Do you sometimes suffer from cold hands and feet or the end of your nose feels cold? Most likely, you have bad circulation. According to herbinfo.com, there are several herbs and supplements that might help the blood flow. Most of the herbs and supplements mentioned can be obtained easily, and you probably have a few of them in your kitchen right now. If you are feeling a bit cold in the extremities, then try one of these herbal remedies below.
Improving your blood circulation may provide at least part of the solution to these problems. The blood serves a number of different purposes—first, it provides oxygen and nutrients to every cell of your body. Second, it helps to balance your body temperature and provides warmth to your fingers, toes (and nose.) Proper blood circulation also ensures that fluids are removed that otherwise might result in edema or swelling.
Poor blood circulation can be a serious problem, and can lead to stroke, heart attack, Reynaud’s disease and DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), among other problems. Often, poor circulation can be caused by smoking, diabetes, kidney, liver or heart disease. Before using any of the following, be sure to see your health professional and at a minimum, have your blood pressure checked. Vasodilating substances will provide increased blood circulation—but they may also lower your blood pressure.
If you are currently on any blood pressure lowering medication (anti-hypertensives), you will need to ensure that there will be no interactions—monitoring your own blood pressure is also a good idea. Reasonably accurate home blood pressure monitors can be obtained for a relatively low price. Also, as always, make sure your diet is full of fruits and vegetables (various substances in these foods also helps to maintain healthy blood circulation) and get plenty of exercise. That will help get the blood moving, keeping you warm as you get fit.
So, what kinds of supplements and herbs might help the blood circulation? Anything that acts as a vasodilator—a substance that allows blood vessels to open up, widen or dilate—would be useful to improve circulation. Some of these substances are foods—cayenne pepper, for example, can be added to your food. See next.
