Medicinal Herbs for the Heart

Medicinal Herbs for the Heart
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Heart disease is a fatal illness that kills more American men and women per year than any other disease, according to website Herbs2000.com. Additionally, more than 13 million people in the United States have active symptoms of coronary artery disease at any given time; these symptoms occur when arteries in or connected to the heart become partially clogged or blocked. This blockage restricts the blood flow through the primary arteries supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Herbs can help bolster flood flow and clear artery blockages. Be sure to consult a physician prior to using herbs medicinally.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is an herb traditionally known for its cardiac applications. It is thought that the variety of flavonoids the plant contains are responsible for its cardiac actions. Hawthorn increases the blood flow to the heart and can balance an irregular heart beat. Additionally, hawthorn can help the recovery of cardiac arrest sufferers because it aids in the regulation, healing and the repair of heart tissue. To prepare hawthorn decoction, steep 1 tsp. of hawthorn blossoms in boiling water for five to 10 minutes, according to website Phytochemicals.

Garlic

Garlic has been called "the noblest onion" in Europe because of its medicinal qualities. Garlic is thought to be native to Asia and now grows primarily in Italy and southern France, the Mediterranean region and California. Allicin is the active constituent in garlic that is known to reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. Garlic capsules are odorless and are an effective alternative if the raw clove is too pungent. The recommended dosage of garlic supplements is three capsules three times per day, according to the Epicentre.

Cayenne

Cayenne grows indigenously in tropical areas of the world, but is now widely cultivated in other areas because of its commercial popularity. As a medicinal herb, cayenne's active constituent, capsaicin, which is responsible for the spiciness in chilies, can alleviate disorders such as impaired blood circulation within the central organs of the body, including the heart. Additional cardiac benefits of cayenne pepper include reducing the likelihood of development arteriosclerosis by lowering blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cayenne also reduces blood clots, according to Herbs2000.com. Don't use cayenne for medicinal purposes without your doctor's approval.

References

Article reviewed by GlennK Last updated on: Oct 25, 2010

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