The cardiovascular system includes your heart and blood vessels, which are also a part of the circulatory system. The heart is the epicenter of the circulatory system. It's responsible for pumping blood throughout your body so all the organs remain functional. Problems with your heart disrupt blood flow, and arterial blockage or disorders in your blood equally disrupt your heart from functioning properly. Maintaining a strong heart and circulatory system involves eating nutritious foods, engaging in daily activity such as exercise, and following medical advice in the event of cardiovascular dysfunctions. Herbs are also helpful in strengthening your cardiovascular system as an adjunct to medical treatment.
Step 1
Add garlic to your meals. Garlic contains the sulfur compound allicin. This compound is an important antioxidant, which protects your heart and helps maintain circulation. Chop garlic cloves and sprinkle onto your vegetables, meat or pasta sauces. To maintain cardiovascular health, add two or three chopped cloves of garlic to your meals once a day. Consult your physician before using garlic supplements.
Step 2
Take capsaicin or use cayenne powder to spice your meals. Capsaicin is an active ingredient in cayenne pepper. Cayenne is a tasty addition to foods that adds a hint of spice but is also beneficial for maintaining circulatory health. Use chopped cayenne pepper in your salad or sprinkle cayenne powder into your chili or meats during preparation. Cayenne is edible raw or cooked and is available in capsule form as a supplement. Consult your physician before using cayenne due to possible interactions with medications or food allergy.
Step 3
Drink ginko biloba tea or take an oral supplement. Ginko biloba is an antioxidant, which protects your cardiovascular system from free radical formation and prompts healthy circulation. MayoClinic.com suggests using ginko biloba tea, containing 30 mg of extract per tea bag. Choose an oral supplement, taken daily as an alternative to drinking tea. Consult your physician before using ginko biloba to ensure safety.
Step 4
Add hawthorn supplements to your diet. Hawthorn is a shrub from the rose family, used for centuries as a natural means for treating circulatory disorders. Hawthorn is available in capsule form at health food stores. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that the standardized dose of hawthorn for decreasing heart failure ranges from 160 to 900 mg daily, taken for up to six weeks. Consult your physician for proper dosing and to ensure safety.
Step 5
Eat more soy. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine indicates that soy is useful for decreasing high blood pressure and lowering cholesterol, which are contributors to heart disease. Soy comes in the forms of tofu, soy milk and soybeans, in addition to supplements. Add tofu to your salads or soup, or eat baked soybeans as a snack. Consult your physician before adding soy to your diet in case of allergies or medication interactions.
Step 6
Use ginger in baking or add to your meals. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates ginger may help in lowering cholesterol, preventing blood clots and protecting you from a heart attack or stroke . Buy fresh ginger and grate a teaspoon-full for use in baking or add to sauces for extra flavor. Ginger is safe for use on a daily basis and is also available in the spice section of the supermarket as a powder or in health food stores as a supplement.
Tips and Warnings
- Hawthorn is considered a safe herb with rare side effects such as headache and nausea.
- Eating ginko seeds is potentially deadly, MayoClinic.com warns. Adverse effects of ginko biloba also includes stomach upset, headache and nausea.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cayenne
- MayoClinic.com: Ginko
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hawthorn
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Garlic
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance
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