Strengthening your cardiovascular system may prevent a heart attack or save your life one day. Arteries leading to the heart may become blocked with plaque or weakened due to high blood pressure and the cells may die, leading to a heart attack. Various herbs can be used with the intention of strengthening the arteries, lowering the risk of a heart attack. Herbs can cause side effects and should be used with extreme caution. Contact your health practitioner before using herbs prophylactically or during a heart attack.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a heart tonic that may strengthen the arteries and the walls of the heart as well as help to control blood pressure. The herb is high in rutin and quercetin, two polyphenols whose action on the system helps relieve cardiovascular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In several animal studies, hawthorn was shown to have antioxidant properties and may protect against the formation of plaques, high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Hawthorn is also used in the treatment of congestive heart failure and angina. Hawthorn may cause side effects and can interfere with other medicines. Do not use hawthorn unless under the supervision of your health practitioner.
Garlic
Garlic may lower the blood pressure and thin the blood along with lowering cholesterol and preventing blood clots, according to UMMC, although some research suggests mixed results. Baxco Pharmaceuticals discusses the benefits of garlic on the circulatory system, noting among the many properties of garlic, that it may remove nanoplaque, the earliest stages of plaque formation from artery walls, preventing arthersclerosis. Fresh garlic and powdered supplements were shown to be effective and the recommended dose is 900 mg daily, notes UMMC. Garlic can thin the blood and should not be used medicinally by those taking blood thinners.
Green Tea
Green tea is high in polyphenols and other compounds that may be effective in preventing heart disease and arteriosclerosis, notes the University of Chicago Medical Center. In particular, it may protect against coronary artery disease, although scientists are not sure why, notes UMMC. Although there is not much scientific research to support the effects of green tea on cardiovascular disease, anecdotal evidence from places such as China and Japan, where green tea is consumed in large quantities by a significant portion of the population, indicates a lower rate of heart disease overall. This may be attributed to several other health factors as well. Green tea can cause side effects, primarily related to the presence of caffeine. It can cause irritability, jitteriness and insomnia. If you are sensitive to caffeine, choose a decaffeinated brand.
Evening Primrose Oil
The oil from the evening primrose plant is indicated for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Numerous studies show its effects for lowering serum cholesterol, reducing blood pressure and lowering platelet levels in plasma, reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems, including stroke and heart attack, according to Wright State University. Evening primrose oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids and should be taken for a period of at least three to five months to observe its healing effects. No serious side effects have been reported and evening primrose oil is considered safe except for people who suffer from schizophrenia or epilepsy, due to its ability to trigger seizures. The recommended dose for cardiovascular support is three to six capsules daily in 500 mg capsules, according to Wright State University. Consult your health practitioner before using evening primrose oil medicinally.
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