Inner Insulation

Wild swimming in winter (or cold showers) as popularised by Wim Hof and others seem to help poor circulation, inflammatory disorders, depression and many other issues. In this Livestream I discuss my thoughts on these practices and show and tell some of the little herbal hacks I use to help recover from cold exposure!

LINKS:
Cold water swimming benefits – detailed research paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7730683/

Clear instruction video on ice water hand and foot training for poor circulation, Reynaud’s, and (potentially?) reducing neuropathic pain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzg7dfllzvM

The original VICE documentary on Wim Hof: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaMjhwFE1Zw&t=42s

Research paper on the many biological activities of Cayenne (chilli) pepper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7432674/

Angelica root – traditional medicinal uses: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Angelica+archangelica

Wood Betony - traditional uses: https://eattheplanet.org/wood-betony-a-fascinating-herb-with-many-benefits/

Wood Betony’s plant family (Stachys) – interesting phytochemistry research paper: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7601302/

Rosemary – general research papers:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5905578/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6325740/

ADDENDUM - I couldn't find the specific reference I saw years ago describing Angelica's ability to improve circulation through the heart - but it seems likely to be the coumarins in the root, which have Calcium-channel blocking activity and act as vasodilators. I recall reading that extracts could specifically increase blood flow through the coronary arteries, if I find the reference I will post it! https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/pca.2800030108