The Importance of Oxygen-Rich Blood
Oxygen is essential for the body and all of its vital functions. It plays a critical role in providing energy, supporting the immune system, and keeping the brain, heart, and other organs healthy. Oxygen is carried through the bloodstream, attached to red blood cells. Maintaining optimal oxygen levels in the blood (90-100% saturation) is important for overall wellbeing.
Some conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and asthma can restrict breathing and lower oxygen saturation levels. Furthermore, factors like smoking, pollution, and even high altitudes can reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood. When levels fall below 80%, it leads to hypoxemia which can have severe consequences.
Luckily, certain herbs and natural remedies can help increase the amount of oxygen in the blood. Adding these oxygen-boosting herbs into your diet or supplement routine may provide advantages like:
- Increased energy and endurance
- Better cardiovascular function
- Enhanced immune response
- Improved cognition and focus
- More restful sleep
- Faster recovery from workouts and injuries
- Alleviation of respiratory conditions
Let’s explore some of the top herbs shown to boost oxygen levels in the blood.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a medicinal herb that has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine. The two most common species are Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Both offer a variety of evidence-backed benefits:
- Increases nitric oxide production which improves blood flow and oxygen circulation
- Contains ginsenosides that act as antioxidants to fight inflammation
- Boosts immune health and fights fatigue
- Enhances mental performance and mood
Research specifically shows ginseng extracts can increase oxygen utilization in the blood. A 2015 study found taking 1 or 2 grams of ginseng daily significantly improved oxygen saturation levels compared to placebo.
Ginseng is available in capsules, powders to add to shakes or teas, and liquid extracts. It can also be consumed as a tea by steeping ginseng root. Look for standardized extracts to get an effective therapeutic dose.
Other Benefits of Ginseng
In addition to oxygenating the blood, science shows ginseng provides other advantages:
- Lowers blood sugar and helps control diabetes
- Reduces inflammation in arteries to promote heart health
- Acts as an adaptogen to help the body handle stress
- Contains antioxidant compounds called ginsenosides
- May inhibit cancer growth and boost the effects of chemotherapy
Ginseng is generally safe, although high doses may cause side effects like insomnia, headaches, or digestive issues. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new herbal supplements.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba comes from one of the oldest living tree species. Both the leaves and seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Ginkgo leaves contain active compounds like flavonoids and terpenoids that provide potent benefits:
- Acts as a vasodilator to relax blood vessels and boost circulation
- Increases nitric oxide and oxygen delivery throughout the body
- Contains antioxidants that fight free radicals and inflammation
- May support brain function and delay cognitive decline
A 2016 study found giving 80mg/kg of ginkgo extract to rats with hypoxic pulmonary hypertension significantly improved their blood oxygen saturation from around 75% to 95%. Another research review showed people with COPD who took ginkgo increased oxygen saturation after exercise.
The suggested ginkgo biloba dosage is 120-240mg split into 2 or 3 doses per day. Look for standardized extracts containing 24-32% flavonoids and 6-12% terpenoids. You can find ginkgo in capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts.
Other Uses for Ginkgo Biloba
In addition to increasing oxygen, ginkgo biloba offers other wellness benefits like:
- Supports brain function and may slow dementia
- Reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Improves eye and vision health
- Lessens symptoms of vertigo and tinnitus
- Helps treat sexual dysfunction related to antidepressants
Ginkgo can interact with blood thinners and some other medications, so consult your doctor before using it.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright orange spice made from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant. It contains curcumin, a bioactive compound with potent medicinal effects. Research shows curcumin in turmeric can:
- Stimulate red blood cell production to improve oxygen transport
- Reduce inflammation and open constricted airways
- Act as an antioxidant to neutralize cell-damaging free radicals
- Inhibit platelet aggregation to improve circulation
A 2019 study found giving rats with COPD curcumin significantly boosted their arterial blood oxygen saturation. Other research also observed improvements in oxygen saturation in healthy adults taking curcumin.
The standard turmeric dosage is 500-2000 mg per day. Taking it with black pepper enhances the absorption and bioavailability of curcumin. Turmeric is available as a spice, tea, capsules, extracts, and more.
Additional Benefits of Turmeric
Along with oxygenating blood, turmeric provides other evidence-backed benefits like:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Reduces joint pain
- Lowers heart disease risk
- May help treat depression
- Boosts immune health
Turmeric is very safe with minimal side effects. However, it can sometimes cause nausea or diarrhea at high doses. It may also interact with blood thinners and certain medications.
