As someone living with Sickle cell, I frequently have cold hands and feet. And this is due to poor circulation, which means the blood isn’t flowing like it should be. Of course, this is not surprising in view of the fact that anyone living with Sickle cell does not have enough blood in their system. The good news is that there are ways to boost blood circulation naturally, including using more of certain herbs and spices. You can also try taking specific vitamins and minerals or creating some new habits to improve blood flow. Let me start by talking about why good circulation is so important.
Why is blood circulation important for good health?
The circulatory system consists of lots of blood vessels that carry blood towards and away from the heart. The blood is carried away from the heart in the arteries and carried back to the heart via the veins. The heart starts the circulation process by pumping blood into the lungs to pick up oxygen and continues the process by pumping this new oxygen-rich blood throughout the whole body. To finish the cycle, oxygen-depleted blood is carried back to the heart to start the whole process over again.
Circulating blood carries not only oxygen, but also water and nutrients to every muscle, organ and tissue in the body, including the brain, kidneys, liver and digestive system. In addition, blood carries certain waste products out of the cells and organs. So, it plays an important role in detoxification.
The main role of the circulatory system is to transport oxygen around the body, deliver nutrients and hormones to cells and eliminate waste products such as carbon dioxide so it can be exhaled via the lungs. A way to improve one’s blood circulation is to look no further than one’s kitchen cupboard. Common herbs and spices like cayenne, cinnamon, ginger and garlic are excellent for getting the blood flowing and will warm one up in the process.
Best herbs for circulation:
Cayenne is a spicy herb that will warm your body while it boosts circulation. It contains a compound known as capsaicin that is thought to be responsible for improving circulation and other benefits, like lowering inflammation. Cayenne is also supportive for heart health and may even help to keep the arteries clear. It eases congestion, particularly in the sinuses.
Gingko Biloba is mostly known for its brain boosting benefit, but it has also been used by herbalists to improve circulation for thousands of years. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Ginkgo leaves stimulate blood flow and increase circulation in the lungs. This helps to get rid of stagnation that may be contributing to respiratory issues.
Like Cayenne, ginger root is a spicy herb that can boost circulation. As you may know, ginger is also great for digestion and one of the most used herbs for nausea. Ginger also exhibits blood thinning potential and because thinner blood is easier for the heart to pump it can help improve the circulation of blood within the veins.
Cinnamon is another spice that is naturally warming and stimulating, which is what makes it one of the best herbs for circulation. Cassia cinnamon tends to be warmer than true cinnamon, but both have similar benefits. Alongside boosting blood flow, cinnamon also helps to clear congestion and can stimulate a sluggish digestion. A cup of cinnamon tea is great for circulation and digestion. Cinnamon can also be used externally in a foot bath or create a massage oil with its essential oil.
Garlic can be helpful for circulation because it helps to prevent blood platelet aggression. It’s also warming, stimulating and supports healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that consuming garlic cloves can help prevent clogged arteries.
Exercise
Another way to boost blood circulation is to do some exercise. Exercise is one of the best and easiest ways to get your blood flowing. In fact, you have probably noticed that you feel colder, especially your hands and feet, after sitting for a long time. This is because circulation is slower when you are at rest. The best way to conquer this is to do regular exercise like walking, bouncing on a trampoline, dancing, biking and other exercises that you feel your body can do. Add these exercises to your everyday routine to immediately increase circulation and also improve it in the long term.
Massage
Massage is a good way to stimulate both circulation and lymphatic decongestion. Plus, it’s very relaxing and stress relieving. For the best results, opt for massage therapy by a professional but keep in mind that self-massage can also be helpful in increasing blood flow. You can add essential oils like rosemary or sage for an even greater circulation.
Bath
The last option that I would like to talk about regarding blood circulation is to have a bath with two or three drops of rosemary essential oil. Rosemary is an excellent circulation booster and it’s rich in anti-inflammatory properties.
Do take time to do your research properly when taking any of these herbal supplements. Some herbs for circulation may not be the best choice if you are taking blood thinners or other specific medical conditions other than sickle cell anaemia. Do your research before using them and consult a professional as necessary.
If you would like to get in touch with me about Sickle cell, do so, via email: [email protected].
Do checkout my blog: https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com/
My book on Sickle Cell – How To Live With Sickle Cell and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com.
