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.
Hardening of the Arteries
Hardening of the arteries is another consequence because the arteries narrow
due to these same fatty deposits. Buergers disease, common to those who smoke, is a chronic inflammation of the veins and
arteries in the lower extremities.
Raynauds disease is marked by constriction and spasm of the blood vessels
in the extremities. The fingers toes and tip of the nose. This disease if left untreated can lead to gangrene.
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.
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.
