
Mailbag! Easy Tips to VANISH Varicose Veins
I have varicose veins in my legs and they’re so embarrassing. Are there any natural treatments to help get rid of them?
–Cindy from Saratoga Springs, NY
Cindy,
Well, I have some bad news and some good news.
The bad news is that once the damage to the veins is done, it’s hard to reverse it.
Having said that, the good news is there is a lot you can do to prevent them from worsening and from developing new ones.
Women are twice as likely as men to develop varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings is the most common “treatment.” While this works, it’s not always an ideal option because stockings can be too hot, too uncomfortable, or too ugly to wear everywhere.
Surgery is the next most common treatment, but nerve injury following surgery is far too common, and more than half of the people who have surgery will have varicose veins again.
The standard medical thought is that varicose veins occur when your blood pressure is too high, but I think the much more likely cause is the breakdown of the integrity of the vein.
Basically, varicose veins can happen when you don’t have enough nutrients and raw materials in your system to build strong veins. That, and inflammation, could cause a degrading of the ability of the vein to bounce back to its original shape.
But there are some ways to help the body have what it needs to build stronger veins.
Dr. Scott’s Varicose Vein Program
- Exercise is by far the best solution for varicose veins. While it seems that pumping blood through your body could only make it worse, toning the muscles around the veins seems to help the recede a bit. Wearing stockings while exercising is something most people with varicose veins do.
- If you stand for long periods of time, you could be increasing the pressure in the veins and causing them to bulge. Moving around is always a good choice if you’re forced to stand for your work.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is another key factor in reducing varicose veins. The main reason is not pressure, but the amount of inflammation that’s associated with extra weight. Many people don’t know that fat cells produce chemicals that skyrocket inflammation in your body.
- Vitamin C can improve vein strength and stability if you take enough of it. Vitamin C is an essential component of the connective tissue that surrounds blood vessels. Herbs like bilberry, butcher’s broom, and grapeseed extract can be taken as well. I also like horse chestnut cream or lotion applied topically to the areas where veins are prominent.
SIGNOFF
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track
Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...
Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain
Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...
Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries
“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...
Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds
In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...
Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk
With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...
Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health
If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...
Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin
If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...
Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT
“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...
“Canary in the Coal Mine” Test Sniffs Out Brain Issues Early
One of the most common questions I get is how to tell if you’re starting to experience cognitive decline. I get it—losing your memory is scary, especially when it sneaks up on you. But here’s some exciting news that might put your mind at ease. A fascinating new study suggests that your nose might be...
BEAT Stubborn Leg Swelling Without Dangerous Diuretics
“I need help with edema.” —Swollen Hi Swollen, When patients complain of edema—fluid retention that causes feet, ankles, and legs to swell—I explain that, while conventional medicine immediately prescribes diuretic drugs, nature offers us effective solutions we can try first. I’ll share those in just a moment, but first, let’s take a quick look at...