There are many herbs that have been traditionally used to strengthen heart function. These include Hawthorn, Motherwort, and Linden. Hawthorn is perhaps the best known of these herbs, and has a long history of use in Europe for supporting cardiovascular health. Motherwort is another well-known herb for heart health, and is especially useful for helping to soothe an anxious mind and ease stress. Linden is a lesser known herb, but its leaves and flowers have been used in teas to support cardiovascular function for centuries.
Hawthorn (Crataegus) A cardiovascular tonic, hawthorn strengthens the normal function and structure of your cardiovascular system in a general manner
Hawthorn is a small, deciduous tree or large shrub that is native to Europe, North America and parts of Asia. The hawthorn tree grows to a height of 20-30 feet and has dark green leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are small, white or pink in color, and bloom in May or June. The fruit of the hawthorn tree is a red berry that ripens in September or October.
The hawthorn tree has been used medicinally for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn is used to treat heart problems such as angina and congestive heart failure. In Western herbal medicine, hawthorn is considered a cardiovascular tonic and is used to strengthen the normal function and structure of the cardiovascular system in a general manner. Hawthorn may also be helpful in treating arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), hypertension (high blood pressure), atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other conditions associated with poor circulation.
The active constituents in hawthorn include flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, tri terpene saponins, amines and quercetin glycosides. These compounds work together to improve cardiac function by dilating coronary arteries, reducing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress on the heart muscle and improving cardiac contractility. Hawthorne also contains antioxidant compounds that protect against cell damage caused by free radicals.
Hawthorne berries can be eaten fresh or dried, made into tea or taken as a supplement in capsule form. Products containing standardized extracts of hawthorne are also available commercially.
Rose (Rosa)
Research indicates that rose (Rosa) may help to strengthen the heart. The petals of the rose contain a compound called proanthocyanidin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body against damage from free radicals, which can lead to heart disease. Rose also contains vitamins C and E, both of which are important for maintaining heart health. In addition, rose hips contain a substance called lycopene, which has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Herbal Allies for Heart Health
Heart health is of utmost importance, and Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is an herbal ally that can help. This herb has a long history of use in supporting the heart, and modern science is beginning to unlock the mechanisms behind its efficacy. Motherwort is a bitter herb that helps to toni fy the heart and digestive system. It also has mild sedative properties, making it useful for those who are anxious or stressed. In addition, Motherwort is a diuretic, meaning it can help to reduce excess fluid retention. All of these properties make Motherwort an ideal herb for supporting heart health.
Motherwort has been shown to be effective in treating congestive heart failure (CHF). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that an extract of Motherwort was able to significantly improve symptoms in patients with CHF . The study participants who received Motherwort also had better quality of life scores than those in the placebo group. Another study looked at the effect of Motherwort on patients with arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The results showed that Motherwo.
Heartsease (Viola)
Heartsease, also known as Viola, is a genus of flowering plants in the violet family Violaceae. There are around 400 species of heartsease, which are found in temperate and subtropical regions throughout the world. The name “heartsease” comes from the plant’s traditional use in treating heart conditions.
Heartsease has a long history of use in herbal medicine. The ancient Greeks used it to treat heart problems, and the Romans used it for everything from colds to indigestion. In traditional Chinese medicine, heartsease is used to treat anxiety and palpitations. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to treat hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias.
Modern science has begun to validate some of these traditional uses for heartsease. Studies have shown that compounds in heartsease can help to lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Additionally, research suggests that extracts from the plant can help to prevent blood clots and reduce inflammation. These properties make heartsease a potentially valuable treatment for cardiovascular disease.