It’s been said that millions of Americans experience poor blood circulation without even realizing it.
Are you one of them?
Even if you study the symptoms and realize you suffer from restricted blood flow - what then? Are you stuck with taking prescription drugs the rest of your life?
While that may be the case for some individuals, most can find the help they need in nature itself. Let’s take a closer look at blood circulation, its importance and what can be done to remedy restricted flow as naturally as possible.
The Importance of Proper Circulation
Your circulatory system is an intricate organization of blood vessels connected to the heart, which pumps blood throughout the body. Good circulation depends on the health and vitality of the heart as well as the tone and health of your arteries, veins and capillaries. Responsible for feeding every organ in your body, these blood vessels are crucial for the overall health of your brain, liver, kidneys, skin and even the heart itself.
Symptoms of Poor Blood Flow
Without proper circulation, you can expect disturbing symptoms to pop up, affecting everything from your energy and appetite to your physical appearance.
Decreased circulation to the liver can affect how your body disposes of toxic substances, and restricted flow to the kidneys can affect urinary output, leading to widespread swelling. Here’s a quick look at some other signs of poor blood flow:
- Cold extremities
- Random muscle cramps
- Brain fog
- Headache and accompanying dizziness
The areas where most people notice poor circulation – at least at first – is in their arms and legs. Blood collects in these areas when it can’t make it back to the heart, leading to numbness or tingling.
How to Increase Circulation Naturally
If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms, there are many natural ways to improve circulation – without the use of pharmaceuticals. Giving up unhealthy habits, such as smoking and indulging in fatty foods, can help as well as increasing your overall activity level.
Sometimes, however, these small daily changes simply don’t produce the results your body so desperately needs. In this case, a more effective course of action is needed. That’s where natural remedies for circulation come into play.
Rather than turning to prescription drugs, which often come with uncomfortable (and downright dangerous) side effects, one of these potent herbs may be able to provide the circulatory changes you need for optimal health.
Best Herbs to Improve Circulation
1. Cayenne
Known for being the spicy addition to many Mexican dishes, cayenne actually has many health benefits as well. While some have touted the capsaicin in it for calorie burning and weight loss, cayenne is also a powerful circulatory booster. Working to open up the blood vessels, cayenne strengthens the heart and tones arteries within minutes after ingestion.
2. Ginkgo
Sourced from the ancient Gingko Biloba tree, ginkgo has been used for hundreds of years for its ability to improve circulation to the brain. Thanks to its brain-boosting ability, it’s been used successfully by Alzheimer's patients to improve memory. Researchers also believe that it takes away some of the stickiness from platelets, allowing blood to flow freely and decreasing the chance of blood clots. It’s even been shown to increase blood flow and decrease blood pooling in the legs.
3. Bilberry
Often used for improving eyesight or decreasing diarrhea, bilberry also decreases the likelihood of blood clots by improving blood flow and decreasing venous pooling. It’s been used for generations to reduce leg swelling and improve sensation in the feet. Bilberry works due to the powerful antioxidants inside it known as anthocyanid flavanoids.
4. Butcher's Broom
Butcher's broom may not be as well known as ginkgo and similar herbs, but it’s equally effective and actually one of the top herbs to improve circulation. It’s also been used for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that researchers realized the circulatory benefits of the herb. The active ingredient is ruscogenin, which improves venous tone, decreasing blood pooling in the process.
5. Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf is an amazingly powerful herb that's used for problems throughout the body. For example, it boosts immunity and decreases hacking coughs. It also strengthens the heart and improves blood pressure while improving circulation in the arms and legs. Thanks to its inherent antioxidants, olive leaf extract helps protect the heart and other organs from free radical damage.
6. Hawthorn Berry
Hawthorn berry is widely popular for its benefits on blood pressure. While many parts of the hawthorn plant are used medicinally, the berry is rich in antioxidants that dilate blood vessels, decreasing the amount of effort the heart exerts in pumping blood. Fresh ground hawthorn berries are often determined to be the best, but dried berries work fine as well.
7. Green Tea
More than just a delicious, energizing drink, green tea has dozens of health benefits for the body, including metabolism boosting and weight loss. It’s filled with antioxidants and is known to tone capillaries - the body’s smallest blood vessels. It also increases their size, which in turn improves blood flow, decreases atherosclerosis and even protects the heart from blockages and the brain from strokes.
The Quickest Way to Improve Blood Flow with Herbs
When it comes to herbal remedies, they’re typically available in the following forms:
- Capsules
- Liquid
- Dried (for tea)
Each form serves its purpose well, but the rates at which they absorb are vastly different. When you’re dealing with that uncomfortable pin-and-needle tingling and the possibility of more severe symptoms in the near future – every minute counts.
Liquid tinctures absorb much faster than their capsule counterparts. At Khroma Herbs, we’ve formulated an all-natural, high-potency circulatory blend that features some of nature’s finest circulation herbs. Check it out here.
If you already have a favorite natural supplement for poor circulation, be sure you’re using organic sources. Doing so ensures only the safest, purest forms of the herbs are used while protecting you against harmful herbicides, pesticides and chemicals.