Heart Health & Herbs in Harmony

Herbs that support heart and arterial integrity naturally, have been with us for centuries. And while modern medicine has made tremendous strides, taking care of your heart goes beyond pharmaceutical medications and surgical remedies.  A healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise are, of course, paramount, but natural herbs can also play an integral role in maintaining heart health. And the main factors are oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, blood pressure management and circulation.

Oxidative stress is a key factor in the development of cardiovascular disease. Because of the high content of antioxidants found in many herbs they can add to a regimen that promote heart health.

Chronic inflammation can lead to a buildup of plaque that can narrow and harden and often damage arteries (atherosclerosis). Controlling blood pressure plays a major role in heart health and herbs can provide a healthy resource for both contributing factors. 

Finally, some herbs are known for their ability to increase blood flow and potentially reduce the risk or severity of a cardiovascular event.  The blood vessels need to dilate sufficiently for the blood to flow and a plaque buildup needs to be controlled to prevent  platelet aggregation, which can lead to clots.

As with any addition to a health regimen, any medications or health conditions should always be discussed with your primary care provider, before making changes.  Some herbs may not be compatible with your medical condition or current medications.

Here are some formulas and single tinctures that may be helpful in a healthy heart regimen.

Fatty Liver Decrease Formula

This formula is a combination of Artichoke leaf, Dandelion leaf, Dandelion root and Milk thistle is designed to cleanse and strengthen the liver decrease fatty liver cells, while cleansing the hepatic ducts.

As a traditional medicine, Artichoke leaf has been used primarily for enhancing liver function, but it can also help lower cholesterol levels in those with slightly elevated levels and are otherwise healthy. The extract, rich in flavonoids, may even help to prevent cardiovascular disease. However, Artichoke Leaf should not be taken if you have gall stones or bile duct occlusion.

Rich in potassium, Dandelion leaf and Dandelion root synergize with sodium to regulate the body’s water balance and normalize heart rhythms. Because it is a diuretic, it may help lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the amount of fluid the heart must pump to circulate blood. Dandelion contains two flavonoid glycosides, apigenin, and luteolin, which have demonstrated anti-spasmodic, antioxidant, and liver protection actions and properties, which also strengthen the heart and blood vessels.

Milk thistle regulates the digestion of fats and may be beneficial in preventing arteriosclerosis and strokes. The properties in this herbal tincture are believed to promote normal cholesterol levels and help the liver convert LDL (bad cholesterol) into HDL (good cholesterol), as well as the regulation of membrane permeability and stability and prevention of deposition of collagen fibers, which leads to cirrhosis and plaque, or arterial hardening. 

Hawthorn Berry Isolate/Heart Tonic

This is an old-time formula from Potters Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations from England. It supports all functions of the heart. It is one of the most valuable herbs for the heart and circulation.

The berries reduce high blood pressure caused by hardening of the arteries and kidney disease, while the leaves are used for those with heart-valve disease.  Hawthorn berries could both lower high blood pressure and to bring low blood pressure back to normal. It has been used for angina, irregular heartbeat, spasm of the arteries (as with Reynaud disease) and insomnia with a nervous origin. This tonic is also effective for early stage of Congestive Heart failure, angina and Cardiomyopathy.

Blood Pressure Care Formula

The formula includes Black Cohosh root, Blue Cohosh root, Yarrow, Hyssop, Wild Cherry, Garlic.

Black Cohosh provides therapeutic actions as a rich source of Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and K.  It may help regulate blood pressure, cholesterol and tinnitus.  Blue Cohosh Root has been used to balance blood pressure.

Garlic Bulb is one of our most valuable foods. It is good for the heart, liver, gallbladder, stomach, spleen and lungs. And one of the best natural antibiotics, it detoxifies (chronic lead poisoning), builds blood has helped to lower blood pressure, counteract arteriosclerosis, and improve blood circulation.

Hyssop Leaf was so highly esteemed in the past that it was considered to be a virtual cure-all. Used to promote good circulation, this herbal extract may be important to those with diabetes-related disorders, and those with hypotension. It has been used to flush out excess sodium and lower high blood pressure. At the same time, it may help to raise low blood pressure and soothe the entire body.  

Wild Cherry Bark acts as an anti-tussive, astringent, pectoral, sedative, stomach tonic, brimming with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. The herb is said to be soothing to the nervous system and has been used to slow a nervous, rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and help a feeble pulse (bradycardia) or frequent, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). Cardiac friendly, Wild Cherry Bark is also thought to be helpful for high blood pressure.

Cholesterol Support

This formula includes Flor de Manita and Fenugreek.

Flor De Manita is widely used to assist the heart in regulation of blood pressure.

This herb is called Hand flower tree or Devil’s hand tree. These beautiful flowers grow on evergreen trees in Central and South America. The flower is commonly used as a stimulant for heart problems.  This artery cleansing herb has also been used to reduce water retention and cholesterol.

Fenugreek has shown some evidence that it may improve heart health by keeping your lipid levels within a healthy range. Lipids are fat-like substances that can accumulate in your blood. 

Red Panax ginseng

Korean, or Red Panax ginseng, is nearly identical botanically to American white ginseng, Panax quinquefolius. The medicinal properties of these two similar plant roots are prescribed in traditional medicine for many conditions. But the antioxidant properties found in ginseng root are found to be useful for patients with heart disorders, by decreasing the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol.