Coreg, known generically as carvedilol, is a prescription drug widely use in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. It not only lowers blood pressure but helps the heart to pump more efficiently, compensating in part for damage that may have been caused by a previous heart attack. Herbal remedies with similar effects have been in use for centuries. However, substitution of such alternatives for prescription medication should only be done in consultation with a medical professional.
Angelica for Hypertension
Angelica, known scientifically as angelica archangelica, contains several chemical compounds that are also found in prescription calcium channel blockers, widely used to treat high blood pressure and protect the heart against damage. Botanist James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook,” recommends a tonic for heart health that features angelica as one of its main ingredients. To make the concoction, dubbed Angelade, juice angelica stalks, papaya, parsnips, garlic, celery and carrots and mix with water and some spices to taste. Duke says Angelade is not only tasty but “all of the ingredients contain either antioxidants or compounds that lower cholesterol or blood pressure, thus helping to prevent heart disease in one way or another.” You should not treat yourself with angelica or any other herbal remedy without first consulting with your doctor.
Hawthorn for Cardiac Efficiency
Herbalists for centuries have used hawthorn to treat heart-related ailments and other illnesses. A review of studies on the effectiveness of the herb revealed promising evidence of its efficacy as an alternative remedy for cardiovascular disease, but the review’s authors say more long-term data are required to confirm its usefulness. The review, published in the September 1999 issue of the Western Journal of Medicine, cites a 1994 study in which 78 patients with congestive heart failure were given either placebo or a 600-mg daily dose of hawthorn. Patients receiving hawthorn showed a significant increase in maximal work capacity, when compared with those receiving placebo. There was a noticeable decline in symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue and lack of vitality, as well as a lowering of systolic blood pressure; no change in diastolic blood pressure was observed. Consult with a medical professional before taking this or any other herbal remedy.
Gingko Biloba for Blood Flow
Long touted for its ability to improve blood flow to the brain, gingko biloba extract also offers benefits for the heart and the circulatory system as a whole. In “Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs,” botanist Duke says that gingko not only improves blood flow but also inhibits the platelet activating factor, which controls such bodily processes as platelet aggregation and blood clotting. Other heart-healthy properties of the herb include an increase in the body’s ability to tolerate lack of oxygen and an adversarial effect on free radicals, which can impair cardiac function. Hyla Cass and Jim English, authors of “User’s Guide to Gingko Biloba,” cite German studies that show long-term use of the herb “can protect your heart tissues and reduce your risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure.” Check with your doctor before embarking on any regimen of self-treatment.
References
- MedlinePlus: Carvedilol
- “The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook”; James A. Duke; 2000.
- Western Journal of Medicine; Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular Disease: What Is the Evidence It Works? K. Gundling and E. Ernest; September 1999.
- “Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs”; James A. Duke; 2000.
- “User’s Guide to Gingko Biloba”; Hyla Cass and Jim English; 2002.
