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 heart
disease 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 benefit
due 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 in
general needed before such indications can be declared conclusive - however we have compiled a list of
herbs and natural foods for which encouraging results have been found. Please note that this article (as
always on this site) is not medical advice nor a recommendation to self-medicate. Please consult your
physician 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 the
good 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 was
shown to benefit vascular and platelet function among patients with congestive heart failure, both in the short
and 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, cholesterol
and fatty deposits. This is due to its active phytochemicals including bioflavinoids which possess antioxidant
properties 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, sterols
and 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 have
recently discovered their clinical value in treating heart diseases. Though more studies are needed to
investigate the complex mechanisms by which ginseng protects the heart, multiple trials show promise in
ginseng's role to protect against coronary artery disease, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, cardiac energy
metabolism, 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 blood
flow 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 in
fighting coronary diseases, they can, with proper usage and appropriate expert advice, boost the effects of
these in protecting your heart.
Cayenne
Noted for its ability to prevent heart attacks, cayenne is a potent herb packed with over 26 health nutrients
such as calcium, magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, selenium, zinc and dietary fiber. Research shows that
this herb contains powerful compounds that play vital roles in optimizing heart health. It is thought to work by
removing plaques from arteries, providing nourishment to the heart, improving circulation, emulsifying
triglycerides, removing harmful toxins from the bloodstream, re-building blood cells and lowering cholesterol
level.
[8]
Butchers broom
Butchers broom is a wonderful lesser-known herb that is thought to help reduce ones risk for cardiovascular
diseases. Its main components, which include sterols, fatty acids and sterols, are considered beneficial in
improving the conditions of the blood vessels as well as in reducing ones susceptibility to atherosclerosis.
Note that unlike many herbs that are considered to be good for the heart, butchers broom is only advised to
people 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 good
sources of flavonoids that help fight high blood pressure and reduce risk for cardiovascular diseases and
heart muscle damages.
In a study conducted at the University of Michigan Health System, it was found out that grapes contain high
level 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 in
rats. 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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