Herbs for Your Heart :: Health and Disease

> Health and Disease > Heart/Cardiovascular

Herbs for Your Heart
by author Roy Kiss, CN

It’s easy to forget about the heart, as it does its job automatically. But over the years, daily abuse like stress, eating junk food, living a sedentary lifestyle and smoking slowly degenerate heart function and can cause serious consequences. Thankfully, all is not dismal. In fact, unlike accidents and terminal illness, heart disease is controllable.

One of the components required for a healthy heart is healthy circulation. It keeps the heart beating, moving blood throughout veins and arteries and providing us with the nutrients which we need to live and prevent disease. In order for circulation to be effective, the blood’s route through the body must be open, flexible and free of obstruction. A whole food diet of fruits and vegetables, lots of water and regular exercise can keep your heart and vessels fit. Prevention is the best medicine and herbs have a lot to offer in this regard. The medicinal effect of some well-known herbs is empirically proven.

Herbs That Help

The primary action of herbs used in circulatory disorders is to increase the flow of blood to the body’s extremities (arms, legs, fingers and toes) and to improve the health of blood vessel walls. When it comes to preventing heart disease, just about everyone can benefit from garlic.

Without a doubt, garlic (Allium sativa) provides the body with protection against cardiovascular sluggishness. Garlic is one of nature’s most studied and helpful herbs. Scientific trials reveal that it can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, raise high-density lipoprotein levels (HDL, the good cholesterol), reduce the formation of plaque in carotid arteries and provide protection against aging in the all-important aorta–the cardiac blood vessel responsible for maintaining blood flow and pressure with every heartbeat.

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyancantha) is another circulatory superstar. Its use is most specifically helpful in cardiovascular circulatory disorders. Clinical studies show how the leaves, flowers and fruit of the hawthorn tree contain substances which act as antioxidants and which can help with symptoms of atherosclerosis. Hawthorn also prevents the buildup of cholesterol in the liver by encouraging the breakdown of cholesterol into bile acids. When used for a long period of time (weeks or months), extracts of hawthorn dilate blood vessels, including vessels of the coronary system, giving better blood flow through the heart and throughout the body. Hawthorn also affects intracellular calcium levels in the heart muscle, resulting in improved cardiac function and lowered spastic cardiac conditions.

Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) shares some of the same health-promoting properties of garlic and hawthorn. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin. Studies indicate it lowers cholesterol and lessens blood clotting while improving capillary strength throughout the bloodstream. Cayenne helps arteries, veins and capillaries regain the elasticity of youth by feeding cell structure. It helps equalize circulation by regulating the flow of blood from the head to the feet and strengthens the pulse by increasing its power (not frequency) while lowering overall blood pressure. Generally, cayenne boosts overall health of the entire cardiovascular system.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a European herb used for centuries as a calmative to treat nervous disorders, ease hypertension and calm hyperactivity. It’s useful for symptoms associated with anxiety, panic attack, tension headache and insomnia and appears to be quite safe.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a European strain of blueberries that contains a group of flavonoids with anthocyanosides. These flavonoids are among the most powerful antioxidants available. The bilberry fruit has about 0.8 percent anthocyanosides, which have a tonic effect on blood vessels, strengthening the capillaries and making it a potentially valuable treatment for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and capillary fragility. Bilberry is also used to strengthen vision and macular degeneration.

In conjunction with a plant-based diet and stress management, these traditional herbs are the perfect preventive measure for people who have a family history of heart disease. They can be used in combination as a safe and effective program for combating the gradual loss of heart function that comes with age. Look for these in a liquid formulation with the patented Biomax method of extraction, which retains each herb’s active ingredient and essential minerals and enzymes. This type of processing offers superior bioavailability and enhances overall effectiveness.

Roy Kiss is is a certified nutritionist with 14 years of experience in the nutritional sciences and health industry.

Source: alive #225, July 2001

Herbal Medicine in the New Millennium
As we embark upon the new millennium, herbal medicines are everywhere. Herbs one could rarely find in health food stores 10 years ago now line their shelves. It's a sign of the times.

Nine Tips for Whole-Hearted Health
Our hearts, in a tireless and endless effort, work to circulate blood throughout our body. But in return we tend to often neglect and abuse our hearts, with heart disease being the number one cause of death in Canada..

Exercise Your Heart Safely
The major killer in North America today is heart disease, even though it is preventable with proper nutrition and regular exercise.

Wild Garlic Simply The Best
Scientific Studies Reveal More Facts The healing power of common garlic (Allium sativum) is well-known by many.

Supplements And Herbs For A Healthy Heart
Heart disease statistics could make one's blood run cold--clogged arteries, heart attacks and strokes are responsible for almost 40 per cent of North American deaths.

Gardening With Garlic
With the gardening season coming to a close, avid gardeners are rushing to get in that last bit of planting--bulbs! A marvelous bulb that is often overlooked for fall planting is garlic. Garlic is a positively versatile herb.