Garlic
Garlic is an antioxidant-rich herb in the onion family. It contains beneficial organosulfur compounds like allicin. Research indicates garlic:
- Stimulates nitric oxide production to relax blood vessels
- Reduces platelet aggregation to improve circulation
- Boosts exercise endurance and oxygen utilization
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol
A study had participants take garlic oil capsules daily for 6 weeks. Tests showed significant increases in their oxygen saturation at rest and during exercise compared to placebo. Other research confirms garlic improves oxygen delivery during short-term, high-intensity exercise in athletes.
The recommended dosage is typically 600-1,200 mg of garlic extract daily. It’s best consumed with food to avoid digestive upset. Garlic supplements are available in capsules, oils, and aged extracts.
Additional Health Benefits of Garlic
In addition to increasing blood oxygen levels, science shows garlic provides other advantages like:
- Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
- May boost immune function
- Improves cholesterol and heart health
- Helps regulate blood sugar
Garlic is very safe for most people. Side effects may include bad breath, body odor, heartburn, gas, and nausea. It can interact with some medications, so consult your doctor.
Green Tea
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is high in polyphenol antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Research indicates green tea:
- Boosts nitric oxide production to relax blood vessels
- Contains catechins that increase blood flow and oxygenation
- May stimulate red blood cell production
- Improves respiratory and cardiovascular function
A study had athletes take green tea extract before exercising in hypoxic conditions. Tests showed the green tea significantly increased their arterial blood oxygen saturation during activity. It also enhanced exercise performance.
The recommended green tea dosage is 240-320 mg EGCG per day. Steeping a high-quality tea bag for 3-5 minutes makes a serving with 25-100 mg EGCG. It’s also available in capsules, matcha powders, and bottled teas.
Additional Benefits of Green Tea
As well as increasing oxygenation, green tea provides other evidence-backed health benefits like:
- Packed with antioxidants that fight aging and disease
- May enhance brain function and memory
- Linked to lower risks of heart disease and diabetes
- Helps increase fat burning and weight loss
Green tea is very safe with minimal side effects. However, the caffeine content can cause jitteriness, headaches, and insomnia in sensitive individuals. Excess intake may also irritate the stomach.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps are a type of medicinal mushrooms. Cordyceps sinensis is the most studied species. Research shows cordyceps:
- Contains cordycepic acid that improves oxygen utilization
- Boosts ATP energy production
- Increases nitric oxide levels to enhance circulation
- Reduces inflammation and relaxes bronchial muscles
Studies demonstrate cordyceps significantly improve measures like oxygen uptake, exercise capacity, and arterial oxygen saturation. A research review reported benefits for respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
The recommended dosage is 1,000-3,000 mg per day. Cordyceps are available as capsules, powders, and tinctures. They’re sometimes blended with other antioxidant mushrooms like lion’s mane and chaga.
Additional Benefits of Cordyceps
In addition to oxygenating blood, science shows cordyceps can:
- Boost energy, endurance, and athletic performance
- Support immune function
- Help manage blood sugar
- Improve libido and sexual function
- Potentially fight cancer cells
Cordyceps are safe for most people, but high doses may cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Rare cases of bleeding or liver toxicity have also been reported.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seeds contain potent antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. Studies show grape seed extract:
- Boosts nitric oxide production
- Improves blood flow by enhancing vasodilation
- Reduces oxidative damage and inflammation
- May stimulate red blood cell production
Animal research found grape seed extract increased arterial blood oxygen saturation under hypoxic conditions. A study in healthy adults also observed significantly higher oxygen saturation after exercise when taking grape seed extract versus placebo.
A typical dosage is 100-300 mg of grape seed extract up to twice daily. Look for products standardized to contain at least 95% proanthocyanidins. You can find grape seed extract as capsules or tablets.
Additional Grape Seed Extract Benefits
Along with improving blood oxygen levels, science shows grape seed extract may also:
- Protect the cardiovascular system
- Reduce swelling and edema
- Improve collagen strength and skin health
- Support healthy blood sugar levels
- Inhibit cancer cell growth
Grape seed extract is very safe for most people. However, it may interact with blood thinners and other medications. Discuss using it with your doctor first.
Putting it All Together
Maintaining optimal oxygen saturation levels in your blood is crucial for overall health. Certain herbs contain properties that can increase oxygen transport and utilization.
Research shows ginseng, ginkgo biloba, turmeric, garlic, green tea, cordyceps, and grape seed extract may all safely help boost blood oxygen levels. Adding these herbs into your wellness routine can provide advantages for respiratory function, exercise performance, cardiovascular health, immunity, cognition, and more.
However, always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplements – especially if you take any medications or have an underlying health condition. Work with your doctor to determine safe dosages and assess any potential interactions.
While increasing oxygen saturation from normal levels may not provide huge benefits for healthy individuals, these herbs can significantly help those with low blood oxygen levels due to respiratory conditions, high altitudes, or other factors. More studies are still needed, but current research demonstrates their promising potential.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment