| Natural
Remedy |
What
experts say about these herbs for circulation improvement |
| Yarrow |
Yarrow has been used historically to improve circulation.
It is commonly used to treat cold hands and feet, nosebleeds, bruising,
hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
It is known to increase blood flow to
body extremities and cut down on the likelihood of bleeding. Moreover,
it can also mildly bring down high blood pressure.
Dose: Tea: Drink 1 cup of tea three times daily. Tincture (1:5): Use 2 to 4 mL up to three times daily. |
| Ginkgo |
Ginkgo is an herb well known for improving blood
circulation. Indeed, it is commonly recommended for improving memory
and concentration by increasing blood flow to the brain.
It is highly
recommended for treating cold hands and feet. This is one of the best herbs for circulation problems.
Check with an herbalist first before using ginkgo if you suffer from high blood pressure or have a history of stroke.
The article Ginkgo for Circulation discuss this topic specifically.
Dose: Herb: Steep 3 grams of ginkgo leaf in a cup (250 mL) of boiling water. Tincture (2:1): Take 1 mL up to three times daily. |
| Cayenne Pepper (Chilli) |
The warm and hot feeling you get from
eating chilli is the direct result of increased blood flow through the
skin. It works very quickly to increase circulation to all parts of
your body. This is a popular herb for circulation improvement.
If you suffer from stomach discomfort or have a history of stomach ulcers, avoid taking cayenne pepper.
The article Cayenne Pepper for Circulation discuss this topic specifically.
Dose: Spice: Use cayenne pepper in your cooking. Include sufficient amount so that it is moderately spicy. Capsule: Take 500 mg up to three times daily. |
| Garlic |
Garlic is a very popular herb and spice for promoting a
healthy heart. It is commonly used as a cardiovascular tonic to reduce
high cholesterol, lower high blood pressure and thin the blood somewhat
to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Allicin is the main active
ingredient found in garlic that gives it its health benefits. Experts
suggest using garlic supplements that specify the amount of allicin it
contains. Typically, the dose ranges from 5 to 12 mg per day of allicin.
If you are taking blood thinning medications, check with your healthcare professional first.
Dose: Raw: Eat 1 to 3 fresh cloves daily. Powdered: Take 0.5 to 1 gram of powdered garlic daily. Liquid: Take 5 mL of garlic juice squeezed from garlic cloves daily. |
| Ginger |
Ginger taken as a tea or as a powdered herb can improve
circulation to all parts of your body. It is classified as a warming
herb because of this benefit.
Dose: Tea: Drink up to three cups daily. Raw: Steep 1 gram of the ginger root in a cup (250 mL) of boiling water. |
| Hawthorn |
Hawthorn is a well-known herb for improving circulation
and lowering blood pressure. It has been suggested for use to help the
recovery process for those who have suffered a heart attack.
However,
if you have an existing heart condition or suffer from excessively low
blood pressure, this herb should not take without consultation with an
herbalist.
Dose: Tincture (1:2): Take 1 to 2 mL three times daily. Infusion: Drink 1 cup three times daily. |
| Horse Chestnut |
Horse chestnut seed extracts are useful in
treating varicose veins and swelling in the legs. Studies show that it
can significantly improve leg pain and fatigue from poor circulation in
the legs.
Dose: Tincture (1:5): Take 1 to 3 mL three times daily. Extract: Take 300 mg (containing 50 mg aescin) twice daily. |
| Rosemary |
This herb is used to enhance blood circulation to the
muscle to help treat fatigue and muscle ache.
There is also evidence
that it can increase blood flow to the heart and help improve its
ability to pump blood.
Dose: Tea: Use 2 grams of the leaf in 150 mL of boiling water. Drink three times daily. Extract (1:1): Use 2 to 4 mL three times daily. |