We all know that fresh fruits and veggies plus a selection of lean proteins contribute to a life-enhancing anti-inflammatory diet. There is much written about making good choices. In honour of heart health and the the feast of St. Valentine's, here are FOUR herbs to consider when wanting to support the cardiovascular system. It's just a glimpse but ~ I promised a quick read!
Garlic (Allium sativum)
There many studies confirming that garlic in several forms can normalize blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, improve circulation and prevent blood platelet aggregation. Raw garlic, chopped finely and added to a ½ teaspoon raw honey is quite pleasant. Put garlic in everything you cook ~ well.. as much as you can.. I try to add some for flavour at the beginning of a recipe and reserve most until the end, to be able to take advantage of its raw super powers. For more garlic info, click here and here
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Known for it's ability to 'kick it up a notch' in culinary recipes, cayenne , as a medicine, can strengthen and tone the heart. As a gentle stimulant, it can help to improve circulation. I used to be afraid of cayenne's heat, but I started adding a pinch to meals a few years ago, and am happy to say that I now am able to welcome it's warmth on a cold day! Start with just a pinch in warm water and lemon (honey optional) in the morning. Delicious.Your heart will thank you!
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Long known as a supportive nourishing heart & circulatory tonic, we use hawthorn berries to help to normalizes blood pressure. This delicious tea, used therapeutically can also help to lower cholesterol. Hawthorn can be indicated in cases of hypertension as well as angina, arrhythmia, arteriosclerosis. I recommend both infused hawthorn berries and hawthorn tincture .
It's easy to infuse 2-3 tablespoons of hawthorn berries in a pot of good quality water. Bring to a light boil. Lower heat and gently simmer for a few minutes. Strain. Reserve the berries (for another infusion, later.) Drink 3 cups of infusion daily or take 15 to 25 drops of hawthorn tincture three times daily. More info here.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
As the Latin name implies, this cardiac supportive herb is used to strengthen the heart. We tend to use Motherwort tincture as the tea can be quite bitter to take. Motherwort can help to lower total cholesterol and can soothe nervous tension. Many women find that, over a period of time, this relaxing herb is calming and nourishing and very helpful in the evenings to 'wind down' and in cases of mild insomnia. LOVE Motherwort! More info here.
There are many possible choices in the list of cardio-tropic or healing heart herbal apothecary. These 4 are just a quick peak at some good, easy to use choices for supporting the cardiovascular system. As with anything, ask questions, and consult a health professional for specific suggestions. I will post more later this month. Stay tuned!
Here's to loving each other and feeling well and lovable -- each and every day!
with green blessings from me to you ~ Carol
Anna@GreenTalk
I am growing motherwort for the first time this year. I wonder if it helps with cortisol?
Brianna
Great info! Thanks for sharing your knowledge👍🏼
Kelsey
Garlic and cayenne I'm quite familiar with, but the last two are new to me! I love learning about new herbs and plants from you!
Megan Stevens
I didn't know about Motherwort. Thank you, Carol, as always, for the helpful education.
Carol Little
One of my faves. It grows all over N America.
linda spiker
I am a big fan of cayenne for taste and health!
Stacy
Am so thankful for this. Have been looking for natural heart health info. Thanks!
Carol Little
You are welcome. It's just a glimpse but there are links to the individual herbs.
Raia Todd
Hm... I think I might actually have some motherwort growing in my yard.
Carol Little
You may! It's very widespread wild herb! Where are you located?
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
Love that garlic!!! Thanks for sharing about the hawthorn berries and motherwort, I didn't know much about them before.
Dr. Karen L
Cayenne will definitely get your blood moving! I sweat every time I eat spicy food!
Carol Little
Keep that blood moving!!
Shelley C
When you say to use 2-3 T of berries in water, are they dried berries? I have fresh, but don't know how to dry to keep in storage. Dehydrator?
carollittle
HI SHelley, Thanks for your question. In the post, I was referring to dried berries but the fresh are even better!!
Dehydrator would certainly work if you have one. Otherwise, I have used many different ways to dry. When I have fresh, I keep them
in the freezer and use remove them as I need them. Please do let me know if this helps. Good wishes,Carol!