Supplements For Poor Circulation

Poor circulation results when the heart muscles cannot effectively pump blood through the body's arteries, veins and blood vessels. Several conditions can contribute to poor blood circulation, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." These include hypertension, or high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, and Buerger's disease, which is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in the arms, legs, hands and feet. The Balchs and other alternative therapy proponents believe that certain supplements may help improve blood circulation.

Check with your physician before using any supplement to treat poor blood circulation. Supplement therapy is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment.

Garlic

Garlic is one of the oldest herbs used in medicinal therapy and dates back to the times of the ancient Egyptians, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs." This herb contains two chemical compounds, ajoene and allicin, that may help clear lipid deposits from arterial walls, improving the heart's ability to pump blood through the circulatory system. The chemicals found in this herb may also help lower blood pressure. Talk to your doctor before using supplements containing this herb to treat circulatory problems. Avoid taking garlic supplements if you have a blood clotting disorder.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo, an herb derived from the ginkgo biloba tree, is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine and is marketed in the United States as a memory enhancer and energy booster. However, ginkgo may also have positive effects on the circulatory system, according to the Balchs. Supplements containing this herb may increase blood flow to the brain and heart muscles, reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. This herb may also help relieve impotence by stimulating blood flow to the penis. Talk to your doctor if you plan to treat a circulatory disorder with ginkgo. Like garlic, this herb is not appropriate if you have a clotting disorder.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an essential vitamin found naturally in foods such as eggs, kale, watercress, yams, walnuts, vegetable oils and sunflower seeds. However, vitamin E is also widely available in supplement form in the Western world. According to the Balchs, this vitamin may help reduce high blood pressure. It may also improve circulation of blood through your body, particularly to the skin. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and may block oxygenation of free radicals that can attack arterial walls, preventing the worsening of atheroerosis and other circulatory problems.