Angina occurs when there the heart's supply of oxygenated blood is restricted and is characterized by chest pain on physical exertion. According to the National Health Services's website, "NHS Choices," angina is usually caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which the arteries become narrowed, thus hindering blood flow. Angina can be unstable or stable, notes "NHS Choices." Stable angina is not life-threatening in itself but could signal the development of heart disease or stroke. However, unstable angina is very serious and should be regarded as a medical emergency. Angina is usually treated with a combination of medicine and surgery. Some herbs may be helpful for angina but should never be used in place of conventional medical treatment.
Hawthorn
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) website notes that hawthorn is a traditional remedy for cardiovascular disease. Hawthorn contains antioxidant flavinoids known as oligomeric procyandins which may dilate blood vessels to improve the flow of the blood to the heart, UMMC notes. Hawthorn is generally safe but may cause side effects, including palpitations, nausea and headache. This herb may interact with some drugs, including heart medications like beta blockers and digoxin. Talk to your doctor before using hawthorn to treat angina.
Kudzu
According to a study published in January 2004 in the "Journal of Chinese Medicinal Materials," the Chinse herb, kudzu, also known as puerarin or pueria lobota, may be an effective treatment for unstable angina. The study's lead author, X. Chen, notes that an injection of kudzu was more efficacious in reducing angina symptoms than a standard treatment. In addition, kudzu was well-tolerated. However, the UMMC website suggests that more research is needed to determine whether this herb is an effective treatment for angina. Do not take kudzu without consulting your doctor as it may cause side effects and interact with other drugs.
Suxiao Jiuxin Wan
The UMMC website notes that the herb known as suxiao jiuxin wan is a common angina treatment in China. However, according to an article published in January 2008 in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews," there is only weak evidence to suggest that suxiao jiuxin may reduce frequency of acute attacks of angina. Nevertheless, the article's lead author, X. Duan, suggests that suxiao jiuxin wan could still be a useful treatment for angina.
Member Comments