Veins Away Salve

Varicose veins are caused by the dilation and enlargement of veins (known as haemorrhoids when present in the anus). They are often hereditary (thanks, mum) and can also be caused by stagnation of the blood in the veins, aggravated by too much standing, pressure points during pregnancy (thanks, Roxie), not enough exercise, constipation, obesity, shallow breathing and stress.

Varicose veins can be very painful and are often treated with surgery. Dietary changes, exercise and some herbal remedies would be a great first step.

Something that I wanted to create for a few of my clients is a salve that helps with varicose veins and spider veins. A tonifying salve that would lessen the appearance of veins, tonify tissues and relieve pain was the goal. This was the first salve that I created.

It went through a couple of iterations as my processing method improved and as I understood the ratios a bit better.

Varicose veins are a result of a lax tissue state and require astringents to tone up tissues thus tightening and shoring up the tissues (in this case, valves) enabling them to function normally.

According to Kiva Rose:

“Here we are looking for herbs that give tone and help the tissues to hold their form and function efficiently. To tone is to tighten and pull together, thus lessening the permeability of the tissues. Astringents fit the bill perfectly here as they cause the contraction of tissue they come in contact with, and as such help prevent loss of fluids while assisting the organism in proper function wherever there is excessive relaxation/laxity.”

An herbal protocol may consist of applying fresh comfrey poultices, soaking legs or affected areas in a comfrey/calendula tea bath and adding Vitamins E, C and honey to the diet.

Applying this salve daily directly to the varicose or spider veins may help to tone the tissues thus decreasing the varicose veins, it may also help to relieve some of the accompanying pain or discomfort.

Veins Away Salve

• 3/4 cup (180 ml) Yarrow-infused olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Comfrey-infused olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60 g) beeswax
• 15 drops each: clary sage, frankincense and cedar essential oils

In a double boiler (or a pot nestled in a larger pot filled with a bit of water) over medium heat, add the oils and beeswax. 

Stir until the beeswax melts and is fully incorporated.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool for a moment.

Add the essential oils. Stir.

Pour into clean and sterilised jars.

Medicinal Actions:

Yarrow: astringent, diuretic, vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, alterative

Comfrey: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, demulcent, astringent, alterative

Clary Sage: anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, astringent

Frankincense: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic

Cedar: astringent, sedative, diuretic

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