Herbs For Circulation & Neuropathy

Certain herbs may be helpful in treating your circulation and neuropathy. According to MayoClinic.com, neuropathy usually involves a tingling and burning sensation in your extremities. Circulation problems may cause similar symptoms, as well as changes in skin color and temperature. Circulation problems and neuropathy can occur simultaneously in certain people, especially diabetics. Before taking herbs to help treat your poor circulation and neuropathy, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Ginkgo

Ginkgo is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating both your poor circulation and neuropathy. According to the University of Michigan Health System, ginkgo, also called Ginkgo biloba, has been used for thousands of years in Chinese herbal medicine to treat many health problems. Ginkgo is the world's oldest living tree species and possesses a sour taste. It grows in certain parts of the United States, France, Korea and China. The leaves of the ginkgo tree are used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Michael T. Murray, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "The Healing Power of Herbs," states that ginkgo may be helpful in treating peripheral vascular insufficiency; neuropathy; and neuralgia, dementia, depression, multiple sclerosis, impotence and premenstrual syndrome. Ginkgo is well-known for its ability to boost blood flow to your head and limbs. Ginkgo may cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches and increased bleeding time in some individuals.

Saint-John's-Wort

Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," says that Saint-John's-wort, a member of the Guttiferae family, is an antioxidant, sedative, nervine, astringent and anti-inflammatory that is used to help treat nerve pain and neuropathy, depression, fear, insomnia, anxiety and painful hemorrhoids. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," says that Saint-John's-wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, may be helpful in treating nerve damage, inflammation and pain. Saint-John's-wort is a shrubby plant with yellow flowers that is believed to originate in certain parts of Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. Saint-John's-wort has a bitter, sweet and astringent taste and possesses slightly warming tendencies. Tilgner cautions that, if you are pregnant, you should avoid taking St. John's wort, as it has been known to stimulate menstruation.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, is a thorny shrub that thrives in sunny conditions in various parts of the world. Hawthorn, also called Crataegus, bears small berries that have a sweet, sour and astringent taste. Hawthorn also has warming tendencies. Most parts of the plant, including the berries, leaves and flowers, are used for medicinal purposes, such as boosting your circulation. Tilgner says that hawthorn is an adaptogen that affects your circulatory system. An adaptogen is a substance that helps normalize your body's functions. Hawthorn may help maintain your blood vessels' health by improving their connective tissue integrity. According to Smith, hawthorn may be helpful in treating numerous cardiovascular conditions, including arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The effects of hawthorn on your circulation occur over a prolonged time period, notes Smith.