees fahrenheit for 2 hours.
- Steep 1 cup of dried hamamelis virginiana in 2 cups of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the liquid mixture through cheesecloth to remove solids and discard the solids.
- Mix 1 cup of the hamamelis virginiana liquid with 1/2 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of shea butter.
3. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with varicose veins because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and carotenoids, help to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the affected veins. This, in turn, promotes the healing of damaged tissues and reduces the appearance of varicose veins. The cream's soothing and cooling effects also provide relief from pain, itching, and discomfort associated with varicose veins.
Regular use can lead to noticeable improvements in vein health and appearance.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with varicose veins.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds, particularly calendulin and calendulic acid, help with varicose veins by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel health, thereby alleviating symptoms such as swelling and pain.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol, contribute to the cream's benefits for varicose veins by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress in the affected veins.
- Nascent ions: The presence of nascent ions (calcium and magnesium) in Calendula officinalis creams can aid in the reduction of varicose veins by helping to relax blood vessels, improve blood circulation, and reduce swelling and pain.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Flowers: The flowers of Calendula officinalis are rich in flavonoids, such as quercetin and kaempferol, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.
- Leaves: The leaves of Calendula officinalis contain triterpenoid saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help soothe and calm the skin affected by varicose veins.
- Seeds: The seeds of Calendula officinalis contain a high amount of triterpenoid saponins, which have been traditionally used to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the skin, making them effective in treating varicose veins.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for varicose veins.
- Harvest 20-30% of the calendula flowers at peak bloom for maximum potency and effectiveness.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.
- Infuse 200-300 grams of dried calendula flowers in 1 liter of carrier oil for 4-6 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container.
- Mix the infused oil with beeswax and a preservative at a 1:1 ratio in a double boiler.
4. Helichrysum italicum
Helichrysum italicum, also known as curry plant, creams helps with varicose veins because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The active compounds in this herb, such as neryl acetate and italidione, improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the affected veins. As a result, the creams help to alleviate pain, swelling, and discoloration associated with varicose veins, promoting healthy blood flow and reducing the appearance of unsightly veins.
This natural remedy offers a non-invasive and effective solution for managing varicose veins.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Helichrysum italicum creams that help with varicose veins.
- Notopterygium terpenes: These terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and swelling associated with varicose veins.
- Furanocoumarins: These compounds have antioxidant properties, which may help protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote healing of damaged tissues, reducing the appearance of varicose veins.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and protect the skin from damage associated with varicose veins.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of curry plant used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.
- Flowers: They are rich in essential oils, particularly nerolidol and beta-pinene, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of varicose veins.
- Stems: They contain compounds like sesquiterpenes and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation in the affected areas.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic curry plant for varicose veins.
- Harvest 30g of fresh helichrysum italicum flowers and dry them at 30c for 24 hours to preserve their potency.
- Combine 10g of dried flowers with 10g of coconut oil in a glass jar and steep for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain a clear liquid.
- Mix 10g of beeswax with 20g of shea butter and 50g of the infused oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture at 40c for 30 minutes and pour it into glass jars for a smooth cream texture.
5. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, creams helps with varicose veins because it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The extracts from this herb have been shown to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the legs. The cream's ability to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation helps to alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with varicose veins.
By promoting healthy blood flow and reducing inflammation, Echinacea angustifolia cream provides relief and support for individuals suffering from varicose veins.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia creams that help with varicose veins.
- Iridoids: Iridoids, such as echinacoside, may help with varicose veins by improving blood vessel tone and reducing inflammation, thus alleviating pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins.
- Phenylethanoid glycosides: Phenylethanoid glycosides, including echinacoside and iso-ecdysone, may contribute to the relief of varicose vein symptoms by promoting collagen synthesis and improving blood vessel elasticity, ultimately reducing the risk of blood vessel rupture.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids present in Echinacea angustifolia, like echinamine and echinamidine, may possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate symptoms of varicose veins by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the blood vessels.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Roots: They are used due to their high concentration of alkaloids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Rhyzomes: They are used because they contain saponins, which may help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Leaves: They are used due to their content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe varicose veins.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for varicose veins.
