CircuCare Extremities Tincture

CircuCare Extremities Tincture is a comprehensive herbal blend designed to optimize the circulation of blood, particularly to the extremities.

About the Formula

Butcher's broom root is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Butcher's broom contains steroidal saponins which are thought to be the active constituents that improve venous strength and tone. Butcher's broom has been shown in research studies to improve chronic venous insufficiency. It may enhance venous constriction which would help blood return from the extremities.

Hawthorne is a tonic to the heart and circulatory system. Hawthorne has been used medicinally since at least the 1st century C.E. This plant contains a variety of flavonoids including oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs). Hawthorn may improve coronary artery blood flow, contractions of the heart muscle, exercise tolerance, and overall circulation. Clinical studies have shown hawthorne to be beneficial for congestive heart failure.

Prickly ash bark, which is a native plant of North America, is ideal for insufficient circulation in the extremities and impaired digestion. Prickly ash has been used to treat varicose veins, chilblains, Raynaud's disease, leg cramps, and other conditions related to poor circulation. Prickly ash has many other uses as well, including as a sialagogue (increases salivation), carminative, alternative, antispasmodic, and more.

Artichoke leaf was valued by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It is often used as a digestive aid and choleretic (bile stimulator). Artichoke also shows some success in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides. The flavonoids from artichoke may prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol and artichoke leaf aqueous extract exhibits antioxidant activity. Artichoke flavonoids may enhance endothelial nitric oxide synthase which theoretically could provide cardiovascular protection.

Bilberry contains anthocyanosides which are flavonoids with potent antioxidant activity. Anthocyanosides may optimize venous blood flow, strengthen capillaries, and support the integrity of connective tissue. Some research also suggests that bilberry may be helpful for cataracts, night blindness, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

White oak bark has strong antioxidant activity and was used as a medicinal plant by indigenous peoples in Canada. White oak bark contains tannins which make it astringent and antiseptic, useful for minor wounds and inflammatory conditions. As an astringent, white oak bark is useful for tightening tissues and strengthening blood vessels, making it valuable for improving hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Horse Chestnut is used to increase vascular integrity and decrease edema. This herb targets spider veins and varicosities and research shows it to be effective for chronic venous insufficiency. Horse chestnut may also help reduce edema following injury, trauma, and surgery.

Cayenne is often added to herbal tinctures to have a synergizing effect, enhancing the actions of all of the other herbs in the formula. In addition, cayenne improves circulation. Topical applications of cayenne may be helpful for reducing the pain of arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, post-therapeutic neuralgia, psoriasis, post-surgical pain, and fibromyalgia.