Foods Or Herbs That Are Good For Blood Circulation

Healthy circulation is important in maintaining the body's metabolism, according to Dr. Mark Stafford of UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Alabama. And when circulation is poor, you feel it in your cold hands and feet. Cold weather and anxiety can cause poor circulation. People with heart conditions or high-blood pressure are also at risk. Certain herbs, though, can improve circulation.

Hawthorne

In the early 1800s, American physicians began to recognize hawthorne for its effectiveness in treating people with circulatory and respiratory problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hawthorne is a thorny shrub found throughout the world. It grows in sunny, forested areas. It contains anti-oxidants, which help destroy free radicals, flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins, which dilate blood vessels and protect blood vessels from damage, improving circulation throughout the body. Hawthorne is available in liquid extracts, tinctures and capsule form. Tea can also be made from the dried leaves, berries and flowers of hawthorne. Although hawthorne is a safe herb, talk with your physician before taking it, because it can interact with some drugs and other herbs.

Lavender

Lavender is a calming herb that can be used in baths to help with circulation problems, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is primarily used as a fragrance in soaps and shampoos. Lavender is also effective as an oil that can be rubbed into the skin, easing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Make lavender tea by steeping 1 to 2 tsps. whole lavender in water for 10 to 15 minutes one to three times per day. Use only the whole lavender in the tea; lavender oil should not be ingested.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an herb frequently used as a spice in cooking and also as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Rosemary has anti-oxidant properties, helping eliminate free radicals. It can also improve blood flow. In a tea, steep 6 g dried rosemary with 2 cups boiling water. It can also be taken in tincture form by ingesting 2 to 4 ml three times daily. Or take 1 to 2 ml of the extract three times per day.

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