Wild Garlic
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum), used for centuries to treat various ailments, is one of the most versatile plants on earth. Unfortunately it had been forgotten until 1988, when new research was done. The results were amazing and even caught scientists by surprise: wild garlic is superior to common garlic (Allium sativum)..

Catch of the Day Keeps Heart Failure Away
When women think of their health, they worry about breast cancer and osteoporosis--not heart disease. Heart disease is an issue for their grandfathers, fathers and husbands.

Prevent Heart Deterioration With Supplements
Ask yourself, "What is the one health challenge that most Canadians will face?" The answer is always heart disease. Heart disease is the most likely condition to shorten lifespan and affect quality of lif.

Whole Foods for Heart Health
Be your own valentine! As you think of ways to please your sweetheart, think of your own heart too. How healthy is it? We have to take this question seriously, since heart problems just keep on increasing in our country. I have checked many sources to come up with these heart-friendly recipes.

Hard on the Heart
The idea that too much animal fat and a high cholesterol level are dangerous to our hearts and blood vessels is nothing but a myth, according to Swedi.

Your Venous System
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart, arteries and veins working in synchronicity. Taking good care of your heart is common sense. Plenty has been written on keeping arteries clear, but a system is only as strong as its weakest link. Most people don't give their venous system a second thought until it's too late..

Hearts Love Herbs
You can't think about heart herbs, especially during the month of February, without thinking of heartsease, the little three-coloured wild pansy (Viola tricolor).

Heart Problems?
Homeopathy has an excellent history of use in acute and chronic heart ailments. A man has his first heart attack. In the emergency department, the physician observes his overwhelming fear of impending death and gives him two pellets of homeopathic Aconitum under his tongue.

Angina
Bypass surgery is five to 10 times more likely to kill you than save you. Angina is more than just chest pain. The symptoms are similar to those of a heart attack, albeit less severe, and they usually end in one to 10 minutes.

Anti-Cancer Antioxidants
Imagine the cells in your body turning brown just like an apple does when exposed to the oxygen in the air.

Garlic
Health benefits of the worlds#1-selling herb confirmed by science.

Understanding the Cardiovascular System
To understand your cardiovascular system, with its hardworking heart and complex support network of arteries, veins and capillaries, think of it as a delivery system of highways and roads that allow oxygen-rich blood to reach every cell of your body.

The Heart of the Matter
Hospital waiting rooms are lonely places. Unfortunately for many people, the firstintroduction to cardiac disease involves waiting for physicians and nurses to deliver news about loved ones.

Heart Happy
Your heart must be challenged on a regular basis. It is a muscle and, like any other muscle in the body, the more it is used, the stronger it becomes. And, also like other muscles, a stronger heart will also be more efficient at doing its job.

Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a cardiovascular tonic that strengthens the heart, reduces arrhythmia, lowers cholesterol, circulation resistance and blood pressu.

Do You Suffer From Heart Disease?
Cardiovascular disease is the number-one preventable cause of death in Canada today. A healthy diet of whole natural foods, regular exercise and good quality sleep can go a long way to reduce the stresses on our heart, arguably the body's most important organ.

Seniors: Hooked on Drugs
About 75 -per -cent of seniors 65 and older living in private households take prescription or non-prescription drugs on a daily basis. For institutionalized seniors, this jumps to a whopping 96 -per -cent.

Hawthorn
Hawthorn has a long history of use primarily as a heart tonic and mild diuretic to tone and strengthen the cardiovascular syste.

Heart Pains
Heart disease accounts for the death of more Canadians than any other disease with about 79,400 deaths annually. Yet, many Canadians do not understand, or perhaps refuse to believe, the potentially life-saving power of food.

Aged Garlic Extract
Recognized in folk medicine for over 5,000 years and confirmed by modern science, garlic has a wide range of health effects.

Cayenne
The best cardiovascular herb available. This safe culinary spice has proven to be exceptionally good for circulation. Health Claims Cayenne (Capsicum sp.

Kyolic
If it weren't for the bad breath that results after eating, garlic would be the best-selling food supplement. Its health benefits are well known: garlic increases longevity and improves heart conditions, high blood pressure, and circulation.

Grape Expectations
It is sobering news for women that they now not only suffer equal rates of heart disease as men, but are more likely to die from their heart attacks.

Heart on Track
In this month of cupid's arrows, the emotional health of our heart is under the spotlight. Amid the deluge of chocolates and flowers, however, it's important to remember to nurture the physical health of this most vulnerable organ..

Preventing Heart Disease
Has blood cholesterol been overemphasized as a risk factor for heart disease? Elevated blood cholesterol levels, particularly the bad form of cholesterol - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - is definitely a risk factor, bu.

Shopping List for a Healthy Heart

Vitamin E (100 percent natural source mixed toco.

Your Detox-Product Shopping List
From the car fumes we breathe to the pesticide residues on our foods, toxic contaminants are, sadly, a daily reality. Your local health food store is your best source of the wide range of natural foods, herbs, and supplements needed to support natural detoxification.

