http://www.care2.com/greenliving/heart-friendly-herbs.html
5 Herbs for the Heart
1. Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
A natural source of theobromine, long considered a heart tonic and mild stimulant, cacao also contains epicatechin, a flavonol that improves the function of the blood vessels. Of course eating flavonol-rich cacao is not the same–on many levels, alas–as snacking on sugary chocolate bars. Your best bet? Munching on raw cacao nibs or taking a cacao tincture.
2. Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Taken daily, this Indian spice strengthens, stimulates, and tones the heart, balances circulation, and calms palpitations. Start with a few grains at a time (up to 1/2 teaspoon), and add it to juice. If you feel hesitant because of cayenne’s spicy reputation, start with a a tiny pinch and increase the amount as you feel comfortable.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Many ancient cultures recognized garlic as a therapeutic plant–the Egyptians, for instance, found more than 200 medical uses for the herb. Several studies have shown that a clove a day (approximately 600 to 900 mg a day of powder) inhibits bad cholesterol (LDL) production and raises the good kind (HDL). Smaller trials have also demonstrated garlic’s promise in normalizing blood pressure, preventing blood platelet aggregation, and improving circulation.
4. Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycanthus)
Boulder, Colorado-based herbalist Brigitte Mars can’t say enough about this heart and circulatory tonic, which she says can improve oxygen and blood supply. Rich in flavonoids that protect small capillary vessels from free-radical damage, hawthorn normalizes blood pressure and lowers cholesterol and fat deposits in the liver and aorta. Mars recommends it for angina, arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis, blood clots, and hypertension. You’re not likely to see results for a few months, but hawthorn is safe for long-term use. Take 15 to 25 drops of the tincture three times daily, says Mars.
5. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Traditionally used to treat a racing heart caused by nervous tension, this herbal sedative may, with long-term use, reduce the formation of clotting factors, lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, and strengthen the heart muscle. Prepare a tea by soaking 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dried motherwort in about 5 ounces of boiling water for five to 10 minutes. Drink it throughout the day, or take 10 to 20 drops of a tincture as often as every 10 minutes, if necessary.
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16 comments
add your comment »Very interesting and informative article. I will be sure to try and test out some of these herbs suggested.
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Hawthorn is absolutely wonderful for the heart - BUT do not drink it. First of all, liquids in great amounts can be a burden on the heart; secondly, hawthorn "tea" does not taste so great, so people grow tired of it and discontinue the practice; and thirdly, the concentration of the active substances in the "tea" is relatively low for strong protection, sou you would have to drink quite a few cups a day.
This is one case where a H. supplement is actually a better idea.
And if you want extra protection (and not just for the heart), include regular high doses of Omega 3 in your diet.
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HIi Mel,
Thanks for this I will advice my uncle to treat his heart
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and no man made chemicle or other rubbish added
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Garlic's my favorite.
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The African hearberlist have never been given a chance by the mostly eurocentric based health systems all over our world. That is one of the main reason why we've had so much health related deaths and problems in Africa. It will be a revelation and already it has started being seen, that the natives had a workable way of treating many of the ailments that seem to have become a permanent source of revenue for the multinational phamacitical companies. It has also become a major source of gaining cheap raw material from Africa and a sustainable tool of dictating to the African and most of the third world countries.
The acceptance and promotion of native herbs and knowledge would be the first step towards a happy and healthy humanity.
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Thank you Stephanie - these are really all GREAT foods for the heart and body!
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I wonder if there is any experience with the statin CRESTOR and itchy hives, I believe that is the cause of my hives and it took me over 2 weeks after use to get to comfort.
Since it came and went it took me a while to know what's what, also, it appears that shellfish and stress exaggerated the hives which started out like mosquitobites, one more reason for confusion. Any thoughts and help are appreciated.
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I am a professional herbalist in Brooklyn, NY and I would advise anyone on Warfarin or similar drugs to only use herbs (and many foods for that matter) on the advice of a professional herbalist who has studied drug/herb interactions and who insists that your husband get PT and INR tests at least every other week. Herbs are quite safe, orders of magnitude safer than most drugs, but drugs like Warfarin have a very narrow therapeutic window and can cause serious harm if they are outside of their dosage range. That is why even vegetables are restricted. (Perhaps it is the Warfarin that should be restricted, but that is NOT something to do without medical advice.) Doctors don't know much about herbs and the online databases are woefully inaccurate. You can find a qualified herbalist in your area from the American Herbalists Guild website.
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Sorry to be a kill joy, but cayenne is not an Indian spice, unless you mean American Indian! Cayenne and all the other chilli peppers come from Central and South America, and were then introduced to the East by the Portuguese. Since Cayenne is the name of a town in French Guinea on the East Coast of South America, you should have realized it does not come from India. Before the Indians (from India) got to know chilli peppers, they only had black pepper to give heat to their dishes. As can still be seen in Sri Lanka where the use of black pepper is more common for curries than the use of chillis.
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