Poor circulation can lead to a number of physical conditions, ranging from fatigue, which can be caused from a lack of oxygen being transported by the blood, to blindness, which can result from insufficient blood flow to the eyes. While some herbs are found to be effective circulatory treatments, you should never use any herbal remedy without first consulting your physician, as they can seriously affect your health and interact with other medications.
Hawthorn
A shrub that grows in North America, Europe, Asia and parts of Africa, hawthorn has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat heart conditions. When hawthorn is consumed, it has a direct effect upon blood circulation, causing the blood vessels do dilate, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. This opening of the coronary blood vessels results in increased and unrestricted blood flow, which improves circulation to all body organs and tissues. A report in the January 23, 2008 issue of "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" states that hawthorn also increases the heart's tolerance to exercise and improves symptoms of heart failure, such as fatigue and breathlessness. MSKCC reports that the most common side effects reported with hawthorn are nausea, dizziness and sweating. Excessive hawthorn consumption can cause a rapid, irregular heartbeat.
Cayenne
Cayenne pepper not only packs a punch to flavor your food, it is also loaded with health benefits. Cayenne contains a compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for its medicinal benefits. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that cayenne can thin the blood, which improves circulation, and is considered a treatment for circulatory issues such as atherosclerosis and plaque buildup. The capsaicin in cayenne also reduces the risk of an arrhythmia, or irregular heart beat. Cayenne is available as a powdered spice or in capsule form as a dietary supplement. Side effects of cayenne usually involve stomach pain or heartburn.
Ginkgo Biloba
Another herb used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine is ginkgo biloba. Recommended for everything from memory lapses to hemorrhoids, ginkgo has become a popular herbal remedy. Ginkgo has also been found to be effective in treating circulatory problems. According to a report from the National Institutes of Health "Medline Plus," ginkgo treats claudication, a condition in which clogged arteries cause pain in the legs. It also is effective at improving blood flow to the brain to treat a condition called cerebral insufficiency, as well as other conditions related to poor blood circulation such as chronic venous insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma and stroke. Ginkgo is available as a dietary supplement and tea. Avoid any ginkgo products made from the seed, as the ginkgo biloba seed is highly toxic. Side effects include allergic reactions, headaches and stomach upset.
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