You have 2 free member-only articles left this month. Sign up for our app and get unlimited access it's free

Poor blood circulation

Blood pressure, hormones and other vascular factors play an important role when it comes to blood circulation in the body. And cold hands, above all, indicate that they are currently not well supplied with blood. This can happen, for example, when we are freezing. When it is cold, the vessels in the outermost limbs (extremities) - i.e. in the fingers and toes, also at the tip of the nose, chin and earlobes - constrict first. In these areas less warming blood is flowing now. The vessels of the extremities particularly react quickly and violently to temperature impulses. When the body warms up again, the vessels expand and the blood shoots back into the fingers - this often causes a tingling sensation and can sometimes really hurt.

Symptoms

    Numbness and Tingling in Hands and Feet
    Cold hands and feet
    Swelling
    Fatigue
    Memory loss
    Digestive issues
    Pain in the affected area
    Skin color changes
    Leg ulcers

What To Expect

Low blood pressure leads to the vessel walls not pulsating sufficiently due to the lack of pressure. Parts of the body that are further away from the heart like the hands and feet often start feeling cold and numb. Depending on the form and cause of the low blood pressure, the blood circulation in the arms and hands is reduced, and the hands become pale and cold. In orthostatic hypotension, the blood pressure drops when standing or sitting, especially after getting up or rising from a lying position.

Made Worse By

This condition can be worsened by a cold environment temperature, insufficient cold protection and humidity. Other factors that lead to a worsening are e.g. smoking, alcohol, hunger, dieting, drinking too little, lack of exercise, vitamin deficiency, sleep disturbances or even psychologically stressful situations.

Diagnosed By

Have your doctor examine you if your hands freeze frequently and the reasons are not the lack of gloves on a cold winter day or the extended stay in or contact with cool water. This is especially true if you have other conditions such as skin changes, discoloration, pain, tingling and numbness, swelling, dizziness, and general signs of illness. Then it may be necessary to go to a doctor or clinic immediately.

Caution Seek professional advice if fingers and toes frequently become cold and numb.

Remedies that may help with Poor blood circulation

Showing 2 out of 2
0

Chili for Cold Hands and Feet

Chili warms the extremities. This is due to the active ingredient capsaicin. It gives chili its well-known spiciness and heats up our bodies.

Ailments this remedy may help with:
Herbs used:
Instructions:
  1. Take cayenne tablets in winter.
  2. Option: Add a pinch of cayenne powder or chilli sauce to every main meal.

Caution Do not take tablets during pregnancy.

0

Cramp Bark & Prickly Ash Decoction for Poor Circulation

Ailments this remedy may help with:
Instructions:
  1. Option 1: Make a decoction using 15 g of cramp bark to 750 ml of water and take 3 doses each day.
  2. Option 2: Mix 5 g of prickly ash and 10 g of cramp bark and make a decoction using 750 ml of water. Take 3 doses each day.

Caution Do not tale prickly ash during pregnancy.


We just released our app

  • Keep track of your favorite herbs
  • Vote on your favorite remedies
  • Find natural remedies based on your symptoms using our symptom checker