Herbal Glossary: Remedies for Your Heart

A healthy heart is crucial to the overall wellness and health of the body and mind. Keeping your heart healthy and happy means supporting its function to reduce the looming risks of diseases.

Lifestyle changes, proper diet and exercise are heart-supportive measures you can take. And there is no better time to start than today, regardless of where you are in life right now. So let’s get started!

Supporting the Heart

Heart diseases, they say, are silent enemies just waiting to take anyone down. They are the leading causes of death that know no age, gender or race.

Cholesterol, hypertension, stress, anxiety, diabetes and obesity are just a few causes of cardiovascular diseases. Poor diet, smoking, inactivity and excessive alcohol and drug use also put one at stake.

If you have a hereditary heart condition, there is nothing you can do to avoid it. But, there is so much you can do to reduce and mitigate the risks.

Heart-healthy food choices include vegetables, fruits, lean meats, nuts, fat-free or low-fat dairy and fatty fish. Foods with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are also good when consumed accordingly.

Change your dangerous habits, go for a walk and sweat out more often. You will be amazed to see how it can change the way you live as it improves your heart’s pumping rate.

Incorporating heart-protective herbs into your diet is also one of the best ways of supporting its functions.

Remedies for Your Heart

Dietary supplements and other products purported to improve heart health are everywhere. But, please be cautious and understand their potential risks before taking them. If you are taking medications for your heart, blood pressure, cholesterol and other medical conditions, talk to your doctor before engaging in herbal supplements.

Here are some of the herbs from which many of those food supplements were also derived. When taken in food amounts, these herbs can bring great benefits in improving blood circulation and heart function.

Blessed Thistle: Cnicus benedictus is an effective herb for the treatment of whole-body debility. It is an excellent cardio tonic and blood purifier. It also helps regulate blood circulation for the proper functioning of all the organs.

Cayenne: Capsicum annuum has capsaicin which has an excellent vasodilatory property. It means that it can widen the blood vessels to improve blood circulation and prevent clotting. Drinking one teaspoon of cayenne powder dissolved in a cup of water may help prevent a heart attack.

Cinnamon: Cinnamomum verum also has cardiovascular health benefits. It can help reduce bad cholesterol and manage the blood sugar level in people with metabolic diseases. People with diabetes may take cinnamon to reduce the risk of developing heart disease which is a common complication in high blood sugar.

Fennel: The leaves and seeds of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) are rich in copper and zinc which enhances the production of red blood cells. It ensures the proper oxygenation of blood that supports not only the heart but also all the organs in the body. Fennel is also high in fiber which is necessary for reducing the total serum cholesterol.

Garlic: Allium sativum is a heart-supportive spice common in our kitchens. It is a widely used home remedy for lowering high blood pressure. Garlic has allicin that prevents arterial plaque and prevents the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger: Zingiber officinale is a traditional herbal medicine that can help support overall heart function. It has gingerol and shogaol compounds that can help maintain blood triglycerides to reduce the risk of stroke and heart diseases. Ginger may also help manage obesity and improve the metabolic functions of the body.

Ginkgo: When taken in limited doses, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) makes an effective cardio tonic that prevents blood clots. It can help tone and improve the elasticity of the blood vessels to reduce the possibility of circulatory ailments. Ginkgo extract is often taken to improve arrhythmia, angina, atherosclerosis and diabetic complications.

Ginseng: Panax ginseng possesses an excellent pharmacological effect in the protection of the cardiovascular system. It was traditionally used for treating heart failure and protecting the heart from further damage. Ginseng, unlike other herbs that lower blood pressure, may elevate it and is used by patients with hypotension.

Goldenseal: Hydrastis canadensis is a common food supplement intended to help with digestion, common colds and bacterial infections. It contains berberine, an effective antibiotic. It also has other properties that help with arrhythmia.

Hawthorn: Crataegus monogyna is considered one of the most effective herbs in restoring heart function and preventing related diseases. It regulates the blood flow and blood pressure levels. Hawthorn is very effective but it is slow-acting so it may take longer before you can feel its results.

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Indian Snakeroot: Rauwolfia serpentina is one of the best treatments for high blood pressure and cardiac edema. This cardiotonic is also a calming herb that relaxes the blood vessels and reduces agitation and palpitation. It contains alkaloids with excellent vasodilatory properties to prevent plaque buildup in the blood vessels.

Lemon Balm: Melissa officinalis is an effective herb in managing arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. It is very effective against anxiety, stress and in taming nervous palpitations. The best way of taking it is by boiling its fresh leaves and taking 3 to 4 cups of tea a day.

Parsley: Petroselinum crispum is a blood tonic that helps purify, nourish and revitalize the blood. Adding parsley to your food will give you a wide range of nutrients including the B vitamin folate. It is essential in preventing heart problems and reducing the risk of other debilitating health conditions.

Rosemary: Rosmarinus officinalis contains rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid which have an insulin-like effect. These compounds may help manage blood sugar levels to prevent damage to the arteries and nerves. Rosemary leaves, either fresh or dried, have the same potent effect when taken as an infusion.

Yerba Mate: Consumption of yerba mate may significantly lower the LDL cholesterol level and boost the HDL level. It helps prevent the buildup of plaques that contribute to cardiovascular problems. Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contains antioxidants that protect the heart and other organs from damaging free radicals.

Heart Support Tea Recipe

A heart-supportive herbal recipe is not very complicated to make. It only requires one or two ingredients to bring you a potent effect. In this warming cup of tea, we will use cardio tonic herbs that you can find in any supermarket.

The recipe combines fennel, rosemary and cayenne which are known for boosting heart functions. It also has a stimulatory effect that will help improve brain activity for a feel-good effect.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 tsp dried rosemary leaves
• pinch of cayenne
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (adjust according to taste preference)
• 2 cups hot water

Steps:

1. Crush the fennel seeds.
2. Put the fennel seeds and rosemary leaves in a pot and bring to an almost boil.
3. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Strain into a cup and add the cayenne pepper and lemon to taste.

You may also use fresh rosemary leaves if available but do not boil them with the fennel. Add them to the pot only after removing them from the heat and allow them to steep together.

How to Use

Drink 2 to 3 cups of this cardio tonic tea a day to boost your heart and brain health. Do not consume fennel and rosemary more than the normal food amount, especially if you are pregnant or taking certain medications.

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