CIRCULATION HERBAL SUPPORT

The circulatory system consists of the heart, blood vessels and lymph vessels, and is concerned with the transport of blood and lymph throughout the body. Through this system oxygen, nutrients, immune system substances, and hormones are taken to tissues and organs of the body. Other important roles are to carry away toxins and waste products from the body, to equalise body temperature and maintain normal water and electrolyte balances.

In relation to these important functions it can be seen that a poorly functioning circulatory system will be detrimental to whole body function. Some conditions related to the circulatory system in particular are chilblains, intermittent claudication (pain and tension in the legs when walking), cramp, arthritis and Raynauds Syndrome (a condition in which the blood supply to the hands and feet is temporarily restricted resulting in numbness).

In herbal medicine, herbs that quicken and enliven the physiological activity of the body are known as stimulants. Herbs, which stimulate the circulatory system, are especially useful for bad circulation.

HAWTHORNE: This is a herb that directly benefits the working for the heart. It can dilate blood vessels, increase the heart’s energy supply and improve its pumping ability. These powerful cardiac effects can probably be traced to its abundant supply of plant compounds called flavonoids – especially procyanidolic oligomers (PCO’s) which act as potent antioxidants. Hawthorne is an all - purpose heart drug. It widens the arteries by interfering with an enzyme called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) which constrict blood vessels. This action improves blood flow through the arteries.

CAPSICUM: is a powerful systemic stimulant due to the presence of capsaicin, which is the "hot principle" of plant. This active principle is also thought to stimulate the production of gastric juices for efficient digestion. Cayenne regulates the flow of blood and strengthens and equalises the heart and blood vessels. It is a specific tonic for the circulatory and digestive systems.

GINKGO BILOBA: Is a herb which may have beneficial effects on both the circulatory and the central nervous systems. It increases blood flow to the brain and to the arms and legs by regulating the tone elasticity of blood vessels, from the largest arteries to the tiniest capillaries. It also acts like aspirin by helping to reducing the ‘stickiness’ of the blood. Ginkgo promotes blood flow to the arms and legs making it useful for reducing the pain, cramping and weakness caused by narrow arteries in the leg, a disorder called intermittent claudication. There are indications that the herb may improve circulation to the extremities in those with Raynaud’s disease and chilblains, or help victims of scleroderma, an uncommon auto-immune disorder.

GARLIC: This is commonly used to fight colds and flu’s but can also be beneficial to increase circulation, by widening the blood vessels; it increases blood circulation through out the body.

GINGER: This widely used condiment adds an agreeable, warming feeling when eaten. As well as being a stimulant of the peripheral circulation, ginger also acts as a useful diaphoretic, promoting sweating in feverish conditions, and as a carminative, promoting gastric secretion and digestion. Ginger is an excellent herb to take with other herbs and nutrients to enhance their effectiveness.

RUTIN: Is a bioflavonoid. Bioflavonoids are water-soluble companions of ascorbic acid. Bioflavonoids increase the absorption of vitamin C as well as protect it from oxidation. They increase the strength of capillaries, helping to prevent bruising caused by the rupturing of these.

DIRECTIONS: Take 1-2 capsules daily, or as professionally prescribed.

In a preservative-free gelatin capsule. Some herbal extracts used.