Herbs for the heart or do they actually work? The heart is one of the most important organs in the human body. It is impossible to live without it, and the functioning of all other organs also depends on the efficient work of the heart. The heart is responsible for the flow of blood, which allows life-giving oxygen and nutrients to reach the cells.
Cardiovascular disorders quickly take a toll on overall health and well-being, so when such problems arise, it's worth reacting right away. It doesn't have to be prescription drugs right away, as natural herbs are also a great support for the heart. This doesn't mean, however, that since herbs are natural and over-the-counter, you can take them any way you want - it's always a good idea to consult your doctor and follow his recommendations afterwards. What specific herbs are best for the heart?
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The heart - what is its role in the human body?
In an adult, the heart is the size of a fist. It is a very strong muscle that connects to the main veins and arteries, has two chambers, valves and a septum. The heart works around the clock, although the intensity of this work varies depending on the activity of the body, and there may also be an acceleration of the heart rate due to fear or stress.
The heart is located in the mediastinum, with most of it located on the left side of the chest. The heart is hidden behind the ribs, which protect it from damage, but if such damage nevertheless occurs, in the vast majority of cases the patient is unsalvageable, even if rescue action is taken immediately. The work of the heart consists primarily of:
- pumping blood into the pulmonary circulation
- pumping blood into the main circulation
- control of the entire cardiovascular system
All this is done so that the entire body, all its cells, is supplied with oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the circulatory system removes unnecessary metabolic products and carbon dioxide from the body.
Read also: recommended cardiovascular strengthening supplement, calming, energizing and invigorating.
Why are herbs recommended for the heart and circulatory system?
A prerequisite for good health is a flawless cardiovascular system. This is not always possible, and more and more people have heart problems, including at a young age. After the age of 40, the risk of heart attack, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases increases, but for milder ailments you can save yourself with herbs.
Herbs for the heart with medicinal properties can affect the heart in a variety of ways. Some herbs improve myocardial oxygenation, others protect against arrhythmias and regulate heart function. You can also use herbs to increase the strength of the contraction of the heart muscle, or you need herbs with diastolic properties. Calming herbs are also important for the heart, as stress, nerves, decreased mood and other negative emotions greatly affect the condition of the heart and can reduce its performance.
There are also, of course, herbs for the heart with comprehensive effects that support the heart in various areas. As a preventive measure, herbs are also recommended in addition to the following. lower blood pressure prevent atherosclerosis - high cholesterol and the resulting consequences are a growing health problem in developed countries. However, herbs should not be approached too lightly - they are plants, available over-the-counter, but they can act really strongly, which is not always beneficial to health. In other words, if you have heart problems, it's worth seeing a doctor and consulting with him or her about conducting an herbal treatment.
Among the most commonly used are Herbs for the Heart containing such active substances as:
- saponins
- flavonoids
- mineral salts
- cardiac glycosides
- B vitamins, vitamin E
- choline
- phenolic acids
- unsaturated fatty acids
Also read: capsules to lower bad cholesterol Lipid Control Plus created on the basis of herbs and natural ingredients
When is it a good idea to use herbs for the heart?
Herbs can help a lot for the heart, although doctors report that their effectiveness will be even higher when combined with a healthier diet and increased physical activity. Herbs can be drunk daily, but they should not replace normal meals, and it is always better to provide vitamins and minerals in food than in pills. Herbs are recommended, among other things, for mild cardiovascular insufficiency, cardiac arrhythmias on nervous grounds, weakening of the heart muscle (both from natural causes, i.e. advanced age, and after an illness).
Herbs will help recover faster from seasonal weakness, as well as reduce deficiencies in important nutrients. They are also recommended for people who are being treated for hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and recovering from a heart attack.
Herbs for strengthening
Herbs that strengthen the heart muscle are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Especially the latter are very necessary, because one of the main enemies for the heart muscle are free radicals, or reactive oxygen species, which, looking for electrons to pair, damage healthy cells. The job of antioxidants is precisely to neutralize free radicals, so the heart is better protected and recovers faster. It also strengthens the blood vessels that work with the heart.
