Freezing temperatures and damp weather can be tough on those people suffering from poor circulatory health – and that’s just in the summer time. Come winter and our circulation can really suffer as blood struggles to flow through our extremities, leaving us with pins and needles and numb fingers and toes.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant which has traditionally been used to increase circulation and blood flow to the extremities, thereby giving relief to sufferers with circulatory problems and helping them to beat the cold weather.

For over 4,000 years Chinese herbalists have been harvesting the leaves of the Ginkgo tree for use in food & medicine. As well as its uses to help improve circulation, Ginkgo biloba has also been traditionally used to boost brain power, improve memory and to treat vertigo.

Expert herbalist Dr. Serene Foster says: “The best thing you can do to improve your circulation is keep up adequate levels of exercise and live in a warm climate. We can’t all afford to emigrate to Portugal, however, so sometimes we need a bit of help to get the blood flowing. Ginkgo biloba has been clinically proven to help people maintain their circulatory health and is an ideal way to help you keep fingers and toes warm in the winter, naturally.”

Dr Serene Foster continues: “Staying active is key to maintaining good circulatory health, but there are other steps you can take to help you stay on top form this winter. Try these top tips:

Bend and stretch

Regular stretching exercises can help boost the blood flow through to your hands and feet and help you feel energised, so try doing some simple stretches after a gentle warm up in the morning to get you going through the day. Yoga and Pilates are particularly effective ways of improving blood flow – why not ask about classes at your local gym?

Walk and talk

It might be cold outside, but a brisk walk can do wonders for your circulatory wellbeing. Just a 20 minute trip to the shops and back is enough to get the blood pumping, so park the car and get strolling. And if you’re bored, why not persuade a friend to go with you so you can walk and talk – you’ll both benefit in the end!

Take your pooch to the park

If you don’t own your own dog, then why not offer to take your neighbour’s for a walk? Dog walking is a great way to get the blood flowing and playing “fetch” can be a circulation-boosting exercise in itself. Just don’t lose the ball!

Try supplements

Ginkgo biloba supplements can help maintain a healthy blood supply to the brain so you stay sharp. Omega 3 fish oils have also been shown to be important in maintaining blood vessel function, so make sure you have plenty of oily fish in your diet, too!

Ginkyo One-A-Day costs £15.99 for 30 tablets, £19.99 for 90 tablets. Available from Boots and all good independent health food stores and pharmacies.

For more information, visit www.better-naturally.co.uk/ginkyo or www.ginkyo.co.uk