Peripheral artery disease is a condition associated with plaque buildup on the inner walls of your peripheral arteries. Your peripheral arteries are the blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood to your brain, extremities and organs. Peripheral artery disease is also known as PAD. Meet with your physician before taking herbs to review the possible risks and benefits associated with all your treatment options.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease most commonly affects arteries in your arms and legs. When your arteries become diseased, their diameter shrinks, causing reduced circulation. The leading cause of arterial blockage is an accumulation of fatty deposits on the inner walls of your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. If you smoke, have diabetes or are over 70, you have a greater chance of developing this condition.
Herbal Alternatives
Pain in the legs caused by walking is one of the first symptoms of developing peripheral artery disease. Other symptoms include numbness, weakness and a heavy sensation in your legs. Herbal alternatives for peripheral artery disease help treat hardening of your arteries and decreased circulation. Examples of herbs for peripheral artery disease include cayenne, chickweed, hawthorn berries, ginkgo, green tea and black tea.
Featured Herb
Ginkgo, or Ginkgo biloba, is a popular herb in the treatment of peripheral artery disease. Ginkgo is known for its ability to boost oxygen and blood flow to your arms, brain and heart. Ginkgo has antioxidant properties and helps treat leg cramps by improving circulation to the effected region. Ginkgo may be used to treat many ailments, including asthma, dementia, depression, eczema, headaches, heart and kidney disorders, memory loss and ringing in your ears. The leaves of the ginkgo tree are used in herbal preparations.
Warning
Peripheral artery disease can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Meet with your doctor to discuss all possible treatment options before using herbs to treat your condition. A health care professional trained in botanical medicine can help you select the herbs that may most benefit your condition and tell you which herbs you should avoid. Certain herbs may cause undesirable side effects if not taken according to the instructions provided by your doctor.
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Peripheral Arterial Disease
- FamilyDoctor.org: Peripheral Arterial Disease and Claudication
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
