Circulatory Problems

Symptoms

Poor circulation is felt in different ways. For instance, Raynaud’s disease is the result of improper circulation to the fingers. Poor circulation that affects the whole body can cause fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and fainting, since the brain is most sensitive to sudden changes in blood supply. Cold hands and feet are also clues to poor circulation. Arteriosclerosis-related circulatory problems are less obvious, as they develop very slowly. Headaches, dizzy spells, attacks of paralysis, angina and high blood pressure are signs of poor oxygen supply from arteriosclerosis. Impeded circulation will affect every cell in the body, as each cell needs oxygen for rejuvenation. Many diabetics experience circulatory problems related to high sugar levels, which interfere with proper wound healing and lead to nerve problems like polyneuropathy. Unhealthy skin can also be a sign that circulation is poor.

Causes

Blood circulation is vital because it supplies the cells with oxygen and nutrients essential to their survival. Circulation is largely dependent upon the health of the heart and the blood vessels. As long as the heart is in good condition, poor circulation has two main causes: arteriosclerosis or low blood pressure. In arteriosclerosis, the cause for restricted circulation is the deposit of plaques in the arteries, which leads to narrowed blood vessels. A diet high in saturated fats and low in essential fatty acids will increase plaque deposits. Low blood pressure is usually the result of a sluggish venous system. Weak tissues and lack of movement allow the flow of blood to slow and pool in the extremities. Standing for long periods in the heat can overburden the venous system and cause blood pressure to fall. Blood loss from injury and dehydration from illness put additional strain on the circulatory system. Prolonged bedrest can also cause the circulatory system to be sluggish and collapse. Physical activity is a tremendous support to all types of circulatory problems, whatever the cause.

Cigarette smoking noticeably constricts blood vessels and is highly detrimental to anyone experiencing circulatory problems. Smoking can cause Buerger’s disease, which can impede circulation to the point of gangrene and consequent amputation of the legs. Oral contraceptives and diuretics are also hard on the circulatory system.

Nutrition

Too many saturated animal fats and hydrogenated fats like margarine and shortening and too much salt significantly contribute to the development of circulatory problems. Saturated fats thicken the blood by making platelets stick together. To improve poor circulation, it is necessary to drastically limit or, better, eliminate red meat and all processed meats from the diet. These not only contain preservatives and altered fats, but are invariably overly salted. Salt should be used in very small quantities only. Margarine, shortening and vegetable oils must also be eliminated.

At the same time, a sluggish circulation is often due to insufficient beneficial fats. Unrefined nut and seed oils such as flax seed, walnut or pumpkin oil should be used daily on salads or stirred into any dishes which do not require heating. These oils contain valuable essential fatty acids which the body cannot manufacture on its own: omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. These essential fatty acids help keep the blood flowing freely by preventing the platelets from sticking together.

Eat raw fruits and vegetables at every meal. They are low in sodium and high in potassium. While sodium tends to retain water in the body, leading to increased pressure on the blood vessels and to circulatory problems, potassium excretes fluids. Pears have a particularly high amount of potassium relative to sodium.

To initiate the healing process, give the blood a potassium bath with a three-day liquid fast of fruit and vegetable juices and broths. Use pear, papaya and red currant juices, all low in sodium and high in potassium. Make a potassium broth with onions, leeks, potatoes, parsley and carrots.

Nutritional Supplements

The essential fatty acids available in evening primrose oil and fish oils like salmon are necessary to combat arteriosclerosis. They improve fat metabolism and reduce the stickiness of blood platelets, preventing the development of arteriosclerotic plaques. Phosphatidylcholine, is an excellent supplement to combat arteriosclerosis.

Vitamins C and E and bioflavonoids are necessary for good circulation. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids provide the cells with strength and stability, while vitamin E lends elasticity and improves oxygen supply. This is most important for a sluggish venous system.

Coenzyme Q10 is another excellent supplement for circulation, as it supplies the cells with greater amounts of oxygen.

Green food supplements are also recommended, to strengthen and clean veins, and lower blood pressure.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily with meals

Coenzyme Q10, 100 mg

Phosphatidylcholine, 100 mg

Helpful

Lecithin, 3 tbsp. three times daily

Green food supplements, 1 tbsp.

Herbal Remedies

To promote circulation, regulate blood pressure and strengthen veins, take herbal remedies in conjunction with dietary treatment.

Hawthorn berries regulate blood pressure and fortify the heart. Take as 40 drops of tincture, three times daily.

Vegetal silica from horsetail tea helps normalize circulation by strengthening the tissues of the walls of arteries and veins.

