Herbs That Enhance the Vascular System
The vascular system consists of arteries and veins that carry blood throughout the body. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart while veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. As the human body ages, arteries thicken, narrow and stiffen, causing just the right environment for coronary heart disease and other diseases to develop. Some herbs provide a natural way to enhance and strengthen the vascular system.
-
Hawthorn Berries
-
Hawthorn berries are rich in bioflavonoids. This herb acts to normalize the heart by increasing the flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. Hawthorn is a gentle herb that can be safely used for heart weakness and palpitations. Hawthorn berries treat angina and coronary heart failure, strengthen cardiovascular muscle tissues, decrease blood pressure and aid digestion.
Ginkgo Biloba
-
Ginkgo biloba positively affects the vascular system by circulating blood and oxygen to vital organs throughout the body in a more efficient manner. In addition to vascular benefits, ginkgo biloba improves memory and concentration. Powerful antioxidants within the herb might also slow the aging process.
-
Butcher's Broom
-
People who suffer from pain and swelling caused by poor circulation might find relief by taking the herb butcher's broom. Taking one capsule three times a day improves circulation in the hands, feet and legs. Taking an herb called cayenne in combination with butcher's broom enhances the circulatory system.
Garlic
-
Garlic, a multipurpose herb, treats everything from ear infections to heart disease. Garlic lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, aids in digestion, relieves gas and respiratory problems and more. A clove of garlic a day just might keep the doctor away. Garlic is also available in supplementary capsules.
Ginseng
-
Several types of ginseng provide various enhancements to the vascular system. American ginseng works well for many people with high blood pressure. Ginseng is a root often used by athletes to reach peak performance and give them a competitive edge. Adaptogenic properties of ginseng give this herb the ability to normalize the vascular system as well as stabilize blood sugar when it falls too low.
Diuretic Herbs
-
Diuretic herbs, such as burdock, chickweed, dandelion, milk thistle and nettle, flush fluids from the body by way of the urinary system. Fluid flushing helps cleanse the vascular system as well as the kidneys and liver.
Total Health Herbs
-
Some herbs are useful for improving overall health and wellness. Turmeric root extract provides health benefits with anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to help prevent breast cancer, along with detoxifying the liver, being a natural pain reliever, helping with weight loss and lowering cholesterol.
Ginger root aids in nausea, reduces discomfort and swelling, relieves heartburn and menstrual cramps and helps prevent cold and flu. Taken in standard extract form, ginger contains a treasure trove of benefits.
-
References
- Photo Credit Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
