Ancient cultures around the globe have used teas for medicinal purposes. They are made from various native herbs or plants. Polyphenols are the substances in teas that are associated with their numerous health benefits. Teas have shown promise in clinical applications in increasing blood circulation in people with circulatory disorders such as heart failure and leg edema. Nevertheless, people with poor blood circulation should first talk to their physicians before using teas.
Green Tea
The use of green tea may be beneficial to those who have a limited blood supply to the heart. Poor blood circulation can increase your risk of suffering a heart attack and stroke. Drinking green tea strengthens your blood vessel functioning, improves cardiovascular function and enhances blood circulation to the heart, says Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and the author of the book, "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth."
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese ornamental tree. The tea is made by simmering a handful of dried ginkgo biloba leaves. There is evidence to support the role of ginkgo biloba in improving cerebral and peripheral blood circulation. In his book, "Plant Medicine in Practice," herbal medicine expert William A. Mitchell Jr. says that ginkgo biloba increases blood circulation by making your platelets, or blood cell fragments, less likely to stick together.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, a spring-flowering spiny shrub, is used in the treatment of heart failure. It can be purchased or prepared as a tea. Several scientific studies suggest that hawthorn improves the flow of blood to the heart by dilating the coronary arteries. This herbal product may also decrease high blood pressure and abnormal heart rate. The heart's workload is also reduced due to the dilatation of the arteries in the arms and legs.
Bad Circulation
Bad circulation develops when the arteries carrying blood to the arms, legs and other parts of the body become narrow due to the buildup of cholesterol and fatty deposits inside the artery. Unwanted blood clots can also significantly reduce blood circulation, leading to tissue death and amputation. However, the most common cause of bad circulation is atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty plaque along the artery walls that blocks blood flow.
References
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Ginkgo biloba Extract Improves Coronary Artery Circulation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease; Y.Z. Wu, et al.; June 2008
- "William Harvey and the Circulation of the Blood"; Thomas Henry Huxley; Jul 6, 2010
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