Proper blood circulation is essential for the transportation of nutrients, wastes, oxygen and carbon dioxide and hormones. Blood circulation disorders can cause organs to fail and the body to shut down. There are various types of circulation disorders including arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, hypertension.
Arteriosclerosis - The coronary arteries that arise from the heart are subjected to the maximum blood pressure in the circulatory. Over time, they lose their elasticity and harden causing the blood flow to be limited.
Atherosclerosis - This refers to the build up of plaque or cholesterol along the walls of the arteries constricting blood flow.
Varicose veins - When veins are subjected to undue pressure due to lifting weights, standing or other causes, they lose their elasticity and can get contorted. The leaflet valves in veins do not work and blood pools and flows backward. Varicose veins can form anywhere but are most common in the leg.
Hypertension - High blood pressure makes the heart work very hard to pump blood thus straining the heart muscles. Several causes of hypertension are high salt intake, stress, high alcohol consumption, smoking, inactivity.
There are several herbs that help maintain and improve blood circulation:
Arjuna - Arjuna derived from the bark of the arjuna tree (Terminalia arjuna) is a cardiac tonic that helps to strengthen heart muscles. The heart's pumping action is improved by this herb which research suggests may be due to compounds called saponin glycosides as well as calcium and magnesium present in arjuna. Antioxidants present in arjuna also help strengthen veins and prevent heart disease. Ayurvedic medicine uses Arjuna either on its own or in conjunction with other herbs for cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, angina, myocardial infarction, disturbed cardiac rythm, congestive heart failure. Arjuna has also been found to inhibit LDL oxidation of LDL and accelerate LDL-cholesterol turnover in the liver.
Guggul - Guggul (Commiphora wiighti) is another herb that is recommended for good blood circulation. This is actually a resin extracted from a tree and is very beneficial in maintaining normal cholesterol levels and cleansing the blood. Research has shown that Guggul helps prevent blood platelets from sticking and helps in normal blood clotting. Studies have shown Guggul to be beneficial in ischemic heart disease as it prevents oxygen depletion from heart muscles.
Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha is another important herb for blood circulation recommended by Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha is an excellent supplement for heart muscles and maintains normal blood circulatory flow. It is beneficial for those suffering from hypertension as it also helps to relieve stress, and strengthens the nervous system.
Cayenne - Cayenne pepper (Capsicum frutescens) is a stimulating herb. Capsaicin in cayenne helps to reduce blood platelet stickiness and improves blood flow.
Garlic, Ginger and Onion are also considered good herbs that aid in blood circulation and blood purification.
Abana is a herbal blend that contains over 40 herbs and minerals recommended by Ayurveda for maintaining a healthy heart, normal blood pressure and normal blood circulation. This potent herbal blend contains herbs like Arjuna, Guggul, Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Ginger, Indian long pepper, Holy Basil, Amalaki and others that help strengthen heart muscles, maintain blood pressure and normal cholesterol levels. It is very beneficial to counteract the effects of smoking, stress and obesity.
To keep blood flowing and to maintain normal blood circulation it is also very important to take the following steps:
Give up smoking
Exercise daily
Avoid excessive salt and sugar in the diet
Avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol
Try some relaxing activity daily to reduce stress