Poor circulation leads to numbness and swelling in the hands and legs and in extreme conditions may attack the brain and the heart. The symptoms range from cold hands and feet, angina pain, headache, constipation. The most common cause of poor circulation is low CO2 in the arterial blood. CO2 is the most potent vasodilator.
A vasodilator directly acts on muscles in blood vessel walls to make blood vessels widen. The result is people with poor circulation in their legs and feet will also have reduced O2 levels. The other causes that can cause constriction of the arterioles can take place due to low blood sugar, fatty deposits (toxins) in the arteries, certain medications. Certain home remedies when used regularly can treat poor circulation effectively.
Home Remedies For Poor Circulation
Intake of certain Vegetables good for stimulating blood circulation: Certain vegetables which when taken regularly stimulates the blood circulation. Here spinach is taken as an example to explain in detail how it works towards blood circulation.
Spinach
Spinach contains nitrate, the saliva converts the nitrate into nitrite. The nitrite gets converted into nitric oxide in the stomach which makes the blood vessel widen. The flavanoids improve vasodilation by increasing the production of nitric oxide. It contains arginine an essential amino acid used in the production of nitric oxide. It contains Vitamin E which increases the release of prostacyclin which dilates the blood vessels. Vitamin B1 helps in functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system. Folic acid supports healthy nervous system and in formation of red blood cells. Omega 3 Fatty acids stimulate blood circulation. Thus spinach proves to be a good vasodilator which helps the blood vessels to widen and stimulates the blood circulation.
Other vegetables that are rich in nitrate are lettuce, beets, root vegetables, carrots, green beans, parsley, cabbage, radishes, and celery and collard greens. Fruits and vegetables rich in falvanoids are blueberries, apricots, pears, plums, apples, raspberries, cabbage, cherries, tomatoes, oranges, pinto beans, black beans, strawberries, nuts, soy products, tea. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in arginene include egg yolks, legumes like nuts, kidney beans, peanut butter, cashew nuts, mushroom, whole wheat, and soybean.
Vitamin E rich fruits and vegetables include red chilli powder, almonds, peanuts, dried apricots, mustard greens, kale, collard greens, broccoli, and olive oil. Vitamin B1 rich fruits and vegetables include spices, pine nuts, pistachios, pecans, beans, corn, Brussels sprouts. Fruits and vegetables that contain folic acid are avocado, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, carrot, green beans etc. Fruits and vegetables that contain Omega 3 fatty acids are eggs, soymilk, milk, yogurt, flax seed, oatmeal, walnuts, kale, mint, brussel sprouts. You can have a combination of any of these vegetables for stimulating the blood circulation.
Cayenne Pepper
You can intake this or can apply to the affected area, not to apply on the eyes. When taken internally it stimulates the heart and regulates the blood flow. It also proves beneficial in absorption and circulation of other herbs in the body. When applied topically it proves to be an analgesic, beneficial for relieving pain and also stimulates blood circulation to the affected area allowing the blood to flow more freely.Onion, Ginger and Garlic: When taken internally all the three helps in controlling blood pressure and poor circulation. They act as a good vasodilator. Their antioxidant properties boost the immune system. Analgesic properties give relief from pain. The other benefits of garlic are it cleanses the blood, stimulates the heart and blood circulation.
Green Tea
It is a good relaxant as it contains theanine which proves beneficial for achieving relaxing and tranquilizing effect. The caffeine content in green tea is very less as compared to coffee which is one of the reasons for poor blood circulation.Coffee drinkers can easily switch on to green tea. The antioxidant properties boost the immune system. Pregnant women should avoid consuming this tea. It is also a great pain reliever.
Essential Oils Such As Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus Oil
Through message with essential oils improves blood circulation to the affected area .Lavender oil has got sedative, analgesic and nervine properties. Sedative properties give a soothing effect thus reducing anxiety, stress. Analgesic properties give relief from pain. Nervine properties have a soothing and calming effect in the nerves. It gets quickly absorbed into the blood stream and thus helps in stimulating blood circulation.
Lavender oil should always be diluted with other vegetable oil. Both Rosemary oil and eucalyptus oil supports the circulatory and nervous system and stimulates blood circulation to the affected area and is also rich in analgesic properties. Things to do and things to avoid: Drink daily a cup of hot water in the morning as this helps in proper blood circulation.Adding lemon to it will cleanse your system. Try drinking water normally throughout the day by at least seven to eight glasses, as it purifies the body and is an excellent detoxifier. If you are a coffee addict please reduce it to two cups a day as caffeine causes blood vessels to constrict blood flow. Also cut down on alcohol consumption and quit smoking as it results in poor blood circulation.
Not Too Hot Not Too Cold Compress
You can use hot water i.e., as warm as you can withstand. Add few drops of any of the above essential oils.Soak the water in a small towel and apply it on the affected area. It will relieve you from pain and will also stimulate blood circulation to the affected area.
Exercise
Start with some gentle exercise such as stretching, walking, and swimming or you can even do some house work on a regular basis.Exercise helps in stimulating the blood circulation throughout the body thus proves beneficial in poor circulation. Exercising regularly speeds up the metabolism and also helps the blood vessels to open up.
Relaxation Techniques
Try doing meditation, listen to music that you love, laugh a lot, cultivate some hobbies for relaxation as this will calm down stress elevates your mood and consequently stimulate the blood circulation.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
