Herbs to Help Cold Feet

Cold feet is most commonly caused by poor circulation because of lack of exercise or low blood pressure. It can also be caused by exposure to very cold weather, wearing tight shoes and socks, and by more severe conditions such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes and thyroid disorders. Smoking may also increase the propensity for cold feet because it constricts blood vessels. Certain herbs aid with increasing blood circulation, helping to stop cold feet impairment.

Gentian

• Gentian blossom.

  Originally from Europe and Turkey, gentian is cultivated in North America. The root is used medicinally to purify the blood and invigorate blood circulation. It is also a well-known bitter, with bitter substances such as the glycosides amarogentin and gentiopicrin. The glycoside gentiopicrin also helps protect the liver.

  Even when diluted 50,000 times, gentian's bitter taste can be detected. For this reason, it is valuable as a digestive aid by stimulating secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and saliva in the mouth.

  To help with circulation, dilute 20 drops of gentian tincture into a cup of water and sip slowly.

Yarrow

• Yarrow.

  Found worldwide growing almost anywhere, yarrow is a medicinal herb commonly used to stimulate the circulatory system because it enhances blood circulation in the veins. It also contains resins that have astringent properties and is well-known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb.

  Yarrow's bitter taste invigorates the appetite and increases the absorption of nutrients. Its stimulation to the circulatory system makes it useful in treating cold feet, varicose veins, thrombosis and hemorrhoids.

  Tea from the fresh herb is a good way to receive the medicinal qualities of yarrow. It is also effective to dilute 20 drops of yarrow tincture into a cup of warm water and take three times daily.

Wormwood

• Wormwood can be used externally as a compress to aid with pain related to rheumatism and to help stimulate poor circulation. Taken internally, wormwood acts as a cardiac stimulant also helping to improve blood circulation. It is also known to aid liver insufficiency by stimulating gallbladder and liver secretions.

  Wormwood is considered to be one of the most bitter herbs, helping with indigestion, lack of appetite and gastric pain.

  To make a compress, soak a thick fabric into a wormwood infusion, prepared by boiling 1/4 cup of leaves in 2 cups of water. As a tincture, place 10 drops on a sugar cube and take three times daily.