Poor circulation is a debilitating problem that millions of people struggle with daily, and symptoms can vary. Having healthy circulation is vital for overall wellness. Blood delivers oxygen and vital nutrients to different parts of the body, and when this function is impacted, it can have dire and distressing effects. Symptoms of poor circulation include weakness in the legs and feet, cold extremities, and a tingling "pins and needles" sensation in the feet and fingers, among many others. If any of these symptoms become a regular occurrence, it's important to pay attention, since it could be a warning sign that something else is wrong in the body.
Causes Of Poor Circulation
Bad circulation is often a symptom of a deeper issue, and there are many possible causes. Below are some of the most common triggers behind poor blood flow:
Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels and leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. When plaque builds up, the pathways narrow, reducing blood flow — hence why diabetes and poor circulation go hand in hand.
Arthritis: When someone has chronic inflammation, it can damage blood vessels, which directly impacts circulation. The vessel walls and arteries narrow, leading to blood clots. It's a catch-22, since poor blood flow worsens joint pain. Inflammation in general is a big cause behind poor circulation, and it doesn't necessarily have to come only from arthritis, but also from other autoimmune issues.
Sedentary Lifestyle: While this sounds very basic and obvious, lack of movement is a big source of bad blood circulation. Exercise and physical exertion force the heart to work harder, pumping more blood and oxygen through the body. When there's stagnation, blood flow reduces as well. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease found that sedentary older adults with high blood pressure who added just 3,000 extra steps a day (about 25–30 minutes of walking) saw their blood pressure drop significantly after 20 weeks, showing that even small, consistent movement can meaningfully improve blood flow and circulation over time.
Poor Digestion: In many holistic medical practices, poor digestive health and an improper diet can be a huge factor behind poor blood flow. When the digestive system is weak, food does not get broken down properly, and it ends up leaking into the bloodstream, making the blood thicker. Foods to avoid that can trigger poor circulation include:
Deep-Fried, Greasy, and Heavy Foods: Foods high in poor-quality oils, heavy dairy (like cheese and ice cream), and fatty meats create Dampness and Phlegm. This acts like mud in the body's energetic pathways, making the blood sluggish and thick.
Sodas and Highly Caffeinated Drinks: Dehydration is also a big component behind bad blood flow. If there's not enough water, the blood thickens, slowing the flow and causing poor circulation. So be sure to swap out caffeinated drinks for some good-quality water and stay hydrated. Also, consuming drinks like our Longjing Detox tea and Cistus tea can help support hydration and healthy circulation.
Meats and Protein-Dense Foods: Heavy consumption of meat and protein-dense foods can impair blood circulation by increasing systemic inflammation, vascular stiffness, and blood viscosity. When the body digests large amounts of high-fat, high-protein animal products, it triggers an influx of saturated fats, cholesterol, and pro-inflammatory compounds into the bloodstream. Additionally, digesting meats and protein requires a lot of digestive energy, so the body diverts blood to the digestive system to help break down the food, reducing blood flow elsewhere.
Nourish Your Blood: Teas That Support Circulation and Fight Inflammation
To improve circulation, a good step to take is to find ways to reduce inflammation overall and start moving physically. Switching to a vegan diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods is a great start. To find out more about our anti-inflammatory diet, click here.
The key to boosting blood circulation isn't just removing toxic foods from your diet and going for a run, but also actively introducing foods and drinks that nourish the body and promote healthy blood circulation, like:
Longjing (Dragon Well) Green Tea is prized for its impressive antioxidant profile, most notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the most extensively studied catechins for its protective effects on the body. Alongside this, Longjing contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps boost the body's natural production of glutathione, a master antioxidant that supports cellular repair and detoxification. For people dealing with poor circulation, this combination may be especially helpful: EGCG has been associated with supporting healthy blood vessel function and flexibility, which can encourage smoother blood flow, while reduced oxidative stress from higher glutathione levels may help protect the delicate lining of blood vessels from damage over time. L-theanine's calming effect on the nervous system may also play a role, as stress and tension can constrict blood vessels and worsen circulation. Together, these compounds make Longjing green tea a soothing, antioxidant-rich addition for those looking to support healthier circulation naturally.
Click here to buy our Longjing green tea.
Cistus Tea is celebrated for its rich concentration of polyphenols, some of the most potent antioxidants found in nature, which help combat oxidative stress and cellular damage throughout the body. This same antioxidant power may offer real value for people struggling with poor blood circulation. Sluggish circulation is often worsened by inflammation and stiffened blood vessels, and Cistus's natural anti-inflammatory compounds may help support vessel flexibility and healthier blood flow over time. Many people who drink Cistus tea regularly report feeling warmer in their extremities and generally more energized, sensations often tied to improved circulation. Paired with its immune-boosting and skin-soothing qualities, this ancient Mediterranean remedy offers a gentle, natural way to support the body's circulatory system alongside its many other traditional health benefits. Click here to buy our Cistus tea.