Herbal Therapies For Heart and Circulation 9(Taken from Quantum Health.com)

Herbs always have been essential component of human diet. Modern studies confirm that herbs and herbal medicines provide nutrients, vitamins and vitamin-like ingredients required for efficient functions of mind and body. Herbs and herbal supplements deserve serious consideration in fighting disease and premature aging, building sustainable and enjoyable lifestyle. Herbal therapies traditionally used in Europe and China to treat heart and circulation disorders are now being validated by scientific research, according to a new study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Some herbs may be beneficial in the treatment of various cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pain (angina), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), congestive heart failure, and poor circulation. With effects similar to those of prescription medications used for cardiovascular disease, certain herbs may decrease cholesterol, dilate blood vessels (which lowers blood pressure), keep blood vessels from becoming clogged, prevent arrhythmias, improve heart function, and mildly thin the blood. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been shown to be effective in reducing high cholesterol, decreasing high blood pressure, and improving circulation.

Most studies used 900 mg of dried garlic powder per day. People taking blood-thinning medication (warfarin) should take garlic only under the supervision of a doctor, since it might thin the blood too much. The best selling herb in the United States, Ginkgo biloba, is used for impaired blood flow due to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), as well as hearing loss, and improving memory and mental clarity. Typical amounts used are 120 to 160 mg per day of an extract standardized to contain 24% ginkgo-flavone glycosides. Some authorities recommend 120 to 240 mg two to three times per day for individuals with impaired blood flow to the brain (cerebral insufficiency). Use of ginkgo has been associated with abnormal bleeding when taken in excessive amounts and should be avoided by those taking blood-thinning medications.

People with congestive heart failure may benefit from taking 480 to 2,700 mg per day of hawthorn berry extract (Crataegus species). Studies have found hawthorn improves the amount of blood pumped through the heart per beat (ejection fraction) and decreases the incidence of arrhythmias. Hawthorn has few reported side effects and no known toxic effects. Other trials suggest ginseng (Panax ginseng) may also improve heart function and lower blood pressure. Some physicians recommend 100 to 400 mg per day of ginseng root extract. There is some evidence that taking excessive amounts of ginseng may increase blood pressure, but studies are inconclusive since many of the products used in these trials also contained Siberian ginseng (unrelated to Panax ginseng), which may cause high blood pressure by itself. Individuals using digoxin (a medication used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias) or warfarin should avoid ginseng since it may interfere with metabolism of these medications.

Herbal Therapies For Heart and Circulation 9(Taken from Quantum Health.com)

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