Cardiomyopathy is a serious medical condition that results in an enlarged heart muscle. The condition is treated with a combination of surgical and pharmaceutical methods. One strategy, particularly with a particular type of the condition called restrictive cardiomyopathy, is to use medications to lower blood pressure. Naturopathic doctors claim to be able to lower blood pressure naturally using the herbs hawthorn, passion flower and ginkgo bilboa; however, talk to your physician before adding any herbs to your daily regimen.
Hawthorn
The website Diet-and-Health.net claims that hawthorn, or Crataegus oxyacantha, improves blood flow to the heart and is particularly effective in strengthening weak heart muscles. Hawthorn contains bioflavonoids, antioxidants that reduce degeneration of the circulatory system. According to the National Center for Complementary Medicine (NCAM), an agency of the National Institutes of Health, there is evidence to support hawthorn's role in helping treat mild forms of heart failure; however, the site also suggests the research is inconsistent. Because hawthorn may interfere with the performance of certain heart medications, check with your doctor before taking it.
Passion Flower
According to Diet-and-Health.net, an extract of passion flower, also known as Passiflora incarnata, can slightly reduce blood pressure. Medline Plus, an online drug database run by the National Institutes of Health, says that although there is some research supporting passion flower's ability to reduce anxiety, there is insufficient evidence to judge whether it can reduce blood pressure or not. The site also notes that the herb should be safe when taken in food, but less safe when taken as medicine. Side effects include irregular muscle action and inflamed blood vessels, so check with your doctor before taking passion flower extract.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is probably best known for its reported role as a memory enhancer. The theory is it improves brain function by improving arterial circulation, and this effect might also benefit patients with cardiomyopathy. According to the NCAM, some research has shown ginkgo biloba to help relieve intermittent claudication, which is leg pain caused by narrowing arteries. However, there is no evidence that it reduces blood pressure. In a study published in the May 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Hypertension," ginkgo biloba was not shown to be any more effective in reducing blood pressure than a placebo.
Expert Insight
Cardiomyopathy is a potentially life-threatening condition and should always be treated by a medical doctor. If you wish to pursue complementary naturopathic treatment, start by finding a qualified practitioner. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that in most states, anyone who takes a few online courses can claim to be a naturopathic doctor. It recommends seeing only practitioners who have completed an educational program approved by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. Tell your doctors about all herbal supplements you are taking so they can be sure they won't interfere with your other treatments or medications.
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