HERBALIST PERSPECTIVE
HEALTHY HEART

Most people today are aware that heart disease is the nation's number one killer, for both men and women! Studies show that one in two women and one in three men and women combined die of heart disease. Awareness of this fact makes taking preventive action an important aspect of self-care. This formula is the perfect combination for addressing cardiovascular health.

~ Hawthorn Leaf and Berry (Crataegus succulenta): is probably the best known herb for the heart with an excellent reputation. This herb improves overall heart functioning as well as coronary blood flow. It is used for both prevention and treatment. It stimulates circulation, strengthens the heart muscle, regulates blood flow and blood pressure, as well as heart rate by gently dilating blood vessels. Hawthorn is helpful for all cardiovascular conditions, including the aging heart, heart weakness, and nervous palpitations. Further, it increases the heart's ability to utilize oxygen, relieves restlessness and insomnia. Among its impressive list of actions, Hawthorn is considered a cardiac tonic, helpful for functional and organic heart disorders including angina pectoris, valve murmurs, valve insufficiency, arrhythmias, enlarged heart, endocarditis, mitral regurgitation, congestive heart failure, feeble or rapid heart beat, heart strain from overexertion, difficult breathing due to lack of oxygen and deficient heart actions, and cerebral circulatory problems. It lowers cholesterol, contains antioxidant properties and is a source of nourishment for the heart by increasing blood supply to the cardiac cells. The flavonoids in Hawthorn affect calcium metabolism, enhancing the ability to support a normal heart rhythm.

~ Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosis): normalizes blood pressure, relieves arteriosclerosis, increases endurance, enhances oxygen metabolism in the internal organs including the heart. It is a qi tonic for increasing energy, stamina and vitality, improving overall health, and promoting a sense of well being.

~ Linden Flower (Tilia spp.): is an antispasmodic and relaxing herb for relieving nervous tension and stress induced palpitations. It calms the mind, helps protect against hypertension and arteriosclerosis, and helps to lower blood pressure, especially when due to emotional distress.

~ Motherwort (Leonorus cardiaca): is a strengthening and tonic herb for the heart, used for nervous palpitations and high blood pressure due to stress. It possesses antispasmodic properties, calms the heart and promotes relaxation.

~ Cinnamon (Cinnamon Cassia): warms the body, raises vitality, stimulates circulation, and clears congestion. Cinnamon spreads the Yang of the Heart throughout the chest and arms, treats palpitations, clears pain in the chest and joints, and stops bleeding. New studies show that it significantly decreases the levels of glucose, serum triglycerides, and serum cholesterol in the blood.

~ Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis): is a cardiotonic herb that stimulates circulation, positively effects heart muscle contractivity, and possesses a fibroinalytic quality (breaks down fibroin, a blood clotting protein), helping prevent blood platelets from clumping and inhibiting the formation of blood clots. It also inhibits the absorption of cholesterol and enhances its secretion. Ginger supports a healthy circulatory system, keeps blood flowing smoothly, and prevents arteriosclerosis plaques from forming.

~ Grape Seeds and Skins (Vitis vinifera): decreases capillary fragility and inhibits collagen destruction thus supporting the integrity and strength of blood vessels including capillaries, veins, and arteries. By strengthening the blood vessels, Grape seeds and skins can help reduce blood pressure. They normalize platelet aggregation and correct blood clotting tendencies, which can trigger heart attacks or strokes. Additionally, they reduce cholesterol by discouraging its deposits on artery walls, reduce edema and help relieve congestive heart failure. They possess the most potent antioxidant properties known, effectively scavenging free radicals. Grape seeds and skins also increase vitamin C levels in the body.

~ Olive Leaf (Olea europea): lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity (promoting energy as a result), kills parasites and is a powerful antioxidant.

~ Grapefruit Peel/Rind (Citrus paradisi): has a remarkable ability to lower cholesterol, especially LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. It also contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids, both of which are important for heart health and vascular functioning. Further, it aids immunity which may contribute to a healthy heart.

~ Garlic (Allium sativa): contains a wealth of benefits for the cardiovascular system. It helps to lower the risk of arteriosclerosis, lowers cholesterol levels, and improves the ratio of healthy high-density cholesterol (HDL) to harmful low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Further, it lowers blood pressure, inhibits platelet aggregation and possesses blood-thinning properties. Garlic protects the coronary arteries from hardening or stiffening, improves circulation to the extremities, and is helpful in the prevention of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. It also aids immunity which may contribute to a healthy heart.

~ Cayenne (Capsicum spp.): is a rich source of antioxidants containing vitamins A, C, and E. It reduces blood cholesterol especially the harmful LDL and triglycerides. Cayenne also decreases platelet aggregation, is beneficial for arteriosclerosis, equalizes circulation and increases circulation to the extremities and internal organs, and increases heart action without increasing blood pressure. It is helpful for preventing strokes and heart attacks. Cayenne also increases the effectiveness of other herbs in the formula.

~ Lemon Essential Oil: strengthens the heart and helps prevent arteriosclerosis.

~ Orange Essential Oil: is a gentle heart tonic that regulates the heart beat.

~ Rescue Remedy Flower Essence: brings inner calm and stability in times of stress, distress, trauma and emergency.

~ Self Heal Flower Essence: mobilizes inner resources for healing and a vital sense of self.

~ Yerba Santa Flower Essence: promotes the ability to harmonize breathing with one's feelings and to allow access to the full range of human emotions. It also assists with releasing constricted, internalized feelings, especially in the chest.

~ Zinnia Flower Essence: brings a playful spirit to one who is over serious.

This information is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat disease. If you are pregnant or have a disease, consult with your health care practitioner before using any herbal combination.

 

 

 

Herbal Extracts
~ Adrenal Support
~ Aller Free
~ Bitters
~ Bone Rich
~ Bright Eyes
~ Clear Mind
~ Cough Release
~ Cramp Relief
~ Dairy Digest
~ Deep Cleanse
~ Don't Panic
~ Easy Days
~ Female Balancer
~ Flu the Coop
~ Have Your Cake
~ Healthy Heart
~ Kava Joy
~ Liquid Plumber
~ Love My Liver
~ Lymph Support
~ Male Toner
~ Mother & Child
~ Muscle/Joint Ease
~ Peaceful Nights
~ PMS Relief
~ Protective Coat
~ Rising Spirits
~ Sinus Aid
~ Smoke No More
~ Stop It Cold
~ Thyroid Support
~ Vein Support
~ Vibrant Skin & Hair
~ Viral Resolve
~ Wise Woman
~ Yeast Beast