With Valentine’s Day on the horizon I took a giant leap and chose Heart Health as the subject for this month’s article.
Heart and circulation problems now head the list of health threats. We all know how important diet, exercise and avoiding stress can be to our heart, but another way to support and nourish the heart is to take herbs.
As with most herbs, those that are good for the heart also support other parts of the circulatory system as well as other organs important to heart health.
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King amongst the heart tonics is Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacanthoides). Various parts of the plant have been traditionally used in both Britain and throughout Europe. Hawthorn has a normalising effect on the heart, improving the heart’s own blood supply and strengthening the heart muscle’s contractions. This in turn improves the circulation throughout the body without raising blood pressure.
Hawthorn contains flavonoids that have anti-oxidant properties and help to maintain the integrity of both the heart’s venous and arterial system. There are no reported side effects, but consult a medical herbalist for advice if you take orthodox medication for heart or circulatory problems, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding. A recent analysis of research into hawthorn has supported the traditional use of the herb in improving and supporting people with Heart Failure. 1 |
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Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) frequently misspelled as "Gingko", and also known as the Maidenhair Tree improves the circulation without reports of raised blood pressure.
Its well- recognised effects on brain function may be a result of improved circulation to the brain. It is known to increase the circulation to the capillary bed, including the micro-circulation of the heart. It has been speculated that ginkgo also thins the blood and should not been taken with orthodox blood thinning drugs. It may also interfere with epileptic and diabetic drugs. If you take any of these consult an herbalist before starting treatment. |
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Horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) has been extensively research and has proved to be effective in venous problems. Use as a cream and internally for varicosed veins. The conclusion of a Cochrane Review concludes that Horse chestnut seed extract ‘appears to be effective and safe’ but with the usual caviat that more research needs to be carried out. 2
Horse Chestnut is used in Bach flower remedies. When the buds are used it is referred to as "Chestnut Bud" and when the flowers are used it is referred to as "White Chestnut". |
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Another important element in protecting your heart is to guard against stress. Lime blossom (Tilia europa) is a relaxing anti-spasmodic for the arteries and therefore has the ability to help lower blood pressure. However, its scope is much wider than that, being an anxielytic (reduces anxiety) makes it ideal for cardiac problems associated with stress.
The active ingredients in lime flowers include flavanoids (which act as antioxidants), volatile oils, and mucilaginous constituents (which soothe and reduce inflammation). The plant also contains tannins that can act as an astringent. |
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Another herb with a long history of helping heart problems is Motherwort (Leonurus cardiac). It’s particularly useful when the pulse races in the absence of obvious disease, but it is also a relaxing nervine particularly helpful for menopausal women.
There are no reported side effects or contra-indications for either Lime Blossom or Motherwort.
Originally from Central Asia Motherwort is now found worldwide, spread largely due to its use as a herbal remedy.
So celebrate St Valentine’s Day with a cup of Hawthorne and Lime blossom tea for you and your loved one and look after your hearts. |
Hawthorn & Lime Flower Tea
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon hawthorn flowers and leaves.
1 teaspoon lime flowers
1 cup boiling water
Method:
Place the herbs in a pot an pour boiling water over.
Cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
Drink 1 cupful 3 times a day.
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