Cardiac tonic
A cardiac tonic is an herb that restores tone and function to heart and vascular system. It is essentially nourishing, supportive and restorative, thus it does not have a dramatic effect but a more sure, lasting benefit.
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha and Crataegus monogyna) - Hawthorn is one of the best tonic remedies for the heart and circulatory system. It acts to normalize heart function by either stimulating or depressing its activity depending upon the need.In a complex way it has the paradoxical effect of stimulating coronary circulation while easing the intensity of heart overactivity. As a long-term treatment it may be safely used in heart failure or weakness. Hawthorn is also useful for heart palpitations. Because of its tonic effect on the circulatory system, it can be used in the treatment of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris. The flavanoid constituents of hawthorn cause arterial dilation thus improving circulation. While hawthorn is safe and effective, qualified attention is required for treating any heart condition.The flowers, berries and leaves are used. Tincture: take 2-4 ml three times daily. Infusion: one cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoonsful of berries, infuse for 20 minutes, three times daily. Capsules: 500-1,000 mg three times daily.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) - The Latin name of motherwort means "lion-hearted". It is an excellent tonic for the heart, strengthening without stimulating. It is particularly good for rapid heart beat, or palpitations, especially when it is caused by anxiety. It can be used in all heart conditions that are associated with anxiety and tension. Infusion: one cup of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoonsful of dried herb, infuse for 10-15 minutes, up to three times daily. Tincture: take 1-4 ml up to three times daily.
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) - is a general tonic for the circulatory and digestive systems. It regulates the blood flow, equalizing and strengthening the heart, arteries, capillaries and nerves. If there is insufficient peripheral circulation, use cayenne to treat cold hands and feet. It will also reduce the tendency for blood clotting. Tincture: take 0.25-1 ml three times daily as needed. Capsules: take 30-120 mg three times daily.
Cardio-active
Cardio-active herbs owe their power to the presence of the cardiac glycoside group of plant constituents. Digitalis glycosides from foxglove known as digoxin, are annually one of the top ten selling drugs in America. These glycosides have the effect of increasing the efficiency of heart muscles ( increasing contractility and decreasing frequency) without increasing their need for oxygen. This enables the heart to pump enough blood throughout the body without allowing an accumulation of fluids in the lungs or extremities. The toxic potential of cardiac glycosides is high, so they must be used under competent supervision.
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalus)
- Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
- Scotch Broom (Sarothamnus scoparius)
- Squill (Urginea maritima)
Circulatory stimulant
These herbs promote better circulation of blood from the trunk of the body to the periphery, thus warming the tissue, especially the hands and feet.
- Cayenne
- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Peripheral vasodilator
As the term implies, these herbs cause dilation of the arterioles and venules in peripheral tissues which will increase the warming effeciency of the blood stream by allowing more through. This action can also decrease resistance thus help to lower blood pressure.
- Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylum americanum)
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Hypotensive
Hypotensives are a broad range of herbs that have the observed effect of lowering elevated blood pressure. They appear to work in a variety of ways including vasodilation, diuresis, tension relief and anti-spasmodic action.
- Hawthorn
- Linden flowers (Tilia europea)
- European mistletoe (Viscum alba)
- Garlic (Allium sativa)
- Olive leaf (Olea europea)
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Diuretic
A diuretic is a remedy that increases secretion and elimination of urine (thus water) from the body.
- Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale)
- Corn silk (Zea mays)
- Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Vascular tonic
Herbs that increase the strength and tone of the veins. Most contain flavanoid glycosides that have an astringent action on the vasculature.
- Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)
- Horse-chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
- Ginkgo
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Nervine relaxant
Nervine relaxants can help alleviate the symptoms of stress and tension which may lower blood pressure and slow down heart rate.
- Motherwort
- Hops
- Linden
- Skullcap
- St. John's wort
- Valerian
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-spasmodic herbs can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the muscles of the body including the smooth muscle that regulates vascular tone. They help to reduce tension in the body.
- Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
- Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
- Crampbark (Viburnum opulus)
- Valerian
Anti-cholesterol
These herbs can help to reduce levels of blood cholesterol or increase HDL (high density lipoprotein) and decrease triglycerides.
- Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
- Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
- Garlic
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
- Psyllium (Plantago indica)
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
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