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Good circulation is the quiet engine of good health — carrying oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removing the waste products that accumulate along the way. In my decades of studying and practising western herbal medicine, I have seen again and again how profoundly circulatory health influences everything else: energy levels, cognitive clarity, the health of the skin, even the speed at which we recover from illness. The herbal world offers a rich toolkit for supporting healthy circulation, from well-researched plants like hawthorn and ginkgo to traditional favourites such as cayenne and ginger. The articles collected here explore these herbs and the science behind them.
ASOHM News
9 April 2019
A cramp is a painful spasm of muscle and when it occurs internally, such as in the intestine, ureter or bile duct, it is called colic, which is very common among babies. Cramps are also associated with the menstrual cycle and are very common in women who have not had children. CAUSES:Cramps happen to almost […]
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ASOHM News
2 April 2019
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a member of the onion family, also known as “Poor Man’s Treacle” and “Stink Plant”. Cultivated world-wide, it is one of the strongest flavoured perennial plants used in food. Bulbs consist of numerous bulblets, known as cloves, enclosed within a whitish skin. Once removed from the outer skin, they can be […]
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ASOHM News
13 August 2017
An overload of toxins in your body will lead to chronic illness, premature ageing and death. You and I are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals, they are everywhere — all the time. They are in the air...
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ASOHM News
4 August 2017
There seems to be no other plant in herbal medicine that is beneficial to the brain, central nervous system and vascular system at the same time. Anyone over 50 is encouraged to take ginkgo extract for a few months at a time for the general toning up of various bodily functions and to improve peripheral […]
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ASOHM News
5 July 2017
Sebastian Kneipp (1821 – 1897) was an extraordinary man who took an absolutely free product – water – and showed the world how to use it as a curative force for a wide variety of illnesses. The story of his famous water treatments began when Kneipp was struck down with tuberculosis and left for dead. […]
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ASOHM News
15 April 2017
Hawthorn is an excellent herb for the heart. The main medicinal use of hawthorn is as a cardiotonic, a tonic for the heart. It looks after the heart by gradually reducing elevated blood pressure and by stimulating or...
Read article →Supporting circulation with herbal medicine is one of the oldest applications of plant therapy in both European and Asian traditions. The herbs discussed across these articles work through a range of mechanisms — some strengthen the vessel walls, others improve blood flow, and some gently warm the periphery to encourage circulation to the extremities. As always, I encourage you to read with curiosity and, where needed, seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is one of the most widely researched herbs for cardiovascular and circulatory support, shown in numerous clinical studies to strengthen the heart muscle and improve peripheral circulation. Ginkgo biloba is well-known for improving blood flow to the brain and extremities. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) acts as a circulatory stimulant, while horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) is traditionally used for venous insufficiency and varicose veins.
Common indicators include cold hands and feet, numbness or tingling in the extremities, persistent fatigue, slow-healing wounds, and a tendency toward swelling in the lower legs. Skin that appears bluish or pale at the fingertips can also suggest reduced blood flow. If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, please consult your doctor.
Horse chestnut seed extract is one of the most studied natural treatments for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, with evidence supporting its ability to reduce swelling, aching, and visible vein prominence. Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is another traditional herb used to tone veins and reduce the pooling of blood in the lower limbs.
Ginkgo is generally well tolerated, but it has mild blood-thinning properties and should be used with caution by anyone on anticoagulant medications or approaching surgery. As with all herbs, professional guidance is recommended before beginning any new remedy, particularly if you have an existing health condition.
Cayenne contains capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the release of heat in the body, encourages vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), and promotes blood flow to peripheral tissues. It has long been used in traditional medicine as a warming circulatory tonic and is also studied for its effects on cardiovascular health.
Absolutely — and herbal medicine works best as part of a broader approach that includes regular movement, adequate hydration, a diet rich in antioxidants, and avoiding smoking. Herbs such as ginger and turmeric can complement these lifestyle changes beautifully.
Lesson 6 of our course covers the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems in depth — including how the heart and blood vessels function, the role of the lymphatic system in immunity, and a thorough exploration of the herbs most beneficial for circulatory health.
Circulatory health is one of twelve body systems we explore in depth in our online herbal medicine course. If you would like to understand the herbs, the physiology, and the practical applications — not just for circulation, but for your whole body — I invite you to explore our flexible lesson packages. Start with one lesson, or commit to the full twelve. View lesson packages and enrol today.