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Cardiovascular Helpers Here are some herbal remedies that have been used as cardiovascular helpers throughout history. Scroll down to find your ailment. Click on 'Fact Sheet' for more information. High Blood Pressure Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) Part used: Bark History: European folk medicine used to treat cramps Science: Contains valerianic acid that reduces blood pressure Practitioners opinion: Lowers blood pressure by relaxing the arteries Directions: Tablets: 2 tablets 3 times daily Tincture: 5 ml twice daily We recommend people with high blood pressure use Cramp Bark daily to keep blood pressure down and thereby prevent blood vessel damage. It contains compounds that relax the blood vessel wall, in turn reducing pressure in the blood vessel. Bonus: Cramp Bark does not have the side effects associated with chemical blood pressure medication. High Blood Pressure & High Cholesterol Garlic (Allium sativum) Part used: Bulb History: Folk medicine used to treat hypertension and heart disease Science: Allicin reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels Practitioners opinion: Must be used long term Directions: Tablets: 2 tablets 3 times daily Juice: 10ml twice daily with water before meals Garlic has been boiled and eaten for thousands of years to treat an ailing heart. Recent research shows that it contains chemicals that reduce the problems that lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and plaque formation. Garlic must be used long term to prevent and repair cardiovascular disease. Heart Disease & Heart Disease Prevention Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Part used: Flower, leaf & berry History: European folk medicine for heart disease Science: Research shows it improves heart health & function Practitioners opinion: Must be used long term Directions: Tablets: One tablet three times a day Tincture: 2.5 ml 3 times daily Juice: 10ml twice daily with water before meals Hawthorn is considered the best general tonic for the cardiovascular system. Herbalists say that, when used long term, it can prevent heart attacks and strokes and that it can be used to help heart attack and stroke patients recover more rapidly. If you’re looking for a herbal medicine to increase heart health, we recommend Hawthorn. This is especially the case if you have high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol Maitake (Grifola frondosa) Part used: Whole mushroom History: Long used in Asia as a general tonic Science: Animal research has shown it reduces cholesterol levels Practitioners opinion: Must be used long term Directions: Tablets: Two tablets three times daily Until very recently, no one knew much about cholesterol. However, of late, we have discovered that it sets a person up for a heart attack or a stroke. Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol causes a problem over time. Maitake is something we have found reduces cholesterol levels. It should be used long term as high cholesterol is a long-term problem. Poor Circulation Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum species) Part used: Bark History: Used by Native Americans to warm the body in winter Science: Contains xanthoxyline which opens up blood vessels Practitioners opinion: Effective and works right away Directions: Tablets: 1 tablet 3 times daily after meals. Tincture: 2.5 ml twice daily after food For poor circulation, we recommend Prickly Ash. Even in Raynaud's Phenomena, when the hands and feet become dangerously cold, this remedy makes a difference. This herb works right away and is not a herbal medicine requiring patience. Shortly after using it, a warm flush spreads over the body. It can be used all winter long to keep the hands and feet warm. Some take it on winter holidays to make life on the slopes more comfortable. Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Part used: Leaf & bark History: Used by Native Americans to treat haemorrhoids Science: Contains tannins that shrink blood vessels Practitioners opinion: Only used topically and highly effective in most cases Directions: Cream: Apply three times daily to affected area Spray: Apply three times daily to affected area We make a Witch Hazel cream and spray which are topically applied to both hemorrhoids and varicose veins. In the case of hemorrhoids, the cream reduces itching, soreness, and inflammation. Witch Hazel contains tannins that reduce swelling of the afflicted part. It reduces discomfort immediately but must be used long term to eradicate the problem. Varicose Veins and Hemorrhoids Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Part used: Flowering Herb History: European folk medicine for problematic veins Science: Contains achillein, a proven haemostat Practitioners opinion: Strengthens fragile veins Directions: Tincture: 2.5 ml twice daily Juice: 10ml twice daily with water before meals. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins won't kill you but they can make life unbearable. When it comes to these annoying conditions, herbal medicine does not offer any quick solutions. There is nothing that works overnight. However, if you are willing to be patient, yarrow when used for long periods, does improve the health of veins. Achillea internally and Witch Hazel externally is a winning combination. |
