Numerous patients with heart disease are aggravated by plaque buildup in the arteries, which in some cases, is preventable. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, while others develop it as a result of their lifestyles. In either instance, taking herbal remedies may provide protection and slow down the advance of your disease. Herbs can cause side effects, though, so before moving to an herbal treatment plan, consult your physician and an herbal practitioner.
Garlic
Patients with heart disease and hardening of the arteries may benefit from garlic's wide range of healing properties. Garlic may help widen blood vessels, increase circulation, lower blood pressure and remove plaque from artery walls, according to Guautnter Siegel, M.D., of the University of Medicine in Berlin. Garlic is best used when it is fresh and raw. You can eat raw garlic or make an herbal tea from fresh garlic cloves. If you prefer, odorless garlic supplements are available at health food stores. Contact your practitioner or an herbal specialist at a health food store for more information regarding brands and dosing guidelines.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba aids in increasing circulation and boosts blood flow, reducing peripheral artery disease in the legs caused by blocked arteries. Additionally, ginkgo helps to dilate the blood vessels, allowing an increase in healthy flow of blood to the heart and brain. Ginkgo is high in antioxidants that may offer protection against heart disease. Ginkgo is well-known for its ability to improve memory and cognitive function in the elderly.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn promotes relaxation of the blood vessels, which aids in increasing circulation throughout the body. It is a heart tonic that strengthens the walls of the heart and helps to reduce blood pressure. Hawthorn extract may improve the heart's workload, enabling more exercise tolerance and reducing fatigue, notes "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Hawthorn should not be taken through self-treatment. Hawthorn can produce serious side effects, so consult your health practitioner for treatment guidelines.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper can improve blood circulation, stimulating the heart's action. Cayenne is best used in an herbal tea where you can control the dosage. Make the tea by adding a small pinch of cayenne pepper to a cup of boiling water with a small amount of honey added for sweetening. You can sip the tea hot or drink it cold throughout the day to stimulate and strengthen the action of your heart. Start with a very small amount of cayenne and increase the quantity as you get used to the feeling of it in your mouth. Consult your health practitioner for dosing guidelines.
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is a Chinese herb whose action resembles that of statin drugs, which lower cholesterol and reduce the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels. Red yeast rice is widely used in Eastern medicine to aid digestion, revitalize the blood and invigorate the body; however, it is used differently in China than in the West. In China, it is consumed in its entirety as a food, allowing people to benefit from all of its compounds. In the West, the active ingredients have been removed and turned into pharmaceutical drugs or manufactured supplements with varying degrees of effectiveness. Caution is advised when buying red yeast rice. Buy it only from a reputable source to ensure you receive the actual herbal product. Do not use red yeast rice unless under the supervision of a practitioner familiar with its properties.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- Baxco Pharmaceuticals: Benefit of Garlic in Cardiovascular Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Red Yeast Rice
- "Helio Acupuncture Book, Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica"; Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble; 2003
Member Comments