Herbs that Aid CIRCULATION & REYNAUDS SYNDROME
Improving circulation involves supporting healthy blood flow, maintaining healthy blood vessels, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. Certain herbs have traditionally been used to promote warmth and circulation, especially in cold hands and feet.
Some herbs may help support circulation and blood vessel function, which can be beneficial for people with Raynaud’s Syndrome. However, herbs should not replace medical care, especially if symptoms are severe, worsening, or causing skin ulcers.
Ginger
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
May improve circulation. Produces a warming effect. Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.
Ginger Tea
1-inch fresh ginger root, sliced
2 cups water ~ 1 tsp honey (optional)
Simmer 10–15 minutes and enjoy warm.
Ginkgo
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
May improve blood flow to the hands and feet. Some studies suggest it may reduce the frequency of Raynaud’s attacks.
NOTE:
Ginkgo can interact with blood thinners and some medications.
Cayenne Pepper
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
Contains capsaicin, which may support circulation
Creates a warming sensation
Warming Circulation Tea
1 cup hot water
Pinch of cayenne
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon honey
Cinnamon
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
Traditionally used to promote warmth and circulation
Rich in antioxidants
Cinnamon Warming Tea
1 cinnamon stick
2 cups water
Optional: ginger and honey
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Rosemary
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
Traditionally used to stimulate circulation. Pleasant warming herb for teas and cooking.
Rosemary Ginger Tea
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
2 cups hot water
Steep 10 minutes
Hawthorne Berry
POTENTIAL BENEFITS:
Supports cardiovascular health. May help improve circulation over time.
Often consumed as tea, tincture, or capsules.
Warming Herbal Tea for Reynaud's Syndrome
INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon dried ginger
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon rosemary
2 cups water ~ Honey to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Bring water to a gentle boil.
Add herbs.
Simmer 10–15 minutes.
Strain and serve warm.
OTHER HELPFUL MEASURES:
Keep your core body temperature warm. Wear insulated gloves and warm socks. Avoid smoking and nicotine products. Manage stress, which can trigger attacks. Exercise regularly to support circulation.
If you take blood thinners, blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, or have heart conditions, check with your healthcare provider before using herbs such as ginkgo, hawthorn, or large amounts of ginger.
Ginger Cinnamon Warming Tea
BENEFITS:
Ginger may help support blood flow.
Cinnamon is traditionally used to promote warmth.
Excellent during cold weather.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups water
1-inch fresh ginger root, sliced
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Lemon slice (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Bring water to a boil.
Add ginger and cinnamon.
Simmer 15 minutes.
Strain into a mug.
Add honey and lemon if desired.
Rosemary Citrus Circulation Tea
BENEFITS:
Rosemary has long been used as a circulatory tonic.
Citrus adds antioxidants and flavor.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups hot water
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
Juice of ½ lemon
1 teaspoon honey
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place rosemary in a teapot.
Pour hot water over the herb.
Steep 10 minutes. ~ Strain.
Stir in lemon juice and honey.
Hibiscus Berry Circulation Tea
BENEFITS:
Rich in antioxidants.
Supports cardiovascular wellness.
Refreshing hot or cold.
INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons dried hibiscus flowers
2 cups water
½ cup mixed berries
1 teaspoon honey
INSTRUCTIONS:
Bring water to a boil.
Add hibiscus and berries. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and steep another 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten if desired.
Cayenne Lemon Warming Elixir
BENEFITS:
Cayenne contains capsaicin, which creates a warming sensation.
Often used traditionally to encourage circulation.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup warm water
Juice of ½ lemon
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon honey
INSTRUCTIONS:
Combine all ingredients.
Stir well.
Sip slowly while warm.
Important Note:
If you have Raynaud’s Syndrome, cold hands and feet, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or take blood thinners, speak with your healthcare provider before using medicinal amounts of herbs such as ginger, garlic, cayenne, or ginkgo, as they can interact with medications or affect circulation and blood clotting.