Can You Treat Varicose Veins with Apple Cider Vinegar?

Within the last few years apple cider vinegar has really taken the spotlight on the natural wellness stage. This foul smelling (and let’s be honest — foul tasting) liquid has been flying off the shelves. One of the likely reasons for that involves claims made by many that apple cider vinegar is great for losing weight.

But is it?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “apple cider vinegar isn’t likely to be effective for weight loss.” Cue disappointment. The Mayo Clinic goes on to say that “proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat.”

But, the truth is this: “there’s little scientific support for these claims.” Any studies done have not been consistent enough to draw a connection between apple cider vinegar and weight loss.

Apple cider vinegar has also been touted by many as a treatment for varicose veins. Today we are diving into the science behind apple cider vinegar and varicose veins. Should apple cider vinegar be used to treat or get rid of varicose or spider veins? Let’s discuss.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Varicose Veins?

In short: no. Apple cider vinegar will not serve as a reliable form of treatment for varicose veins, whether you drink it or rub it on your veins. While apple cider vinegar is known to help protect your body’s cells against free radicals and improves blood flow and circulation in the body, there have been no studies conducted that show apple cider vinegar has a positive effect on varicose veins. And without medical studies to back up a claim, it is hard to believe it to be true. Therefore, we do not recommend using apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for varicose veins.

However, there are reliable treatment options available for varicose and spider veins that have proven to be effective time and time again. At Vein Clinics of America we offer a few different varicose vein treatment options that you can trust will work to treat your varicose veins, spider veins or any related vein issues, none of which include apple cider vinegar in the procedure process.

Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT)

This form of vein treatment is used to treat large vein disease and large varicose veins on your legs. These veins are usually below the surface and not able to be seen without ultrasound. It is performed by your doctor inserting a small catheter into the diseased vein and using laser lights to generate heat, which then causes the vein to collapse.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation is used to treat large vein disease and large varicose veins on your legs. These veins are usually below the surface and not able to be seen without ultrasound. It is performed by your doctor inserting a small catheter into the diseased vein. Through this catheter, heat is delivered to collapse the vein.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is used to treat small and medium leg vein issues, mostly commonly spider and varicose veins. It is performed by your doctor injecting the damaged vein with a liquid that closes the vein.

VenaSeal

This approach to varicose vein treatment is also referred to as endovenous adhesive ablation. VenaSeal is performed by your doctor using a small catheter to put medical adhesive into your damaged vein to close that vein. This helps to redirect blood to healthy veins.

Phlebectomy

This treatment works best for removing varicose veins near the surface of your skin. Phlebectomy is performed by your doctor making a number of small punctures in your skin, and through those punctures, removing the damaged vein. This approach to vein treatment typically occurs without the need for stitches, and is often done with ELVA or radiofrequency ablation.