Maintaining healthy blood circulation is essential for our overall well-being. It plays a crucial role in efficiently delivering oxygen and nutrients critical to every cell in our bodies while removing waste products.

Impaired circulation can lead to many health concerns. They might range from fatigue and numbness to more severe conditions like peripheral artery disease. While medications are available for managing circulation issues, many individuals also turn to natural remedies to support their vascular health.

This article will explore various natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can promote better blood circulation, working with traditional treatments such as the horse chestnut extract complex.

How Can You Improve Your Overall Health?

Dietary Changes

Ensuring a well-rounded diet is essential to maintaining proper circulation. Some dietary choices benefit vascular health, including lowering inflammation and promoting blood flow. One can combat oxidative stress and improve circulation by incorporating antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts.

Furthermore, including sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, can aid in reducing blood clotting and lowering blood pressure. This will ultimately promote cardiovascular well-being. It is equally crucial to minimize the intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and unhealthy fats to maintain optimal circulation.

Regular Exercise

Having a consistent physical activity routine is crucial for maintaining healthy blood flow. Not only does exercise help strengthen the heart, but it also increases the flexibility of blood vessels. This results in better circulation throughout the body.

Engaging in aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming is especially effective in promoting good circulation. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises into your routine can improve muscle tone and support the efficiency of your circulatory system.

To experience the full benefits of improved circulation, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Compression Therapy

Compression therapy garments apply gentle pressure to the limbs, aiding in circulation. These specialized garments, including stockings and sleeves, prevent blood from accumulating in the extremities. That happens by assisting the veins in returning blood to the heart. Many get this treatment for varicose veins, swelling, and venous dysfunction.

Additionally, individuals who experience leg discomfort or swelling from extended periods of sitting or standing can benefit from compression therapy. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the optimal compression level and use duration.

Herbal Supplements

Alongside the horse chestnut extract complex, various herbal supplements have long been utilized to enhance circulation. Take Ginkgo biloba, for instance, with its proven ability to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Turmeric and ginger are also well-known for their anti-inflammatory effects. They can improve vascular health by easing inflammation and supporting proper blood vessel functioning.

It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any herbal supplements into your routine. Otherwise, they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying health concerns.

Benefits of Horse Chestnut Extract on Cardio-Vascular Function

Recent studies have shown that escin, a compound found in horse chestnut, has potential anti-inflammatory effects. It can also protect the cells that line our veins. Doing so may decrease the leakage of blood plasma and reduce swelling.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Additionally, escin has been found to improve veins’ tone and contractile function. Given these natural benefits, horse chestnuts could be a promising remedy for inflammation or swelling in the veins. One such condition is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). It develops when the vein valves don’t work correctly, which may cause varicose veins and limited blood flow back to the heart.

Did you know that approximately 6–7 million individuals in the United States are impacted by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)?

Interestingly, females are affected more frequently than males. The frustrating reality is that CVI can lead to edema, discomfort, and changes in skin color if left untreated. In severe cases, it can even cause venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis. Fortunately, there may be hope in the form of horse chestnuts.

This natural remedy is believed to have vasoprotective properties, improving vein tone and aiding blood circulation back to the heart.

In fact, a 2015 review article found that horse chestnut seed extract may be a safe and well-tolerated option for treating CVI. Even the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognized the potential benefits of horse chestnut. They stated that the extract may effectively alleviate symptoms like leg discomfort and chest heaviness associated with CVI.

Hemorrhoids

Some studies suggest that horse chestnut positively affects veins, making it a potential resource for treating hemorrhoids. However, there needs to be more extensive clinical research on this topic. Further investigation is required to fully understand the potential advantages of horse chestnut extract for hemorrhoids.

Maintaining proper blood circulation is essential for optimal health and wellness. Along with conventional treatments such as horse chestnut extract complexes, incorporating natural solutions and healthy lifestyle habits can promote vascular health.

Individuals can effectively boost circulation and improve their well-being with the right effort. Some things that can help with this are changing your food, getting regular exercise, using compression therapy, and taking herbal products. However, consulting a healthcare expert before changing your healthcare routine is crucial. That should be done, particularly if you have underlying medical concerns or are currently on medication.

Sources:

1. Gallelli L. (2019). Escin: a review of its anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory, and venotonic properties. Drug design, development and therapy, 13, 3425–3437. https://doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S207720
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4. Dudek-Makuch, M., Studzińska-Sroka, E. Horse chestnut – efficacy and safety in chronic venous insufficiency: an overview. Rev. Bras. Farmacogn. 25, 533–541 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2015.05.009
5. Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2012). Horse chestnut seed extract for chronic venous insufficiency. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 11(11), CD003230. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003230.pub4
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