Herbs For The Heart

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As estimated by the National Center for Health Statistics, over 68 million people in the USA alone suffer from

one or more forms of cardiovascular diseases. [1] Being the leading killer in the country today, coronary heartdisease and various remedies and preventive measures to stop it deserve urgent attention.

As part of a comprehensive program to combat coronary diseases, some herbs are thought to be of benefitdue to their naturally occurring alkaloids and terpenoids - which are being found by scientists to have

therapeutic benefits for heart diseases[2] in both traditional and modern medicine. Further studies are ingeneral needed before such indications can be declared conclusive - however we have compiled a list ofherbs and natural foods for which encouraging results have been found. Please note that this article (asalways on this site) is not medical advice nor a recommendation to self-medicate. Please consult yourphysician before using herbs, especially if you are using medication or have a heart condition.

10 Herbs For The Heart

Garlic

Many studies have already demonstrated how a clove of garlic a day can inhibit bad cholesterol and raise thegood kind. Small clinical trials have also show garlic's efficacy in regulating blood pressure, inhibiting platelet

aggregation that can lead to stroke and in improving circulation. [3] Other studies suggest that regular

consumption of garlic can lower cholesterol levels by up to 10% to prevent hardening of the arteries. [1]

Cacao

A heart tonic due to its natural source of theobromine, cacao also contains epicatechin, a flavonol that boosts

blood vessel functioning. [3] In one randomized controlled trial in Switzerland, flavanol-rich chocolate wasshown to benefit vascular and platelet function among patients with congestive heart failure, both in the shortand long term by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and decreasing oxidative stress. This effect was

sustained after daily consumption over a 4-week period. [4]

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Hawthorn

Evidence links hawthorn to dilation of blood vessels to strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure, cholesteroland fatty deposits. This is due to its active phytochemicals including bioflavinoids which possess antioxidantproperties to gobble up free radicals. Likewise, hawthorn has been shown to help in the distribution and usage

of vitamin C to fortify capillaries. [1]

Motherwort

This herb is traditionally used to alleviate a racing heart arising from nervous tension but with long term usage,has also been found to reduce blood clot formation, cholesterol and triglycerides and to strengthen the heart

muscles. [3] Compounds like phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and phenolic acids, as well as volatile oils, sterolsand tannins, have been identified in motherwort. Pharmacological studies also confirm its antibacterial,

antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity as well as its sedative and hypotensive properties. [5]

Bilberry

Because of its ability to improve microcirculatory health, bilberry can also aid in strengthening vascular walls

and stimulating formation of new capillaries. [1] Hence in one study in 2011, potential protective effects of

bilberry extracts against cardiotoxicity were suggested partly due to its antioxidant activities. [6]

Ginseng

While the roots of ginseng have long been clinically used to treat various disorders, increasing studies haverecently discovered their clinical value in treating heart diseases. Though more studies are needed toinvestigate the complex mechanisms by which ginseng protects the heart, multiple trials show promise inginseng's role to protect against coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, cardiac energymetabolism, cardiac contractility, and arrhythmia due to the herb's antitumor, antiinflammatory, antiallergic,

antioxidative, antidiabetic and antihypertensive activities. [7]

Ginkgo Biloba

Leaf extracts of ginkgo have been demonstrated in numerous studies to cause dilation and increase bloodflow to the arteries, capillaries and veins. Moreover, they also inhibit platelet aggregation, blood clotting and

work using anti-oxidants to protect vascular walls from free-radicals. [1]

While herbs are definitely not meant to downplay the role of a good diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle infighting coronary diseases, they can, with proper usage and appropriate expert advice, boost the effects ofthese in protecting your heart.

Cayenne

Noted for its ability to prevent heart attacks, cayenne is a potent herb packed with over 26 health nutrientssuch as calcium, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, selenium, zinc and dietary fiber. Research shows thatthis herb contains powerful compounds that play vital roles in optimizing heart health. It is thought to work byremoving plaques from arteries, providing nourishment to the heart, improving circulation, emulsifyingtriglycerides, removing harmful toxins from the bloodstream, re-building blood cells and lowering cholesterol

level. [8]

Butcher’s broom

Butcher’s broom is a wonderful lesser-known herb that is thought to help reduce one’s risk for cardiovasculardiseases. Its main components, which include sterols, fatty acids and sterols, are considered beneficial inimproving the conditions of the blood vessels as well as in reducing one’s susceptibility to atherosclerosis.

Note that unlike many herbs that are considered to be good for the heart, butcher’s broom is only advised topeople diagnosed with low blood pressure or hypotension. It helps in increasing diastolic blood pressure,

therefore, people with hypertension should avoid it. [9]

Grapes

Regular intake of grapes are claimed to be beneficial for the heart. Research shows that grapes are goodsources of flavonoids that help fight high blood pressure and reduce risk for cardiovascular diseases andheart muscle damages.

In a study conducted at the University of Michigan Health System, it was found out that grapes contain highlevel of antioxidants that improve the diastolic pressure of the heart, and reduce the occurrence of fibrosis,

heart muscle enlargement and hypertensive heart failure. [10]

Herbs For Heart - References:

[1] https://shop.lakewinds.com/store/Herbs-for-Heart-Health-W4702C18760.aspx

[2] Active phytochemicals from Chinese herbs as therapeutic agents for the heart.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22632138

[3] http://www.care2.com/greenliving/heart-friendly-herbs.html?page=2

[4] Cardiovascular effects of flavanol-rich chocolate in patients with heart failure.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22173910

[5] Leonurus cardiaca L. (Motherwort): A Review of its Phytochemistry and Pharmacology.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23042598

[6] Protective effect of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) against doxorubicin-induced oxidative cardiotoxicity inrats. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21455099

[7] Roles and mechanisms of ginseng in protecting heart. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22772919

[8] http://www.thewellnesswarrior.com.au/2011/09/love-your-heart-with-cayenne-pepper/

[9] http://www.heart-health-guide.com/Butchers-Broom.html

[10] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130502120259.htm

Article researched and created by Cathy Ongking and Elfe Cabanas, © herbs-info.com 2013

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