Steep rosemary leaves in aged red wine
and take a tablespoon once a day as a heart tonic.

Take 2-3 cups of hyssop and rosemary tea daily after meals (or 15-25 drops tincture diluted in water). Hyssop increases blood pressure, whereas rosemary stimulates circulation and normalizes blood pressure. Add peppermint for flavor. To 1 part each of hyssop and rosemary, add 1/2 part of peppermint.

Bilberries improve circulation and strengthen capillaries and small veins. Take 40 drops of tincture 3 times daily or 1 cup of tea twice daily.

Siberian ginseng, ginger root and ginkgo biloba teas stimulate circulation.

Short (ten to fifteen minutes) warm rosemary baths will help stimulate the circulation.

Cayenne helps to dilate arteries.

Homeopathy

As homeopathy is specific to every person, a sample of the many prescribed remedies is given below. Take the 6c strength every three to four hours. Consult an experienced homeopath if the condition does not improve.

Take Hepar sulph for poor circulation
with intense chilliness that is worse from drafts.

Sepia is useful when the person faints easily, and feels chilled, especially in the evening.

Carbo veg is recommended for cold hands and feet with blue, blotchy skin.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily for up to three weeks.

Use Kali sulph for cold hands and feet.

For poor circulation when certain parts feel numb and cold, take Calc phos.

Nat sulph is effective when the lower limbs and hands feel cold, especially in bed at night.

External/Physical Therapies

Hydrotherapy is excellent to stimulate the circulation. Use daily alternate hot and cold showers, water stepping or dew walking.

Regular morning dry brushing stimulates the circulation.

It is important to exercise regularly. Walk, hike, cycle and swim outdoors for better health.

Wear natural-fiber clothing only—artificial-fiber clothing can destroy the body’s electric field and influence the circulation.

Reflexology

Work on the points referring to the pituitary glands, ovaries, prostate, kidneys, chest, lungs and heart.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C

(Ester-C)

Bio-Berry OPC-85 Grape Seed Extract plus (Flora)

Dr. Dünner E + Magnesium + Hawthorn (Flora)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000mg (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Formula FLW (Inno-Vite)

Cool B3 Niacin (Klaire Laboratories)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Cayenne (Albi)

Coreplex Hawthorn Tonic (Flora)

Flora-Vision Bilberry Extract plus Blueberries (Flora)

FloraSil (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Flora)

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

Padma 28 (Inno-Vite)

Bakanasan (Life-Time)

HBC RC (Naka)

Bilberry Extract (Natural Factors)

Butcher’s Broom Extract (Natural Factors)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

Hawthorn Tincture (Natural Factors)

Silica Extract 500mg (Natural Factors)

Alfalfa Leaves (Nature’s Herbs)

Bilberry-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Butcher’s Broom (Nature’s Herbs)

Cayenne-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginkgo-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginseng-Power, Siberian (Nature’s Herbs)

Hawthorn Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginkoba (Pharmaton)

Ginkosan (Pharmaton)

Garlic Plus Ginkgo (Quintessence)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Sisu)

External Therapies

Benzoin Resin (Karooch Essential Oils)

Geranium Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Rosemary Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Circulatory Problems

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C

(Ester-C)

Bio-Berry OPC-85 Grape Seed Extract plus (Flora)

Dr. Dunner E + Magnesium + Hawthorn

(Flora)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000mg (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Formula FLW (Inno-Vite)

Cool B3 (Klaire Laboratories)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil (Natural
Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Cayenne (Albi)

Coreplex Hawthorn Tonic (Flora)

Flora-Vision Bilberry Extract plus Blueberries (Flora)

FloraSil (Flora)

Ginkgo Biloba (Flora)

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

Padma 28 (Inno-Vite)

Bakanasan (Life-Time)

HBC RC (Naka)

Bilberry Extract (Natural Factors)

Butcher’s Broom Extract (Natural Factors)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Natural Factors)

Hawthorn Tincture (Natural Factors)

Silica Extract 500mg (Natural Factors)

Alfalfa Leaves (Nature’s Herbs)

Bilberry-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Butcher’s Broom (Nature’s Herbs)

Cayenne-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginkgo-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginseng-Power, Siberian

(Nature’s Herbs)

Hawthorn Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginkoba (Pharmaton)

Ginkosan (Pharmaton)

Garlic Plus Ginkgo (Quintessence)

Ginkgo Biloba Phytosome (Sisu)

External Therapies

Benzoin Resin (Karooch Essential Oils)

Geranium Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Rosemary Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)