- Harvest 50-100 grams of fresh or dried echinacea angustifolia roots in late summer or early fall.
- Clean the roots thoroughly with distilled water to remove dirt and debris.
- Dry the roots in a single layer at 50-60°c for 2-3 hours or until crisp.
- Combine 50 grams of dried echinacea angustifolia with 20 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Stir the mixture continuously at 60-70°c for 30-40 minutes or until the beeswax melts and the mixture thickens.
6. Artemisia absinthium
Artemisia absinthium, also known as wormwood, creams helps with varicose veins because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as absinthin and borneol, help to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, which can alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins. By promoting healthy blood flow and reducing swelling, the cream can help to improve the appearance of varicose veins and provide relief from discomfort and pain associated with this condition.
Regular use can lead to long-term improvement and prevention.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia absinthium creams that help with varicose veins.
- Thujone: Thujone has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with varicose veins, promoting healthy blood vessel function.
- Absinthin: Absinthin has been shown to have vasoconstrictive properties, which can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling in varicose veins by constricting blood vessels and improving circulation.
- Caffeic acid: Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in varicose veins, promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wormwood used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Leaves: They are rich in essential oils, particularly thujone and sesquiterpenes, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Stems: They contain a high concentration of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.
- Roots: They are a good source of sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, potentially aiding in the treatment of varicose veins.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wormwood for varicose veins.
- Harvest 50 grams of dried artemisia absinthium leaves and flowers at dawn when they are at their highest potency level.
- Infuse the dried plant material in 200 milliliters of base oil such as sweet almond oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the oil to a clean glass container.
- Mix the infused oil with 50 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat until the beeswax and shea butter melt and emulsify with the infused oil.
7. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, creams helps with varicose veins because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The cream's active compounds, including flavonoids and triterpenoids, help to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the affected area.
By promoting healthy blood flow and reducing inflammation, Taraxacum officinale cream can help to alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, such as pain, itchiness, and discoloration, providing a natural and soothing solution for those affected.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale creams that help with varicose veins.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds, particularly caffeic acid and ferulic acid, help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel health, which can alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins.
- Flavonoids: Taraxasterol, a flavonoid present in Taraxacum officinale, has been shown to have a positive effect on blood vessel elasticity and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of varicose veins.
- Taraxasterol: This triterpene saponin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, ultimately alleviating the symptoms of varicose veins.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Leaves: Taraxacum officinale leaves are primarily used due to their high content of flavonoids and saponins, which help to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
- Flowers: Taraxacum officinale flowers are often used because they are rich in flavonoids and carotenoids, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for varicose veins.
- Roots: Taraxacum officinale roots are used due to their high content of inulin and sesquiterpenes, which help to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in varicose veins.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for varicose veins.
- Harvest 100g of fresh taraxacum officinale leaves and flowers from a pesticide-free area in early morning.
- Extract the herbal material in a 250ml glass beaker using 100ml of vegetable glycerin at 70c for 30 minutes.
- Mix the extracted herbal material with 100g of shea butter and 50g of beeswax in a heat-proof mixing bowl.
- Melt the mixture in a double boiler at 60c for 15 minutes while stirring occasionally with a spatula.
- Allow the mixture to cool and solidify at room temperature for 2 hours before scooping into jars.
8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with varicose veins because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The active compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as glycyrrhizin, help to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling in the veins. This can help to alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with varicose veins. Additionally, the cream's ability to soothe and calm the skin can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, making it a popular natural remedy for varicose veins.
Regular use can also help to prevent further vein damage.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with varicose veins.
- Licorice glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function, which may alleviate symptoms of varicose veins such as pain and swelling.
- Isoliquiritin: This phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and promote the healing of damaged blood vessels, thereby reducing the severity of varicose veins.
- Licoricidin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce swelling and pain associated with varicose veins by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the affected areas.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Roots: They are used to make creams due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with varicose veins.
- Leaves: They are used to make creams due to their flavonoid and phenolic content, which has been shown to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the affected areas.
