Circulatory problems and chilblains

Poor heart function can contribute to numerous circulation problems which may include severe pain in the legs while walking (intermittent claudication) and Buerger’s disease (common among heavy smokers); this can eventually lead to gangrene and necessitate amputation.

Among more minor circulation problems are chilblains, which are generally associated not with failing hearts but with cold, as the body responds to falling temperatures by constricting blood supply to the peripheries in order to keep vital organs and deep tissues warm.

Wearing adequate clothing on cold days is the easiest way to avoid occasional chilblains, while habitual sufferers can improve their circulation with stimulating herbs like ginger, cinnamon, horseradish and chili.

Recent research suggests that ginkgo can improve the peripheral blood circulation, although it is more traditionally regarded as stimulating the blood supply to the brain.

Herbal BeautyArnica cream can help relieve the discomfort of chilblains once they’ve appeared, but should not be used on broken skin. Other helpful herbs to relieve symptoms include aloe vera and pot marigold. Warming herbs such as ginger, cinnamon or chili can be helpful if circulation is generally weak — especially in the elderly.

Anaemia

While science has simplified the heart’s role to that of pump, we now know that blood chemistry is extremely complex and the cause of numerous disorders. Iron-deficient anaemia is one of the most common and is widespread among women of child-bearing age.

The traditional Western herbal approach includes adding numerous iron- rich foods to the diet — such as apricots, asparagus, beetroot, carrots, stinging nettle and watercress — while the Chinese concentrate on herbs which help “nourish” or manufacture blood. One of the most popular is Dang Gui (Angelica polymorpha var sinensis), which is now widely available in prepackaged, over-the- counter products from health food shops and chemists. It is useful for anaemia as well as various menstrual disorders, and contains Vitamin B12 and folic acid, which can counter some types of anaemia.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are usually visible as tortuous, knotted veins on the surface of the legs.They can ache or the surrounding area can be prone to swelling. The flesh surrounding the affected area can often feel hot.

Veins, unlike arteries, have to help force blood back to the heart rather than depend on the impetus of this powerful pump. The muscles surrounding deep veins can help considerably, but the superficial veins in the legs often have little support for forcing blood back to the central pumping system and over the years they can become distended, lengthened and tortuous.

Deep breathing can help encourage the return of blood from the peripheries while a tendency to varicose veins can often be countered by each morning alternately hosing the legs with a hot and cold shower, several times, for 1-2 minutes each time. Using bricks to raise the end of the bed to aid venous return at night can also help. Useful external treatments include distilled witch hazel, lemon juice, infusions of vine leaf, agrimony or pilewort and fig poultices.

Varicose ulcers generally occur in the elderly and are associated with poor circulation, with reduced blood flow to an area often making healing difficult. Professional treatment is usually essential, but using infused oils containing heating herbs like chili and ginger as a gentle massage around the ulcer (not on it) can help stimulate blood flow to the area to encourage healing.

Internally herbs which contains flavonoids and coumarins — chemicals known to strengthen blood vessels and also reduce the risk of clots — may be helpful. Traditional specific remedies include horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and melilot (Melilotus officinalis, also known as king’s clover). Herbs like rue (Ruta graveolens) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) are high in rutin (a flavonoid) which can help to strengthen blood vessels.

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Heart and Circulation Herbal Natural Remedies:Chilblains, Anaemia, Varicose Veins