Chinese traditional medicine is an ancient medical system dating back more than two millennia, in which natural methods, including herbal preparations, are utilized to balance the qi, or energy flow, in the body. Practitioners prescribe specific herbs for the purpose of promoting and improving blood circulation. Whether you want to warm up before exercising--or simply turn up your internal heater in cold weather--you can give certain herbs a try. Herbs can have side effects and interfere with prescription medications; before beginning any herbal regimen, consult with your doctor.
Baishai--White Peony Root
White peony root, botanically known as Paeonia lactiflora--and called baishai or Bai Shao Yao in Chinese traditional medicine--is prescribed by herbal practitioners to promote and improve blood circulation, particularly to the extremities. Herbs 2000 notes that peony has a long tradition of use by Chinese herbalists to help clear away the congealed blood of traumatic injuries. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, white peony root's use as a treatment for the circulatory system dates back to antiquity, with Hippocrates recommending it as a blood purifier. Before using white peony root to promote circulation, clear it with your doctor.
Guizhi--Cinnamon
Cinnamon, botanically known as Cinnamomum zeylanicum and called guizhi, for the twigs, and rougi, for the bark in Chinese traditional medicine, has been used for thousands of years as a flavoring spice and food purifying agent. It is also used herbally, sometimes in conjunction with ginger, as a tonic to increase resistance to the common cold, boost energy and promote circulation. Herbs 2000 notes that Chinese practitioners use cinnamon for disorders connected to a weakened qi, or energy, and advises steeping cinnamon twigs in boiling water to make a decoction to help stimulate the circulatory system. Check with your doctor before using cinnamon.
Gan-jiang--Ginger
Ginger, botanically known as Zingiber officinale and called gan-jiang in Chinese traditional medicine, is often recommended by practitioners as a cardiovascular tonic to promote circulation and blood flow. Herbs 2000 notes that one of ginger's constituents, a chemical compound known as gingerol, stimulates the circulatory systems by bringing increased blood flow to the skin's surface. There is scientific research supporting the belief in ginger's ability to improve circulation. In a study titled "Cardiovascular Effects of Ginger Aqueous Extracts and its Phenolic Constituents are Mediated Through Multiple Pathways" conducted at the Agha Khan Medical University in Karachi, Pakiston and published in the October 2005 issue of "Vascular Pharmacology," researchers reported that ginger had a vasodilatory effect that could help to lower blood pressure. Herbs 2000 recommends steeping one to two slices of fresh ginger rhizome in a cup of boiling water to drink as a concoction. Before taking ginger, consult with your doctor, especially if you have gallstones or are pregnant.
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