Heart Healthy Herbs

A strong heart and healthy blood vessels are key to overall health and well-being. Research has shown that certain herbs are effective in supporting the heart, blood vessels and cardiovascular system. Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine have used medicinal herbs to support heart health for thousands upon thousands of years. They were forced to look to nature for healing methods and discovered the incredible impact certain herbs had on the health of the heart. They can lower cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, balance bloodflow, prevent blood clots and regulate the heartbeat.

Let’s look at some of the health benefits and medicinal properties of popular herbs that are used to promote heart health.

Hawthorn (Crataegusoxyacantha).

European hawthorn has been used for centuries. More recently, it has become more popular in North America as an tonic for the heart. It can lower or normalize blood pressure and improve cardiovascular endurance. Research has shown that congestive heart disease sufferers can benefit from it. This is a condition where the heart is weak and will continue to decline without effective treatment. People with congestive hearts failure or other serious illnesses can experience exhaustion. However, herbs such as hawthorn might be able to help combat this problem. This herb can increase your ability to exercise, including aerobic performance. It also promotes a positive feeling of well-being and decreases feelings of fatigue. These results can help increase the chances of recovering from conditions like congestive heart disease.

All parts of the hawthorn plant, including its berries, flowers and leaves, have been shown to have medicinal properties. These hawthorn plants contain many nutrients such as proanthocyanidins and quercitin. They have positive effects on the cardiovascular system and heart. Hawthorn is a natural remedy for a weak heart and cardiovascular system. It also strengthens a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is another herb that supports a healthy heart. The powerful anti-inflammatory nutrients found in this medicinal herb are remarkable. It acts as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. This helps to reduce inflammation. It’s also used in culinary as a herb because of its vibrant color and flavor. This is a perfect example of the old saying “Let your medicine be your diet and your food your medicine.”

Curcuminoids are healing compounds found in turmeric. These nutrients can help reduce inflammation, which causes or is associated with illness.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is another well-researched nutrient that offers strong antioxidant protection for the heart and blood vessels. It increases energy at the cellular level, and optimizes aging. Resveratrol is found in Japanese knotweed, as well as in red wine grapes. Supplements are the best source of Resveratrol.

Garlic

Garlic is a powerful source of heart-health benefits. Regular garlic consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing heart disease. Garlic’s natural compounds and compounds relax blood vessels, and may have anti-inflammatory and blood pressure lowering effects. Garlic is also known to lower cholesterol levels. It can reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to clogging and other cardiovascular problems like stroke or heart attack. Garlic is also known for its strong antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and hypertension.

The most powerful health benefits for your heart are from fresh garlic. According to Dipak K. Das (study coauthor, PhD, ScD), a professor at the Cardiovascular Research Center, fresh crushed garlic produces hydrogen sulfide. This gas is also produced from rotten eggs. “Though this gas can be poisonous if it is too much, it serves as an intracellular signaling compound that protects the heart.” Das states.

Garlic can be added to any recipe easily and should be a staple in every household’s refrigerator.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can be used in many ways, not just for rice pudding and French toast. Cinnamon is an effective herb for preventing cardiovascular diseases. Research suggests that cinnamon compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. They may also protect against cardiovascular disease.

Cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory properties help to fight infection and repair tissue damage. Research shows that just 1/5th teaspoon of cinnamon per day can have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon can also lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol. Cinnamon can also be used to lower blood pressure. Cinnamon can also increase blood circulation and activate your metabolism, which in turn promotes weight loss and contributes to overall health.

Tea

An afternoon cup of tea may be just what the doctor ordered. According to research, those who drink tea may have a lower risk of a heart attack or cardiovascular-related problems than those who don’t. Flavonoids, compounds that lower inflammation and cholesterol and improve blood vessel function, are found in both green and black teas. Green tea might have some advantages over black tea in terms of heart health benefits. Green tea’s powerful antioxidants may be able to prevent the development of coronary artery disease. Their anti-inflammatory properties on plaque buildup in bloodstream and arterial walls can help prevent stroke and cardiovascular disease. Catechins in green tea help lower cholesterol and prevent LDL particles from oxidizing.

While black tea has its own virtues, it also contains unique compounds that offer heart-health benefits. These compounds can result in significant decreases in blood sugar and triglycerides, as well as an increase in HDL cholesterol and higher levels of antioxidants. Studies have also shown that black tea can reduce both diastolic as well as systolic blood pressure.

Although herbal teas may not have the same health benefits and antioxidants as green and black, they shouldn’t be dismissed if you don’t drink caffeine. They can still be a healthy choice, even though they have lower levels of antioxidants and different chemical compositions.

Ginseng

Both American Ginseng and Asian Ginseng are some of the most well-known herbs in the world. They have many health benefits. It can be used to treat diabetes, lower blood sugar, cholesterol, stress and promote relaxation. It has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control in type 2 diabetics. Long-term blood sugar control is possible with Ginseng.

Many studies have shown that ginseng can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce myocardial damage and heart failure. Small trials have shown that ginseng can be used as an adjunctive therapy for heart failure patients.

Berberine

Berberine, a yellow-colored alkaloid, is a compound with pharmaceutical properties that is used in the body. It is found in many plants including American goldthread and common barberry. Berberine is a natural treatment for heart disease that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Chinese medicine. However, it has recently made its way into Western medicine. Berberine has several positive heart-health benefits. It maintains healthy glucose and insulin levels.

