Some women find that the use of vitamin E, witch hazel or Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the effects of varicose veins or spider veins when applied to the skin in the morning or evening. The herb horse chestnut is another of the most widely used natural treatments for spider or varicose veins. The active compound appears to block the release of enzymes that damage the capillary walls.
Researchers in a 2006 study found that individuals who used horse chestnut had improvements in the signs and symptoms of venous insufficiency, including spider veins and varicose veins. There were some adverse events which were usually mild and infrequent and included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache. Individuals who choose to take horse chestnut should do so from a reputable dealer since there is a toxic component which must be removed prior to sale and can cause circulatory and respiratory failure or even death. (19)