- Fruits: They are used to make creams due to their saponin content, which has been found to improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress, helping to alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for varicose veins.
- Harvest 30 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and clean them thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water for 5 minutes.
- Combine the cleaned roots with 500 milliliters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a double boiler and heat the mixture for 2 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a bowl and discard the solids while reserving the infused oil for further processing.
- Mix 100 grams of beeswax with 100 grams of shea butter and 100 milliliters of the previously prepared infused oil in a double boiler and heat the mixture for 1 hour.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool and thicken before whipping it into a smooth and creamy consistency.
9. Salix alba
Salix alba, also known as white willow, creams helps with varicose veins because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
The Salix alba extract contains salicin, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. This can help to alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, such as pain, swelling, and discoloration. Additionally, the antiseptic properties of Salix alba help to prevent infection and promote healing, making it a popular natural remedy for varicose veins.
Regular application can provide relief and promote overall vein health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salix alba creams that help with varicose veins.
- Salicin: A phenolic compound that helps to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, alleviating symptoms of varicose veins such as pain and swelling.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to strengthen blood vessel walls and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to varicose vein formation.
- Salicortin: A triterpenoid saponin that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help to reduce inflammation and promote healing of damaged blood vessels, thereby alleviating symptoms of varicose veins.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of white willow used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Barks: Barks are used due to their high concentration of salicylic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce swelling and pain associated with varicose veins.
- Leaves: Leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of varicose veins.
- Stems: Stems are used due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that help alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic white willow for varicose veins.
- Harvest 50g of salix alba bark from mature trees at dawn in late summer or early autumn.
- Dry the bark in a warm air circulation oven at 40c for 2 hours then cool.
- Grind the dried bark into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Combine 50g of the powder with 100g of coconut oil and 20g of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture under low heat for 10 minutes then let it cool and whip into a cream.
10. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, creams helps with varicose veins because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to soothe and calm the skin.
The cream's ability to reduce inflammation and improve circulation can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. Additionally, the cream's moisturizing properties can help to nourish and protect the skin, promoting healthy tissue growth and reducing the appearance of unsightly veins.
This makes Urtica dioica creams a popular natural remedy for varicose veins.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica creams that help with varicose veins.
- Astringent tannins: Astringent tannins help reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel tone, alleviating symptoms of varicose veins.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids in Urtica dioica may improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent oxidative stress, which contribute to varicose vein formation.
- Saponins: Saponins in Urtica dioica may help improve blood vessel elasticity, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clot formation, all of which can help alleviate symptoms of varicose veins.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make creams for varicose veins.
- Leaves: The leaves of Urtica dioica are primarily used due to their high content of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Stems: The stems of Urtica dioica are often used because they contain high amounts of rutoside, a flavonoid glycoside with vasoprotective properties.
- Roots: The roots of Urtica dioica are used due to their rich content of saponins and other compounds that help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for varicose veins.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems in the early morning when the plant is at its peak potency.
- Steam 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of dried urtica dioica leaves for 10-15 minutes to release the active compounds.
- Combine 1/4 cup of distilled water with 1 tablespoon of the steamed urtica dioica extract and 2 tablespoons of beeswax in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the beeswax is fully melted and the mixture reaches 120-140°f.
- Strain the mixture into a clean container and let it cool and solidify at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for varicose veins?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with varicose veins is often a blend of Aloe vera, Witch hazel, and Horse chestnut.
Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm the skin, while Witch hazel's astringent properties help to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Horse chestnut, rich in saponins, improves blood circulation and strengthens vein walls. By applying these creams topically, individuals can experience relief from varicose vein symptoms, including pain, swelling, and discoloration.
Regular use may also promote healthier, more resilient veins over time.
What ailments similar to varicose veins are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to varicose veins that are treated with herbal creams are spider veins, telangiectasia, and rosacea.
These conditions involve dilation of blood vessels near the surface of the skin, leading to unsightly appearance and discomfort.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like horse chestnut, butcher's broom, and chamomile have been traditionally used to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production, helping to alleviate symptoms such as itching, burning, and discoloration.