Poor Circulation

There are many things you can do to help with your blood circulation problem.
What can be done about arthritis?

Ginger-
Ginger is a fantastic herb. It has been used for the treatment of many aliments. Studies show it is very beneficial in relieving arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a well know arthritis treatment.
Ginger contains zingibain, a special proteolytic* enzyme. Research shows that proteolytic enzymes have anti-inflammatory properties. Taken as a tincture, capsule, as a tea or fresh, it does not have any reported side effects to high dosages. A dish prepared with ginger will actually give you a medicinal dose of the herb.

*proteolytic: the hydrolysis of proteins into simpler compounds by the action of enzymes.

Cayenne-
Cayenne Pepper or Red Pepper ( Capsicum frutescens ) is another wonderful herb, with a wide range of medical properties to heal the body. Considered one of the best local and circulatory stimulants, cayenne may be used externally for poor circulation, unbroken chilblains and pains associated with arthritis and lumbago Capsicum creams are readily available or you can add a few drops of cayenne tincture to an ointment. If you do add to a cream, use sparingly at first gradually increasing the dosage.
Cayenne can be very hot and some people are sensitive. So test it first. Taken internally cayenne stimulates the heart, regulating the blood flow and strengthening the arteries and capillaries. Cayenne also contains capsaicin, a pain-relieving chemical. This also triggers the body to release endorphins, natures own opiates. Take cayenne as a tincture for fast acting absorption, and include the spice in your food.

Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba-
Both garlic and ginkgo biloba have been shown to help with circulation and improve blood flow. This is important where arthritis is concerned. You have to try to improve your circulation. This will help bring oxygen to the affected area and take away harmful deposits which have built up.All of these herbs may help.
Four of these herbs: ginger, cayenne, garlic and ginkgo biloba.

Other things which may help:
Pineapples-Bromelain a proteclytic enzyme present in pineapples helps prevent inflammation. Bromelain helps the body get rid if immune antigen complex compounds that are inflicted in some arthritic conditions In addition to zingibain and bromelain there are other proteclytic enzymes that have similar effects. Kiwifruit, paw paw and figs are excellent sources. Calcium is always needed by the body and especially to aid in the prevention of osteoporosis.

Food and herbs high in calcium are : Alfalfa, Liquorice, Red clover shoots, Camomile, Chives, Coltsfoot, Dandelion, Horsetail, Meadowsweet, Nettle, Plantain, Watercress, Cabbage, Thyme and basil.

Devils Claw a tuber found in South Africa contains a glycoside called harpagoside that helps to reduce inflammation in joints. Best taken in the tincture form especially for inflamed joints. Also good for itchy skin with no obvious cause. One caution, this herb should be avoided during pregnancy.

Additional herbs that will assist in treating arthritis are: Turmeric, Willow a natural pain killer, Liquorice which has anti-inflammatory qualities, rosemary, oregano, basil, camphor, celery seed, meadowsweet.

It is possible to effectively increase circulation. Blood is the body's main internal transport system and proper circulation is vital for good health.


The importance of proper circulation
Hypertension
Circulatory disorders are quite common in middle-aged and elderly folk. Hypertension is one of them. It is caused by cholesterol plaque deposits along the walls of the arteries, making them harden and constrict. Because the arteries are constricted, the blood exerts great force against the walls of the blood vessels, causing the blood pressure to rise.

Varicose Veins
Additionally, poor circulation can result from varicose veins that develop because of a loss of elasticity if the walls of the veins. Circulatory problems are very prevalent in this age of bad food, little if any exercise and higher stress levels. This problem is quite common in a single leg or more often in both legs.

Get the blood moving
If you think of how the body works, the basic action of the blood moving from cell to cell is of great importance to your health and longevity. The best herb to handle any circulation problem is Cayenne. Also know as Capsicum, the botanical name being Capsicum frutescens. Cayenne is the species of capsicum that is used medicinally for its stimulant and antiseptic actions, as well as its digestive properties. Cayenne can be used externally for poor circulation, unbroken chilblains and pains associated with arthritis or lumbago. Capsicum based creams, liniments, and infused oils can be rubbed onto the skin. Avoid the eyes and other sensitive area of the body.

Internally cayenne stimulates the heart, regulating the blood flow and strengthening the arteries and capillaries. If you want to get your blood flowing, and your face red with blood take cayenne tincture. It will not only get the blood pumped around your body, but it will strengthen your heart, clear your arteries, and research has shown that hot herbs raise your metabolic rate by as much as 25%, so will assist in weight loss. Cayenne is a wonderful herb for a healthy life.

Ginkgo Biloba
is another all-round circulation booster. It is most widely know for its ability to improve memory, due to its ability to increase blood flow through the brain. In Germany, Gingko is used by physicians to treat varicose veins. It like cayenne improves blood flow and strengthens blood vessels. Gingko is also anti-inflammatory, relaxes the lungs, improves blood flow to the heart and lessens coronary demand for oxygen -reducing shortness of breath and is helpful in asthma. Use it to treat poor circulation, thrombosis, varicose veins, cramp, and spontaneous bruising.

Probably the ultimate and most potent combination to combat poor circulation is Cayenne, Ginger, Garlic and Ginkgo (See below to order).
Modern research shows that a regular intake of Garlic, along will many other curative properties, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood. It cleanses the blood, tones the heart and circulatory system, helps prevent heart disease, helps in high blood pressure and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis*. Ginger stimulates all tissues of the body and is fantastic for poor circulation. Ginger, Garlic, Ginkgo and Cayenne in a tincture can be easily and speedily absorbed by the body.
*atherosclerosis a degenerative disease of the arteries characterised by patchy thickening of the inner lining of the arterial walls, caused by deposits of fatty material.

Onion being a close relative to Garlic, increases blood circulation and can relax muscles. Eat daily if you are at risk of heart disease or circulatory disorders.


Hot and Cold Treatments
Hot and cold Showers or Hydrotherapy is a good way of improving your circulation. It is something you can do every day, concentrating on the effected area. When you get hot under a shower the blood rushes to the skin and feeds it. Then when you immediately put on the cold, the blood rushes to the internal organs. You shiver, but what is happening is that your blood is flushing out your skin and leaving it oxygenated. Then, again, a hot shower and the blood rushes from your internal organs, so flushing them, to your skin.

Your circulation is increased just by the action of your blood being forced rapidly around your body. This hot and then cold water can be repeated up to 5 or 6 times for optimum results. Do not start straight away on very hot or very cold water. Gradually increase the temperature difference between the hot and cold water over a period of a few weeks so that it is not too much of a shock to the system. This single action can dramatically improve your circulation over time.

You can also do this to a single body part. You don't just have to do this to the whole body. Use it to improve poor leg circulation or bad hand circulation etc. Try it. It really can make a difference over time.