About the Author

Beverly Yates (ND) is a California-licensed doctor in naturopathic medicine. She is also the author of Heart Health for Black Women, A Natural Approach to Healing Heart Disease and Preventing It. Visit drbeverlyyates.com for more information.

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340156/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5130975/

https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/136/3/736S/4664300

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6485276/

The article Heart Healthy Herbs appeared originally on Alternative Medicine Magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is holistic healing safe?

Holistic Medicine is not as hazardous as you might think. However it does come with a few risks. The most common side effects include headaches, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, and insomnia. These side effects can be difficult to understand and must be weighed against the benefits offered by alternative treatments such acupuncture.

However, there are no known cases of death due to the use of holistic medicines.

Always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan.

Which types of treatment should not be considered holistic medicine?

Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person as a healing approach, rather than just the symptoms. It promotes health and prevents disease.

Holistic medicine uses natural remedies such as herbs, homeopathy, and acupuncture instead of drugs and surgery.

Holistic medicine is a lifestyle change that includes exercise, diet, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises and massage.

Integrative medicine is also known as holistic medicine. It integrates all aspects, including the patient’s spiritual, mental, and physical needs, into a single comprehensive care plan.

Holistic medicine emphasizes prevention, early detection and healthy living.

Holistic doctors believe there is no one cause for every condition. They look at the whole picture and consider genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and personal factors.

Holistic practitioners focus more on the mind, emotions, and spirit than on the body alone.

Holistic doctors work closely with patients to find the best solution for them.

How safe is holistic medicine.

Holistic medicines can be safe as they don’t contain harmful drugs and are natural remedies that people have used for centuries.

They have been proven to be effective in treating many diseases, including asthma, arthritis, chronic pain, diabetes, high blood sugar, heart disease and obesity, as well as anxiety, stress.

Millions of people across the globe who are suffering from different diseases use holistic medicines. They include homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, herbal treatments, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, nutrition, counseling, physical fitness, exercise, and other complementary therapies. These therapies are holistic and treat the person as a whole, not the symptoms.

Why is alternative medicine important

Alternative medicine is very popular, as they are often less expensive and more beneficial than traditional treatments. Unfortunately, many patients have died as a result of side effects like allergic reactions. It’s also possible that certain alternative therapies may not help at all.

Alternate medicines can be dangerous, especially if you don’t know enough to choose the best ones. For example, vitamin supplements aren’t regulated like pharmaceuticals, so it’s easy to overdose on vitamins. Some alternative remedies can contain toxic chemicals, which is even worse.

Statistics

category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)

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What are the Pros and Cons of Holistic Medical?

Holistic medicine refers to a medical approach that stresses the importance of the mind, body and spirit in healing. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques such as meditation, visualization, and hypnosis. People with stress, anxiety, depression or pain experienced this treatment. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.

Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. However, studies show these treatments can help to relieve chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other ailments.

Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:

We lack scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Positive results are most common in observational studies.
Traditional medicine has a higher cost. Alternative medicines are often cheaper than conventional ones, especially if the patient follows an organic diet.
Patients are not under any pressure to adhere to the prescribed protocol.
Many doctors recommend complementary treatments without prescribing them.
Holistic treatments are often combined with conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
People believe that alternative treatments work better than conventional medicine.
Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
Senior adults are increasingly interested in holistic treatments.
It is important to conduct more research on complementary therapies.
Research shows that people are more inclined to try other treatments than going to the doctor.
Doctors need to be able to see that not all patients are candidates for alternative treatments.
Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
Holistic treatments may not be safe for all.
It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
Sometimes holistic treatments can prove dangerous.
Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
Holistic therapies are highly effective.
Holistic treatments are based on ancient knowledge.
Holistic therapies are simple to learn.
It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
Holistic treatments can be too costly.
Holistic treatments are very expensive.
Holistic treatment is less costly than conventional medicine.
Holistic treatments tend to be more expensive that conventional medicine.

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Holistic Medicine – A Short History

Holistic medicine refers to a system that treats the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. Prevention is better than treatment. It focuses on prevention and management of disease, such as diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, and so forth.

Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. Holistic medicine was born after Dr. Andrew Weil published “Spontaneous Healing” 1996. Dr. David Williams, and Dr. Michael Murray founded the American Holistic Medical Association in 1997. Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The World Health Organization named holistic medicine as one of five key trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.

Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. Let’s take, for instance:

You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. The result is fatigue, weakness, and sickness.

You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These feelings cause stress in your brain. If untreated, these stress hormones can trigger adrenaline and cortisol production. Adrenaline boosts heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Cortisol can affect your nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.

You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. It is possible to lack self-esteem or confidence. This could lead to unhealthy eating habits, low energy, and unhealthy relationships. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.

There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine

Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. If needed, they may prescribe medication or perform surgery. Allopathic doctors believe they understand the human body, and can prescribe medications to treat ailments. Alternative medicine is based on herbs, vitamins and minerals, diet, exercise as well as emotional support and spiritual healing. Alternative medicine is not defined in a standard way. Alternative medicine is also known as natural medicine or integrative medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.

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By: jbenson@innovisionhm.com
Title: Heart Healthy Herbs
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/conditions/heart-disease/heart-healthy-herbs/
Published Date: Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:16:15 +0000