Healthy Tips

Herbs for Heart Health

By:  Iris Miller - Natural Health Consultant, Wild Crafter & PFT
Simply Abundant Life Apothecary
Email: [email protected]
Shop: www.etsy.shop/SimplyAbundantLife.com
Disclaimer: This is for your Educational Use only. You are responsible for your health. Consult your Health Care Provider.

DID YOU KNOW HERBS & SPICES CONTAIN ANTIOXIDANTS & FLAVANOIDS THAT HELP PROTECT THE HEART, STIMULATE THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM & NOURISH THE ARTERIES?

HEART HEALTH-SUPPORTING HERBS & SPICES:

Siberian Ginseng - Also known as Eleutherococcus.  In large doses, Ginseng supports central nervous system, protecting it from stress, increasing metabolic function, as well as increasing immunity power.  It is considered the king of all tonics. Chinese recommend Ginseng for indigestion, immune support & as a heart/circulation tonic.

Pu' Er - When brewed, the tea is brownish red and has a bold earthy taste. Studies show that drinking Pu-Er regularly helps support healthy cholesterol & uric acid levels, weight management & heart function.

Kelp - The integration of kelp into Japanese' lifestyle have shown profound health profits.  Holds gastro-intestinal soothing properties & ability to offset affects of stress on the heart.

Cayenne & Turmeric - Tasty spices for heart therapy & calming inflammation. Can be used externally for swelling and pain relief. Note: These are strong herbs. May need to work up to full dose.

Garlic - A mild, natural blood thinner.  Reduces cholesterol (inhibits platelet oxidation & improves HDL) & blood pressure.  Also defends the body by acting as an antiseptic and anti viral agent.

Artichoke & the leaves - A natural chemical in this plant called “cynarin” has been shown in many studies to decrease LDL 10-15% and even raise HDL (the healthy cholesterol).  This herb also supports the liver since it is related to the liver detoxing herb, Milk Thistle.

Hawthorn Berry - Studied to relive angina & hypertension.

Goji Berries - Also known as the wolfberry. Gojis are regarded as one of the most nutrient-rich super foods for heart & immune health. Gojis have a unique, slightly sweet flavor, like a combination of cranberries & cherries. Goji berries contain more iron than spinach, more beta carotene than carrots.

Cocoa Nibs - Cacao is associated with improved vasodilatation, helping increase stamina during exercise. (Athens Medical School).  Cacao powder is naturally cholesterol free. Its phenolic properties may block oxidation of LDL cholesterol.  Flavanoids in cocoa can reduce blood pressure up to 12 points!

Nervines -  Substance that balances, calms, and or sustains the Nervous System.  Examples:  Slippery elm bark, comfrey, oats, barley, marshmallow root, California poppy, passion flower, St. John's wort, catnip, valerian, lemon balm, hops, lobelia, corydalis (bleeding heart root), skullcap, lavender, wood betony, chamomile & nettle.

Yerba mate - A tree native South American Rainforest. A member of the holly family, it produces leaves & stems that are used to make tea in Brazil, Paraguay, & Argentina. Consumed as tea, yerba mate is used in traditional medicine to treat various health problems.  Yerba mate extract may help heart-muscle dysfunction resulting from ischemia (condition that occurs when blockage in coronary artery reduces blood flow to heart).

HOW DO I CONSUME THESE HERBS & SPICES?

  • Drink calming nervine tea:  Skullcap, hops, lobelia, valerian, chamomile, passionflower, lavender, oat, lemon balm.  
  • Add spice to food: Cayenne, Kelp, Artichoke, Turmeric, Garlic.
  • Add to smoothies:  Blend powdered herbs with fruit juices or organic soy/almond milk.
  • Supplement form:  Capsules, tabs, etc.
  • Tinctures & Extracts:  These are concentrated liquid extractions of herbs, often based in alcohol or glycerin.  Consume straight or mixed with water/juice.

Resources:

The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. (n.d.) (pp. 53-60,87-92,  by D. B. Mowrey Ph.D. 1986, Keats Publishing: Contemporary Publishing Group)

Tierra, M., L.Ac., O.M.D. (1998). The way of herbs. 1230 Avenue of the Americas, 9th Floor New York, NY 10020-1586: POCKE