A healthy heart is the key to a long, happy life. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., heart disease kills more than one million people per year and is the number one cause of death in the United States. Some in the natural health community believe that certain natural herbs can clear blockages in the arteries, aid in preventing heart attacks and promote overall heart health. Consult with a health care professional prior to using a natural herbal remedy.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is reputed for its abilities to treat heart disease and is believed to improve heart function in multiple ways. According to "The Healing Herbs," by Michael Castleman, hawthorn was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its medicinal benefits, and regained popularity as a healing herb in the 17th century. Today, hawthorn is known mainly for its impact on the heart. Hawthorn is thought to regulate the amount of cholesterol that builds up on the artery walls and open up the arteries to promote blood flow and increase the heart's pumping force. According to Castleman, studies show that patients with congestive heart failure who took hawthorn experienced less shortness of breath than prior to taking the herb. A hawthorn infusion can be made adding 2 tsp. of the herb to a cup of boiling water and steeped for 20 minutes. Up to two cups of this mixture can be consumed daily.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is another option for removing blockages from the heart and promoting heart health. According to CayennePepper.info, cayenne pepper aids in the removal of bad cholesterol from the body and essentially cleanses the arteries, and is thought to aid in treating heart disease and reducing the likelihood of a heart attack. Possible side effects include a possible burning sensation in the digestive tract. "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies," by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D., recommends decreasing the dose and removing the seeds from the pepper to prevent the re-occurrence of this side effect. Consuming a banana may ease the burning discomfort. Cayenne is also available in supplement form and can be purchased at most health food stores.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a third herbal option for clearing blocked arteries and decreasing the risk of heart attack. According to "The Healing Herbs," ginseng possesses an anti-clotting effect that prevents cholesterol deposits from forming and blocking the arteries, thus significantly reducing the risk of heart attack. Ginseng is available in supplements, or you can make a home remedy from the pulverized root. To mix, add 1/2 tsp. of the herb to a cup of boiling water and allow to simmer for 10 minutes. You can consume up to two cups of this mixture daily. Possible side effects include increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, insomnia, breast soreness, hay fever and asthma attack.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, Ph.D.; 2001
- Cayenne Pepper: Health Benefits of Cayenne Pepper
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