Wellness Wednesday: Cardiovascular Health

The month of January is heart health and stroke awareness month in the US.

How lucky for us as lovers of plan medicine that we have access and understanding of herbal allies that can assist in maintaining good cardiovascular function. Paired with regular exercise and a responsible diet, these herbs are stellar partners in the maintenance of cardiovascular wellness.

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The graphics is a large green box with the headline of Herbs for Cardiovascular Health.

January is heart and stroke awareness month in the US. Issues associated with cardiovascular health and stroke are considered long term medical conditions in which the heart and circulatory system are chronically impacted. Though some cardiovascular issues such as high blood pressure do not often cause direct symptoms when it first appears, it can be a major risk factor behind coronary artery disease, stroke, heart attack, atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and many other potentially life altering illnesses. Along with diet and exercise, there are herbs traditionally used to help general cardiovascular health.

Yarrow:
Affectionately known as the blood master! Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is known for its ability to help lower blood pressure by its effects on peripheral circulation and its ability to be tonic and toning to blood vessels. It is specific to situations with high blood pressure and is also used in situations where thrombosis may be present.

Hawthorn:
This powerful herbal ally is a cardiovascular champion! Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna/oxycantha) acts upon the S node of the heart to help maintain typical rhythm without making the heart perform harder. It is specific in issues with tachycardia and angina, and helps to lower blood pressure.

Garlic:
Not just for cooking! Garlic (allium sativa) can flavour your food and lower your blood pressure. Garlic is one of the easiest cardiovascular herbs to get. It helps reduce cholesterol and lower blood triglycerides and is specific in situations with arteriosclerosis. It is protective to the heart and helps with age related vascular changes.

Dandelion Leaves:
A champion diuretic! We all know this pesky weed as dandelion (Taraxacum offinale). When it comes to diuretics, not much in the herbal world can beat dandelion leaves. It is traditionally used to help lower high blood pressure, to assist with issues from congestive heart failure, and is also an excellent tonic and has anti-cholesterol qualities.

Horse Chestnut:
Don't say "Nay" until you've tried it! Often used in big cities as a decorative tree, Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) has a long standing history in herbal medicine for cardiovascular issues. It is specific for venous congestion, and edema, it is a potent vasodilator and is tonic to the valves of the veins. It is specific in reducing the danger of heart attack and potentially reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Cayenne Pepper:
Lowering blood pressure is so hot right now. This is another kitchen based herb that is easy to use and potent in its actions. Cayenne (Capsicum annum) helps stimulate proper circulation, is used traditionally to regulate blood pressure and also has a natural blood thinning affect in therapeutic doses.

Motherwort:
This herb is most commonly used in the various needs of women's health. However, Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) can be a potent helper when it comes to blood pressure. Most commonly, Motherwort is used traditionally when blood pressure is raised from stress. It helps balance and tone the nervous system and is considered a cardiotonic. Also considered helpful in heart palpitations from stress.

Bilberry:
Its not a blueberry! Although the two look very similar and are both rich in antioxidants, Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is another traditional herb used in cardiovascular health. It is considered specific in venous insufficiency and is an excellent tonic and considered to be vasoprotective.


As a precautionary: Do not use this information as replacement for medications or advise from your medical doctor. If you would like to use herbs please see an appropriate practitioner.