According to the American Medical Association (AMA) in the book "Complete Guide to Prevention and Wellness," plaque buildup can cause cracks in the arterial walls. The body reacts quickly by rushing to repair the leak with platelets, which clot the crack with blood. Platelets are sticky and while able to seal the crack, can also cause a blood clot to form and grow in size. If blood clots get too large, they block blood flow. According to the AMA, blood clots inhibiting blood flow to the heart and brain are a reason for heart attacks and strokes. Herbs may aid in lowering blood pressure and allowing proper blood flow, but only a physician can decide the best course of treatment for the patient.
Gingko biloba
Ginkgo biloba has been used in Chinese medicine to strengthen vascular and circulation. Ginkgo is an anti-inflammatory and also inhibits the formation of blood clots. It dilates blood vessels. According to Holly Boon, author of "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs," the recommended adult dose is 300 mg daily in powder or pill form, or 40 mg in extract or tincture form.
Since ginkgo does affect blood pressure, the patient should consult with a physician prior to taking the herb, especially if under blood pressure medication treatment.
Green tea
Green tea contains two antioxidant properties, EGCG and polyphenol oxidase, that help in circulation and plaque reduction. EGCG, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, is believed to be responsible for green tea's use in disease fighting, according to Arthur Roberts, M.D., author of "Nutraceuticals." Dr. Roberts also writes that green tea is well documented in providing many health benefits, including preventing platelet clumping.
Green tea begins working, according to Mark Goldstein, author of "Your Best Medicine" in as little as one cup daily, although many of the teas found in grocery stores are not as potent to provide the needed circulatory boost or plaque reduction. An adult dose should be a minimum of two strong cups of tea made with loose green tea leaves, or a pill containing 40 mg to 90 mg of EGCG once daily.
Only a physician can determine whether a green tea regimen will be beneficial to the patient.
Grapeseed Extract
Grapeseed extract, according to Arthur Roberts, author of "Nutraceuticals," contains antioxidant properties that help with circulation by relaxing the blood vessels. Grapeseed extract prevents oxidation of LDLs, one component in plaque formation which causes blood clots, and also reduces platelet clumping, another component that forms blood clots.
Grapeseed extract comes in pill form and an adult dose is 50 mg to 200 mg daily. While no side effects are currently listed for grapeseed extract, the patient should not take this herb without consulting a physician.
References
- "55 Most Common Medicinal Herbs"; Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD; 2009
- "Nutraceuticals: The Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements, Herbs"; Arthur Roberts, M.D, et al.; 2001
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; David Heber, M.D., PhD., FACP, FACN; 2007
