Herbal Cures: Circulatory Problems

The circulatory system encompasses the heart and the complex group of arteries, veins, and capillaries that transport blood throughout the body. One of the greatest threats to the system is hypertension, or high blood pressure--a major factor in a number of more serious conditions, including atherosclerosis (arteries hardened by cholesterol-laden plaques).

Smoking, stress, a fatty diet, alcohol abuse, and a lack of exercise are major risk factors that raise blood pressure and imperil the heart. It makes sense, therefore, that a top treatment for improving circulatory health is a lifestyle that consists of regular aerobic exercise (at least 20 to 30 minutes at a time, three times a week), weight control, giving up smoking, averaging two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day, and adopting a diet lower in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Diet and exercise become even more important for those with risk factors that cannot be controlled: pregnancy, old age, and a family history of high blood pressure. Males in general are more at risk. Home remedies can augment but cannot replace the benefits that lifestyle changes offer.

Circulatory problems include aneurysms (bulging arteries), embolisms (artery blockages), thrombosis (blood clot), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and shock (inadequate blood flow to major organs). Medical treatments include anticoagulants (blood thinners), vasodilators (artery dilators), cholesterol reducing drugs, and coronary artery bypass surgery. All circulatory problems are serious conditions and should be monitored by a doctor. Get your blood pressure checked regularly, and be aware that any of the following symptoms are possible signs of a circulatory disorder and should be evaluated immediately by a doctor: pain in your calf while walking, excessive leg cramping, abnormal swellings in the legs, weakness and pallor, breathlessness and dizziness, heart palpitations.

Herbal Remedies

Bilberry Flavonoids contained in bilberry may relieve a variety of circulatory disorders. To make a tea, add 1 cup boiling water to 1 to 2 teaspoons dried and powdered leaf. Steep, then strain. Or boil 1 tablespoon dried berries for 10 minutes, then strain. Large doses or chronic consumption of the tea are potentially toxic and are not advised.

Witch hazel Applied topically, homemade or commercial preparations containing the extracts of witch hazel leaves, stems, or bark can help tone veins near the skin's surface and soothe hemorrhoids and varicose veins. A decoction made from 10 or more teaspoons chopped leaves in 1 cup boiling water can also be mildly effective when applied externally. The common distillate form does not contain the beneficial tannins and, as a result, has a weaker effect than the extracts.