Warm Feet, Warm Heart

Top 10 Supplements
In June 2002 the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article that concluded nutritional deficiencies are an important cause of chronic disease.

Enlist Garlic
Papers presented at the 2005 Garlic Symposium in Washington, DC, held April 9 to 11, report the current scientific research into the effects of garlic on heart health and cancer...

Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease Without Prescriptions
Cholesterol tests have been the standard for predicting heart disease for many years. However, a new risk factor - high levels of homocysteine - have gained increasing interest and research in recent years.

Soy for the Heart

The Four Cornerstones to Heart Health

A New Start?
Ready to make a new start this year? Don't forget about your heart! A routine of healthy diet, stress reduction, and exercise will go a long way toward helping to improve your odds of avoiding heart disease. Many natural products, too, can help improve your heart health.

Move Over Has-Bean
Recently, while my friends and I were sharing a laugh over a cuppa java, I looked across the table at Amanda's cup and realized there was no ebony liquid in it. Instead, she was delicately sipping green tea. One of Amanda's jokes?

Healthy Heart Metabolism
Everyone knows that one of the main keys to healthy heart metabolism is regular exercise. Aside from the fact that exercise strengthens muscle tissue-and your heart is a muscle-exercise also enhances one of the body's main repair biochemicals, insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1.

Heartfelt Shopping
We've all heard the morbid statistics telling us heart attacks and strokes are the top killers of Canadian men and women. However, heart disease is usually preventable. Rarely do the conditions and symptoms leading to heart disease require more than a dedicated change of habits.

Profile of Dr. Andrew Weil
Andrew Weil is definitely changing the face of medicine. His familiar, white-bearded face has beamed at us from the cover of TIME magazine twice in the last nine years, most recently last October when his new book, Healthy Aging (Knopf, 2005) hit the stands.

Garlic the Great
Garlic is powerful, pungent medicine that adds zest to most recipes. In many traditional cultures, garlic has been used as a remedy for various ailments. Now, modern medicine is proving you can get the health benefits of garlic in a capsule and avoid the social ostracism that often accompanies fragrant garlic lovers.

What's your expiry date?
To know the date of your death well in advance would be a rare gift. Or would it?

Yeast
A recent conversation with Edith, an old friend, reminded me that even an ordinarily vivacious and energetic health professional can occasionally have trouble with weight and depression.

The Copper Connection
Copper is at the core of normal body function. Without copper, we cannot form superoxide dismutase, the superpower of all antioxidants. Copper also helps our bodies create collagen, the protein that forms healthy joints and supple, young skin. And it has a role in helping our bodies store iron, a critical component of the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Allicin
Researchers are exploring the medicinal possibilities of garlic, especially its main constituent, allicin. Research suggests that garlic may have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, protecting the heart and arteries, boosting immunity, increasing anti-allergy effects, and helping in cancer prevention and therapy.

Ginger Garlic Gourmet
Ginger and garlic are the dynamic duo of good health. Their medicinal properties have been recorded by diverse ancient cultures. Recent research studies praise them both as safe and effective natural remedies.

Five Ways to Get your Fruits and Veggies

Supersize Dilemma

Start young for better health

Encouragement goes a long way

Heart Displayed in Whole New Light

Coronary Heart Disease
This month we look at preventing and treating heart disease. Nathan examines ounces of prevention, measured in grams of fat per serving, while Janice discovers the importance of familial connection, measured in speed of returned phone calls.

Top 10 Tips For a Healthy Heart
Can diet and lifestyle changes really help you fight family history of heart disease and prevent heart attacks, high blood pressure, and stroke? Medical research says yes.

Garlic the Protector
The newest research on garlic has given us increasing insight into the prophylactic and therapeutic breadth of this amazing bulb. Though I have been investigating garlic research for more than 20 years, I remain surprised by the powerful effects of garlic on the major killer diseases of society.

Health from a Herbalist
Before starting this makeover, I would never have considered seeing a herbalist. But Robert McCandless, a master herbalist, gave me reason to reconsider. The herbal medicine he practises evolved from a combination of European and Native American herbal remedies.

Coenzyme Q10
One of the most important coenzymes discovered-CoQ10-has been compared to a spark plug in a car. Just as a car cannot function without that initial spark, the human body cannot function without CoQ10.

Heart to Health
Traditional merges with modern in this short list of herbs, nutritional supplements, and natural foods recommended by naturopathic and medical doctors, researchers, and, yes, even your dear old granny.

Superfood in a Nutshell
What nuts lack in size they more than make up for in nutrition.

Remember Rhodiola
A herb that was widely used by ancient Nordic seafarers is still being used by monks of the Himalayas. The therapeutic properties of this Arctic herb, rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), have also been impressing modern researchers.

This Might Save Your Life
"I'm going to call an ambulance, I told my patient, a woman in her early 50s. She knew that something was wrong, but I knew she wasn't convinced that her symptoms were serious. Most women, and many men, aren't aware of the more subtle signs of a heart attack.