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What are the Best Herbs for Circulation?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Poor circulation is a condition that afflicts people of all ages and genders. In many instances, making use of a few simple home remedies will help to alleviate the circulatory problems, preventing the uncomfortable feelings in the extremities that are common with this condition. Often, the best herbs for circulation are already found in the kitchen spice rack, ready for use in teas or tinctures, or as part of a healing poultice. A few of these vital herbs for better circulation include cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, ginger and ginkgo biloba.

Far and away, cayenne pepper is recognized among alternative medical practitioners as being one of the most important nutritional supplements available today. Ground cayenne has a reputation for feeding the heart and clearing the bloodstream of cholesterol. Along the way, the herb helps to promote proper blood circulation throughout the body, making it easier for the blood to flow normally to the extremities. Ground cayenne can be used alone or in conjunction with other herbs. A simple tea made with a small amount of ground cayenne, a little honey, and a dash of cinnamon is often recommended as an easy way to help circulation and also obtain a decent amount of nutrients.

A cayenne pepper, which can help with circulation.
A cayenne pepper, which can help with circulation.

Along with cayenne, cinnamon and ginger are among the most popular herbs for circulation. Both herbs are said to help thin the blood slightly, which in turn helps to promote circulation throughout the body. Regular use of these two herbs in a tea or tincture can help ease the pain caused by poor circulation, and prevent such annoying issues as feet that are constantly cold. Keep in mind that both ginger and cinnamon have been known to cause stomach upsets when taken in larger doses. Typically, a small amount of both in a cup of hot water and sweetened with a little honey is sufficient.

Cinnamon may promote better circulation.
Cinnamon may promote better circulation.

Ginkgo biloba is another example of herbs for circulation that have been the subject of studies over the years. There is some evidence that the components found in this herb do in fact help to dilate blood vessels, which in turn can improve circulation. The herb also has some blood thinning properties, making it important to moderate use over time. This is especially true if ginkgo biloba is used along with garlic, which has a tendency to decrease the bonding of blood platelets.

Ginger is recommended for improving circulation.
Ginger is recommended for improving circulation.

While using herbs for circulation improvement is a viable means of dealing with the health issue, it is important to not attempt this type of therapy alone. Herbs can sometimes adversely interact with other herbs as well as prescription medications, resulting in causing more health woes than they cure. Before beginning to use herbs for circulation issues, take the time to learn how certain herbs may interact with other types of medications. Doing so increases the chances of reaping the benefits associated with a given herb while avoiding undesirable side effects.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • A cayenne pepper, which can help with circulation.
      By: artjazz
      A cayenne pepper, which can help with circulation.
    • Cinnamon may promote better circulation.
      By: Natika
      Cinnamon may promote better circulation.
    • Ginger is recommended for improving circulation.
      By: keko64
      Ginger is recommended for improving circulation.
    • Many common kitchen items may help improve blood flow to the extremities.
      By: nebari
      Many common kitchen items may help improve blood flow to the extremities.
    • Ginko biloba may dilate blood vessels, improving circulation and possibly having an effect on memory.
      By: evgenyb
      Ginko biloba may dilate blood vessels, improving circulation and possibly having an effect on memory.