The key to using herbs for promoting healthy blood circulation is to choose those plants that are high in flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are naturally present in many members of the plant kingdom. Flavonoids are molecules that act as antioxidants in the human body which strengthen our immune and circulatory system. Glycosides are chemicals that influence blood flow. All of these herbs present a complex collection of compounds that when used wisely, will keep the heart in good condition.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegu species) has uses as traditional medicine for the heart throughout most of the world. Hawthorn berries and leaves contain a flavonoid called proanthocyanidin, useful for lowering cholesterol as well as preventing and reducing the build up of plaque on the arterial walls. Hawthorn is a heart tonic that can be taken daily to stabilize blood pressure. Often combined with ginkgo, the herb promotes healthy circulation.
Garlic
Garlic (Allium sativun) can help in the treatment of high blood pressure. The balance of flavonoids, sulfur compounds and volatile oils makes garlic an excellent addition to anyone's diet. In most health food stores, garlic comes in pills and capsules for use as a daily supplement. Manufacturers even sell an odorless garlic gel cap for convenience.
Horse Chestnut
Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a popular herb for treating varicose veins and hemorrhoids. This herb contains between 16 to 20 percent glycoside saponins called escin (or aescin) that account for its effectiveness in treating leakage in vein and capillary walls. Hemorrhoid creams contain this chemical isolated from the horse chestnut meat. Dried horse chestnut in capsules with witch hazel have natural levels of flavonoids that revitalize the entire circulatory system.
Ginger
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) is a favorite spice in Asian cuisine. The warm flavor of ginger tickles the palate and stimulates circulation with a variety of cardiotonic compounds. Gingerols and volatile oils have a carminative effect on the body, which lowers cholesterol and decreases blood pressure. Ginger is often combined with cinnamon to support the entire circulatory system.
Cayenne Pepper
It is not surprising that the cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) stimulates the circulatory system since a first bite into it causes the face to flush with heat. Hot pepper contains significant amounts of capsaicin, flavonoids and carotenoids, which revive blood flow down to the smallest capillary. It is important to be cautious with cayenne since it can burn delicate tissue. Many herbal formulas contain a minute amount of this herb to help the other herbs circulate throughout the body.
References
- "Women's Enclycopedia of Natural Medicine"; Tori Hudson, N.D.; 2008
- "Nutritional Herbology - A Reference Guide to Herbs"; Mark Pederson; 1998
- "Nursing - Herbal Medicine Handbook"; Springhouse; 2001
- American Heart Association: Phytochemicals and Cardiovascular Disease
- Mayo Clinic Database: Garlic
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