Intermittent Claudication

Pain in the calves, resulting from a blockage of blood flow in the arteries due to atherosclerosis. The pain often starts after walking a short distance, forcing you to stop frequently for rests. In extreme cases blood clots form in the arteries, leading to death of an area of tissue, gangrene, and possible amputation. If you suspect you have intermittent claudication, consult your doctor.

Supplements and herbs

Studies have shown great improvement by combining walking with supplementation: Take 300 to 400 IU of vitamin E a day.
Intermittent claudication is a sign of arterial disease. Avoid foods high in cholesterol, such as red meat and dairy products, and increase your intake of high-fiber, whole-grain cereals, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Increase your intake of magnesium, found in nuts, cooked dried beans and peas, whole-grain breads and cereals, soybeans, dark green leafy vegetables, milk, and seafood.

Hawthorn infusion is a good tonic for the circulatory system: Pour 1 cup of boiling water on 2 teaspoons of the berries, and infuse for 20 minutes; drink 3 times a day.

Homeopathy

Baryta muriatica 6c: Take 3 times a day for 3 weeks.
Proteus 30c: Take as needed during acute attacks.

Additional things you may do

• Stop smoking. This is the most effective way to prevent or halt this condition.
• Excess weight may contribute to the ailment, so try to maintain your normal weight.
• Walking is the best exercise for this condition. Try to walk at least 1 hour a day. Walk until you feel moderate discomfort in the legs, then stop for a rest. Keep repeating the walk-pain-rest cycle. After two or three months of daily exercise, bypass blood vessels develop in the legs to overcome blocked ones, relieving pain.
• If the weather does not permit walking, stationary indoor bicycling is an alternative. Follow the same routine as above. Always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.

Other beneficial herbs

• Evening Primrose
• Prickly Ash

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