The blood works to deliver nutrients and oxygen to all areas of the body. This cannot happen efficiently if there are problems with the circulatory system. Typically caused by plaque build-up in the arteries, poor circulation is commonly a symptom of more serious issues like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. It is wise to pay attention to the signs of poor circulation so that you can act fast and improve blood flow before your health worsens.
Symptoms Of Poor Circulation
It’s important to remember that the body is not stupid. What we mean by this is that it will give you signs to alert you that something is awry. For instance, the following symptoms are the body’s way of telling you that your circulation is impaired, especially if you are experiencing them on a regular basis.
- Cold feet & toes (even during warm weather)
- Varicose veins or spider veins
- Fatigue
- Frequent dizziness
- Blemishes or spots on the skin
- Water retention
- Feeling pins and needles in extremities
Poor circulation is most often caused by poor lifestyle choices. Habits like smoking or lack of exercise combined with eating a poor diet (foods that contain processed ingredients, refined grains, sugars, antibiotics, and hormones) can lead to impaired circulation. Making small lifestyle changes can help you avoid arterial build-up and keep your blood flowing like it should. While it is recommended to make a dietary change and incorporate more movement in your life, you may want to start consuming the following teas to naturally improve circulation.
Chinese Hawthorn Tea
A 2011 study, which was published in Pharmacognosy Review, found that Chinese hawthorn has the ability to help reduce blood pressure and improve circulation. This herb has been used in China for many years to help alleviate the symptoms of heart disease, but more studies need to be done on the proper dosage of Chinese hawthorn tea to determine how much one should drink a day to improve circulation.
Garlic Tea
Sometimes you have to do something out of the ordinary to promote natural healing. Known for its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase nitric oxide production in the body, garlic has an array of health benefits, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. One study found that people who drank garlic tea for seven days straight experienced increased circulation in their calf muscles.
White Willow Bark Tea
Known as the “natural aspirin,” white willow bark has powerful anticoagulant properties that work to improve blood flow. Continued consumption of white willow bark can reduce the risk of internal clotting. Because white willow bark has a blood-thinning effect (similar to aspirin), you have to determine how many salicylates are in each cup, in order to avoid thinning the blood too much. It can be beneficial to consume one spoonful of white willow bark in one cup of hot water. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes and drink it once every two or three days.
