{xtypo_dropcap}C{/xtypo_dropcap}laudication, a sudden and severe pain in the calf muscles, is a common ailment. If the pain generally comes when walking, and goes away when the legs are at rest, it is called intermittent claudication, and it is caused by a blockage, or occlusion, in the arteries that bring blood to the lower extremities. Deposits of cholesterol and other substances, called atherosclerotic plaques, are the reason for the arterial blockage, and after gradual build-up, the passageways narrow until a sufficient amount of oxygen-carrying blood can no longer pass through to nourish the tissues. Exercise, especially walking, tends to exacerbate the situation. Intermittent claudication is a painful condition, but has a good prognosis. By lowering blood cholesterol and reducing platelets, further damage to the arteries will be prevented.

There are several herbal supplements that are useful in relieving the pain of intermittent claudication. Ginkgo Biloba is the most effective herb known for this ailment. As an antioxidant, Ginkgo helps to prevent arterial wall damage. It dilates blood vessels and helps prevent platelet accumulation, as well as provides a tonic effect to the blood vessels that aren't receiving enough oxygen. Clinical studies comparing Ginkgo with placebos and prescription drugs proved that Ginkgo actually works better for intermittent claudication than the drugs. Because the effect of Ginkgo is cumulative, the longer it is taken, the better it works. Another herb known to decrease platelet accumulation is Garlic. Garlic has also proven effective in lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides while at the same time, raising the "good cholesterol" HDL. Ginger is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. It helps lower cholesterol and prevents platelet accumulation like Garlic. Ginger, and Hawthorne Berry both help shrink the plaques that are clogging arteries and help stop more from forming. In addition, Hawthorne, which is full of flavonoids and proanthocyanadins, also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and it strengthens collagen, which is the substance that holds cells together.

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