Circulatory System Herbs

Question 1

Aesculus hippocastanum

Answer 1

Horse chestnut, Sapindaceae family, seed

Astringent, vasotonic, vasoprotector.
Normalises permeability of vein and capillary membranes, increases venous tone.

Microcirculatory, strengthening and toning veins. Varicose veins.

Question 2

Allium sativum

Answer 2

Garlic, Liliaceae family, fresh bulb or clove

Circulatory tonic, hypotensive, antiplatelet, antimicrobial

Atherosclerosis, thrombosis, respiratory infections, GIT infections
External: infected wounds

Question 3

Centella asiatica

Answer 3

Gotu kola, Apoaceae family, leaves and stems

Vaso/veno/capillary tonic, interstitial tissue tonic, CNS tonic, adaptogenic

Microcirculatory disorders (varicose veins, oedema), capillary fragility, anxiety, recuperation from stroke 
External: stretch marks

Question 4

Coleus forskohlii

Answer 4

Forskohlii, Lamiaceae family, root

Cardiotonic, vasodilator, hypotensive

Congenitive heart disease, Ischaemic heart disease, thrombosis

Question 5

Crataegus monogyna

Answer 5

Hawthorn, Rosaceae family, leaf/flower/berry

Cardioprotective, hypotensive

Hypertension with myocardial weakness.
Angina pectoris.

Question 6

Ginkgo biloba

Answer 6

Ginkgo, Ginkgoaceae family, aerial parts

Antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, neuroprotective, cardioprotective

Increase neurotransmitter release, balance cerebral energy metabolism & neuroprotection, older adult tonic

Question 7

Panax notoginseng

Answer 7

Tienchi ginseng, Araliaceae family, root

Antihaemorrhagic, cardioprotective, cardiotonic

Haemorrhage, trauma injuries especially with haematuria, swelling and bruising, coronary heart disease.

Question 8

Salvia miltiorrhiza

Answer 8

Red sage, Lamiaceae family, root

Cardioprotective, hypotensive, anticoagulant

Myocardial isochemia and infarction, angina pectoris, palpitations, impaired peripheral and cerebrovascular circulation

Question 9

Tilla spp.

Answer 9

Linden, Malvaceae family, flowers

Peripheral vasodilator, sedative/anxiolytic, spasmolytic
Antispasmodic action on nerves that supply peripheral blood vessels

Calming. Heart. Anxiety related CVS conditions, poor peripheral circ associated with anxiety

Question 10

Vaccinium myrtillus

Answer 10

Bilberry, Ericaceae family, fruit

Vasoprotective, vasotonic, astringent, collagen stabiliser

Chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins.
Eye conditions (internally)- visual acuity, cataracts, retinal conditions

Question 11

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Answer 11

Prickly ash, Rutaceae family, bark

Circulatory tonic, vasotonic, circulatory stimulant, sialogogue

Improving peripheral circulation. Gentler alternative to chilli.