Herbal Medicine II - The Cardiovascular System Flashcards
The Cardiovascular System:
A number of herbs support cardiovascular health by a range of mechanisms including antioxidant, hypotensive, blood lipid modulation and blood vessel strengthening:
* The best all-round support for the cardiovascular system is hawthorn, which has antioxidant, blood vessel strengthening and hypotensive properties as well as supporting contraction of the heart muscle and protecting against hypoxic damage.
* Leaves, flowers and fruits all benefit this system and can be used for a range of cardiovascular conditions.
* Dose: 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.
* Note: People with heart disease are often on medication. Always check herb-drug interactions.
Hypocholesterolaemic:
Hypocholesterolaemic: Reduces serum cholesterol.
* Guggul resin reduces total serum cholesterol levels.
* Globe artichoke leaf improves liver metabolism of lipids, reducing LDLs, total cholesterol and triglycerides.
* 2 capsules powder 3 x daily.
Hypotensive:
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure.
* Mistletoe leaf and hawthorn (leaves, flowers, fruits) have hypotensive effects, which are related in part to vasodilatory properties.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.
* Note: Do not treat very high blood pressure with herbs unless fully qualified.
Hypertensive:
Hypertensive: Increases blood pressure.
* Liquorice root increases blood pressure by increasing sodium retention. Adequate blood pressure is essential for maintaining circulation.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.
Circulatory stimulant:
Circulatory stimulant: Improves circulation.
* ‘Warm’ herbs such as cinnamon and ginger increase blood circulation to the hands and feet.
* 1 tsp infused 3 x daily (for dry ginger use ¼ – ½ teaspoon).
Blood thinning:
Blood thinning: Reduces the thickness and / or stickiness of the blood to decrease risk of clot formation and to improve blood flow:
* Garlic and turmeric thin the blood by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
* Don’t take at the same time as conventional blood thinners.
* Dose: 1 tsp 3 x daily.
Cardio-active:
Cardio-active: Improves heart function.
* Qualified herbalists only use a Schedule 20 herb called lily of the valley which slows and strengthens heart contractions in heart failure.
Blood vessel tonics:
Blood vessel tonics: Support integrity of blood vessel walls; improve elasticity and strength, reduce oxidative damage and inflammation, protect against arteriosclerosis.
* Hawthorn berries are high in antioxidant flavonoids and have collagen-stabilising properties.
* 2 tsps decocted 3 x daily.
- Blueberries and all dark red-/ purple-skinned fruits are rich in plant compounds (anthocyanins) that are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
- Horse-chestnut fruit for venous tone, varicose veins.
- 1 tsp decocted 3 x daily (with food); apply locally in a cream (not to broken skin).
Formula for (mild / moderate) hypertension:
Formula for (mild / moderate) hypertension:
* 1-part hawthorn leaf /flower - cardiovascular tonic, hypotensive.
* 1-part hawthorn berry - cardiovascular tonic, hypotensive, blood vessel tonic.
* 1-part passionflower - nervous system relaxant.
* 1-part dandelion leaf - diuretic to remove fluids.
* Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
* Remember to check for herb-drug interactions!
Formula for mild to moderately elevated cholesterol:
Formula for mild to moderately elevated cholesterol:
* 1-part guggul resin - anti-cholesterol.
* 1-part artichoke leaf - improves liver metabolism of cholesterol.
* 1-part turmeric - anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cholesterol.
* Dose: 1 tsp powder 2 x daily (best taken as capsules due to very bitter taste).
Formula for poor circulation:
Formula for poor circulation:
* 1-part cinnamon bark - circulatory stimulant.
* 1-part prickly ash bark - circulatory stimulant.
* ¼ part dry ginger - circulatory stimulant.
* Dose: 1 heaped tsp (decocted) per cup, 3 cups daily.
* For treating varicose veins add 2 parts horse chestnut.
* Note: Treat ‘cold’ extremities with ‘warm’ herbs.
