Numerous herbal remedies may be helpful in improving your circulation. According to the Franklin Institute--one of the oldest science education and development centers in the United States--your circulatory system contains about 5 L of blood. If you have certain medical conditions, you may experience decreased blood flow to certain parts of your body. Before taking herbal remedies, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Ginkgo
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba, is one of the world's oldest trees. Ginkgo has been used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to help treat numerous health problems. Ginkgo, a member of the ginkgoaceae family, has a slightly sour taste. The leaves of the plant are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ginkgo is an antioxidant, anticoagulant and anti-atherosclerotic that increases blood flow to your limbs and brain. Ginkgo is indicated for conditions that require an increase in your microcirculation, or circulation through your body's smallest blood vessels. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, also known as Crataegus species, is a common thorny shrub that reaches a maximum height of about 5 feet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It thrives in sunny, wooded areas throughout the world. Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, has a sweet and sour taste and warming tendencies. The flowers, leaves and berries of the plant are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including poor circulation. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," hawthorn is a restorative tonic for your heart and blood vessels that improves blood flow to your heart muscle and normalizes your blood pressure. Before taking hawthorn, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper diagnosis and potential drug interactions.
Ginger
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinalis, is a plant native to Asia that is used both as a food and a medicine, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Ginger, a member of the zingiberaceae family, has an aromatic and spicy taste and heating, stimulating and drying tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including poor circulation. Tilgner states that ginger is an anti-atherosclerotic, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant. Ginger reduces platelet aggregation and decreases your risk of thrombus, or blood clot, formation. If you are pregnant, you should not take large doses of this herbal remedy. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
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