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Writer's pictureStella Osse

The Beginner's Guide to Understanding Herbal Medicine for Heart Disease



Herbal medicines (HMs) are commonly utilized by those suffering from cardiovascular conditions, often in combination with prescription medication. Unfortunately, no clinical trials have demonstrated their ability to reduce morbidity or mortality rates.

Coenzyme Q10 can protect from heart disease by improving blood flow and decreasing oxidative stress levels. Food sources, including beef liver and trout, may contain CoQ10.

Ginger

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is a culinary condiment and medical remedy widely utilized. The rhizome contains bioactive components, including gingerols, shogaols, and zingerones, demonstrating numerous pharmacological activities.

Ginger's anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet aggregation properties can be attributed to its effect on inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and formation of prostaglandin F2-alpha and thromboxane B2, as well as cardiotonic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and lipid-lowering effects (Nicoll and Henein 2009).

Researchers Conducted Study

Researchers conducted a clinical study and discovered that taking one to three grams of ginger daily can significantly enhance digestion while alleviating nausea, bloating, and heartburn symptoms. More research needs to be conducted to establish whether higher doses are more beneficial.

Ginger compounds have long been recognized for their protective and antithrombotic effects on blood vessels, yet their exact mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Nonetheless, multiple in vitro experiments have demonstrated its antiplatelet, smooth muscle relaxant, hypotensive effects, and potential endothelial function-improving capabilities - potentially improving endothelial function even.

Herbal Medicines for Cardiovascular Disease

Although herbal medicines for cardiovascular disease appear promising, caution must be exercised when selecting herbal treatments. For instance, ginger supplements may increase bleeding in surgery patients and interact with certain blood-thinner medications; their high-calorie content also makes them unsuitable for weight loss. Therefore, it is advised that an overall balanced diet of various herbs and spices be consumed in addition to exercise and daily physical activity for best results in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) contain essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties that may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve lipid metabolism, and protect the liver. Furthermore, coriander seeds contain antioxidants to fight free radicals, which damage cells, leading to herbal medicine for heart disease and other health conditions. Coriander can be taken as a supplement or added directly to food.

Citrusy Cilantro

Citrusy cilantro, also known as coriander, is integral to many dishes across South America and Asia. It’s refreshing citrusy taste makes it a popular garnish. Research shows it reduces LDL levels while increasing HDL ones - potentially protecting against cardiovascular diseases by lowering high blood pressure, a risk factor associated with cardiovascular illness.

Coriander can also help alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). A test-tube study by researchers concluded that compounds in cilantro seeds were effective against bacteria that cause UTIs and helped prevent pain and inflammation.

Fatty Acids

Coriander seeds contain fatty acids and phytochemicals known to relax tension in blood vessels and prevent platelet aggregation. According to one rat study, crude extract of these seeds demonstrated antihypertensive action by decreasing blood pressure while simultaneously improving function in organs responsible for controlling it. Their cholinergic and calcium channel-blocking effects contribute further towards this antihypertensive action, while their diuretic properties help quickly remove excess sodium from your body.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus is an ornamental flowering plant with many beneficial chemicals, including fruit acids that act as laxatives. Additionally, the flowers contain many vitamins and minerals- especially vitamin C- making hibiscus tea popular worldwide with a tart and refreshing taste enjoyed worldwide. According to several small studies, drinking hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure as well as LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglyceride levels--both risk factors for heart disease - though results from these tests varied, and further research is required; additionally, it might possess anti-inflammatory properties; although this remains less well-known than expected.

Hibiscus has long been an effective remedy, relieving many health ailments. Used as a tonic to relieve high blood pressure and ease digestion issues, as well as acting as a vasodilator helping relax and reduce stress-related heart palpitations or high blood pressure symptoms, as well as provide antioxidative protection from various health concerns, it has proven itself worthy over time.

Hibiscus Tea

Drinking hibiscus tea has been found to reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower cholesterol, which is another risk factor for heart disease, as well as help weight loss by providing an HSPP, which has been found to decrease fat cell accumulation in livers while simultaneously decreasing glucose levels in the bloodstream.

Making hibiscus tea at home can be done by steeping dried flowers in boiling water or purchasing tea bags or dried hibiscus powder from health food stores or herbal supplement retailers. Czerwony cautions that only use trusted brands and consult with an experienced herbalist before taking any supplements.

Motherwort

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an aromatic flowering plant with square stems, opposite leaves, and bilabiate flowers in the mint family. Motherwort has long been recognized for its cardiovascular toning effects and potency as an antioxidant, helping maintain healthy blood vessels while lowering cholesterol levels. Furthermore, motherwort strengthens circulatory system muscles while relieving anxiety symptoms, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, or menstrual cramping in women - all vitally important components.

TCM herbalists recognize ginseng's medicinal uses to support emotional stability and physical well-being, including emotional exhaustion treatment and stress reduction. Furthermore, this herb may ease headaches while helping prevent menstrual cramps.

More research must be conducted to verify the efficacy of this herb for these uses; the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database currently ranks it as "Possibly Effective for some uses."

Lab Studies

Lab studies on this herb have demonstrated some promise in lowering cholesterol and inflammation in arteries while stimulating capillary bed growth around the heart. When taken appropriately as a tincture or extract dose, it should be safe for most adults; however, it should likely not be used during pregnancy as it might stimulate the uterus and result in miscarriage.

Be mindful that this herb could interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and blood thinners, and interfere with certain surgeries by producing too much sedation; for this reason, if you have surgery scheduled, be sure to discontinue its use at least two weeks in advance.

Roses

Roses, beloved worldwide for their romance and sentimentality, are among the world's favorite flowers. As kitchen herbs, their petals can be used in jams and jellies or brewed as a refreshing tea - and are packed with vitamin C! If possible, use organically grown roses rather than standard florist roses, which could contain harmful pesticides.

Roses have long been symbolic of love and romance, offering comfort to hearts, lifting moods, and relieving stress*. Additionally, research suggests their phytochemical compounds may support healthy blood pressure levels and cardiovascular functions*.

Rose plants belong to the Rosacea family of flowering plants and come in over three hundred species and cultivars. Rose plants can be upright, climbing, trailing, with stems armed with sharp prickles. Their wide array of colors includes whites, yellows, reds, and more complex hues such as burgundy or purple found on old rose varieties.

Conclusion

In Ayurveda, rose is considered an anti-heart disease tonic. It balances sadhaka Pitta - the sub dosha of Pitta that governs emotions and their impact on our hearts - while at the same time providing healing from past griefs and sorrows so we can move on and experience life more fully today.

Studies have demonstrated the antibacterial activity of rose essential oil and rose absolute against numerous microorganisms, including E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. subtilis, Staph aureus, and Chromobacterium violaceum*. Roses also contain potent antioxidants thought to reduce the risk of heart disease by supporting healthy lipid profiles and liver functions*. So why not include some rose tea in your wellness routine*?

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