Question:
A friend of mine is developing 'spider veins' on her legs (mostly on the calvs) from standing a lot at work and school. I was wondering ifthere is a temporary/long term remedy for her. i think the best be would be something internal, but a creame would be better for work.She is also suffering from a little bit of stress so I was going to get her some chamomile tea with a little passion flower on the side.

Answer: -The judicious use of peripheral vasodilatory herbs such as Zanthoxylum or Zingiber should be sufficient for most conditions. Ginkgo, Vaccinum, Crataegus can all be used as well to promote healthy circulation. Beyond that, other herbs can be used a specifics to resolve the underlying condition (sympathetic stress etc.). Aesculus (Horse chesnut) is very good for short periods of time, 0.2 - 1.0 g thrice daily- but consult a professional for this one as it is potentially toxic. -Not sure whether it would help with spider veins, but for the related vericose veins the herbs most used are horse chestnut and butchers broom. Other antioxidants (like vitamin C, carotenoids, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, etc.) are also supposed to be helpful for varicose veins, as well as herbs that strengthen the connective tissue, like Gotu Kola.