Such herbs are recommended mainly to the elderly, whose body, due to age, no longer functions so well, and to people who are overtired, exhausted by work. Herbs that strengthen the heart and circulatory system, include ginkgo biloba, moringa, ashwagandha, flaxseed, hibiscus, wild rose, hawthorn, green tea, cordial.
What herbs for palpitations and arrhythmia?
Heart palpitations are called unpleasant, accelerated or uneven heartbeats, usually accompanied by a feeling of restlessness and cramping in the chest. It is not a pleasant condition and is usually associated with irritability, dizziness and headaches, weakness, impaired concentration. In such a case, it is advisable to take herbs that restore the normal heart rate, but the slowing down of the action must be done gently, otherwise additional symptoms may occur. For palpitations, hawthorn, bird's milkweed, lily of the valley, mistletoe, lemon balm, valerian are used.
Arrhythmia is essentially an irregular heartbeat, so it is crucial to restore the proper rhythm and regulate the strength of the heart's contraction and diastole. Herbs should also increase cardiovascular fitness and improve heart rate and blood pressure. Such properties includeand foxglove, seraph, spring lovage, valerian, goldenrod.
Herbs for neurosis
Nervous disorders immediately take their toll on the heart. Stress or nervousness causes arrhythmia, accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, in extreme cases it can even lead to myocardial infarction. Herbs that can help then are. valerian, hops, lemon balm, passionflower.
Herbs for coronary artery disease
In coronary artery disease, the arteries are narrowed, so that not enough blood and oxygen reach the heart muscle. To change this, vasodilating and cleansing herbs are needed, which in addition can increase the efficiency of the heart - with coronary artery disease or when there is a high risk of developing it, it is recommended to usee hawthorn, ginkgo biloba, cordial, rue, mistletoe, elderberry.
Herbs with anticoagulant effects
Clots are extremely dangerous to the heart and circulatory system, as they can completely block blood flow, with disastrous consequences for health and life. Herbs that improve blood flow and inhibit platelet aggregation are Ginkgo biloba, turmeric, ginger, ginseng, white willow.
Also read: How sensational ginger works for joints.
The most important herbs for the heart:
- Cordial - has a calming effect, strengthens the heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, prevents shortness of breath, palpitations and arrhythmia;
- Ginkgo biloba - Strengthens the heart and blood vessel walls, improves the elasticity and tightness of veins, stimulates blood flow, improves oxygenation of the brain, protects against hypertension and atherosclerosis;
- Lily of the Valley - takes care of greater heart efficiency, increases the strength of the heart muscle, prevents arrhythmia;
- Digitalis - Improves cardiovascular fitness, increases ventricular stroke volume, restores regular pulse;
- Black currant leaf - Provides antioxidants, removes toxins from the body, cleanses the blood;
- Hawthorn - Increases the force of contraction of the heart muscle, stimulates efficient blood flow, strengthens veins, dilates coronary vessels, improves blood supply to the heart, has a calming effect;
- Ginger - Stimulates circulation, supports the detoxification process, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, very valuable in the prevention of cardiovascular disease;
- Mistletoe - Mildly lowers blood pressure, dilates blood vessels, has a strengthening effect on the heart, relieves unpleasant symptoms caused by stress;
- Hop cones - It calms, tranquilizes and helps you fall asleep, relieves nervous disorders, supports heart function, lowers blood pressure and accelerates cholesterol reduction;
- Rosehip fruit - Strengthens the heart, stimulates circulation, cleanses the body, slows down aging;
How to use herbs for the heart?
It is not only the choice of the right herbs that is important for the positive course of the treatment. Their dosage is also important, as the preparations taken should not be too strong, but also must not have too few of these active substances, because then the treatment will not work. Herbs for the heart are often sold in their natural form, after drying, so they can easily be made into an infusion. There are also herbal tinctures, based on alcohol, and specially prepared mixtures of various herbs, which only need to be poured with water.
Still another solution are ready-made supplements, which contain active substances extracted from herbs, in high enough doses. Ready-made preparations may be available as tablets, drops or liquids, and regardless of the form, they must be used only as the manufacturer states in the leaflet.
As for brewing herbs at home, they should be poured over hot, but not boiling water, and left to brew for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the type. Herbs should not be drunk too much, as this can cause unwanted stomach problems, headaches, allergic reactions.
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