How to Prevent and Reduce Heart Disease With Medicinal Plants

God planted medicinal plants on our planet to help with illness and disease, so why are relying on prescription drugs?

Medicinal Plants and Heart Health

Atherosclerosis-related diseases (ARDs) such as ischemic disease (IHD), stroke, and peripheral vascular disease are the leading cause of deaths, in the world. A study by the GBD, in 2019, shows 9.6 million men and 8.9 million women died of cardiovascular disease between the ages 30-70.

In the latest study from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS), in 2017–2018, there were about 1 in 12 (or 2.6 million) Canadian adults age 20 and over diagnosed with heart disease. In addition, every hour, about 14 Canadian adults age 20 and over will die of heart disease.

To "help" with the rise in heart disease, the medical profession is "freely" handing out several medications, which cause sever side effects. The top 5 cardiovascular drugs prescribed in Canada are:

Atorvastatin - lowers cholesterol levels

Rosuvastatin- lowers LDL cholesterol levels

Amlodipine - helps hypertension and angina pectoris

Ramipril - helps hypertension and prevent death from CV causes

Metoprolol - helps hypertension, MI, angina, and heart failure

My goal is to make people aware of natural preventatives for heart diseases. Medications are not the only way to combat cardiovascular disease. In most cases, you can prevent and reduce heart disease naturally or at least lower the intake of pharmaceutical drugs. 128 plants have been studied for heart disease. The study showed there were a significant reduction in the symptoms of the disease. In addition, there were known side affects of the natural herbs.

An estimated 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke

#1 - Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Garlic is the second oldest and one of the most powerful medicines in the world. Endless research has been done on this amazing bulb. There have been remains of garlic found in caves dating back 10,000 years. The love of garlic has spanned throughout the world. Garlic was found in 22 remedies, in the world's oldest surviving medical text called the Ebers Papyrus; one of the remedies being heart disease.

There have been studies indicating garlic inhibits key enzymes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis. The enzyme's activity shows garlic is involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. In addition, when fibrinolysis is enhanced by garlic, the results can break down clots and thrombi. Studies also show aged garlic extract improves circulation and blood properties. Other benefits of garlic are lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, while good cholesterol (HDL) increases. Lastly, garlic improves the immune system, decreases inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and helps with blood sugar management. With these powers, garlic is a must when it comes to heart health.

Tinctures, Supplements, and Herb

Strauss Heartdrops is my number one tincture of choice, for heart disease; there have been many positive testimonials. Strauss Heartdrops includes aged Garlic Extract (AGE) along with extracts of seven other herbs.

A another option is consuming garlic in capsule form, if you do not like the taste or do not like the lingering smell. There are many different brands of garlic supplements, but Allimax is highly recommended for its delivery of real bioactive stabilized Allicin from garlic. Take 1 capsule daily with meals. Do not chew the capsule; swallow capsule whole.

Finally, the whole body of garlic can be used for medicinal purposes. The raw bulb contains allicin, a sulfur-containing compound associated with many health benefits. However, studies show allicin is reduced by roasting, boiling, heating, or pickling; therefore, taking garlic in its most natural form is the best way to get any heart benefits.

#2 - Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxyacantha)

Hawthorn has been around for centuries and has been know to be used as a heart tonic. According to Varro Tyler, Ph.D.,, herb conservative states "hawthorn is valuable...a relatively harmless heart tonic which...yields good results" (Castleman, 1991, p. 209).

Hawthorn is dated back to the year of Christ. Jesus's crown was made with the thorny plant and was considered bad luck and associated with death. On the other hand, with hawthorn's undeniable healing affects, peoples put aside the bad omens and embraced the medicinal plant. Dating back to the 17th century, the plant was used for heart failure, blood pressure, and angina.

There are many ways hawthorn can stimulate the heart. For example, hawthorn opens up the arteries to improve blood flow. The plant may also increase the hearts pumping force and reduce heart-arrythmia. In addition, cholesterol may be lowered on the arterial wall. Finally, hawthorn can be used long term for prevention and maintenance of heart health, with no side effects.

Tinctures, Supplements, Herb

A daily dose, for adults, of a hawthorn tincture called Hawthorne Solid Extract by Wise Woman Herbals may be used for those individuals who have a hard time swallowing capsules. The dose is 1/8 teaspoon, 1-3 times daily, morning, afternoon and evening.

Another alternative is in capsule form, which can be an easy and convenient way to get the benefits of the hawthorn plant. Hawthorn II from AOR is a supplement that is taken two capsules per day with or without food.

Lastly, hawthorn leaves or fruit can be steeped into a hot soothing tea. Use 2 teaspoons of crushed leaves or fruit from the hawthorn plant. Steep the hawthorn leaves or fruit for 20 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day.

Best results, of consuming the hawthorn plant, will show within 3 months.

"Hawthorn has become one of our most widely used heart remedy" – Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D. and Medical Herbalist

#3 - Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

Saffron is worth its weight in gold, literally. Saffron can cost up to $500 an ounce and is still rising in price. Saffron was introduced in 8th century by the Arabs and was a favorite amongst the ancient Egyptians. The colourful plant and herb was used for dye, spice, medicine, and perfumes. In the flower, it carries a powerful deep yellow powder called crocetin. According to Jhoanna Robinson, Editor of Natyralapidia, crocetin is the component giving it's healing properties.

Saffron helps treat hypertension, reduce heart attacks and blood fat, provides anti- oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which all help to maintain healthy arteries and blood vessels. In addition, saffron is shown to lower and normalize blood pressure and decrease the strain on the heart to pump blood.

Tinctures, Supplements. and Herb

Saffron tinctures can be an easy and convenient way to take your natural remedy. The tincture is in liquids form and comes with a dropper. When searching for a tincture, make sure it is derived from organic plants. The dosing for a saffron tincture is no more than 4oomg per day.

Supplements can be a safe and effect way to track your dosing. AOR provides 15mg of Crocus sativus extract (2% safranal). For hypertension, 400mg/day of saffron tablets for 7 days is suggested. On the other hand, I would start off slow and work your way up to 400mg.

Lastly, a herbal tea can be made from the stigma to prevent heart disease. Use 12 to 15 stigmas (threads) per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes. Take 1 cup a day, for best results. The stigmas from a saffron plant could be found in any natural food and supplement store or on line. Make sure you are getting the saffron from a reliable source.

Clinical studies have shown dosages of up to 150mg/day of saffron are thought to be safe; toxic effects have been reported for 500mg doses.

Cautions

Saffron can be toxic in large amounts. Saffron is listed in the Food and Drug Administration of herbs to be safe for consumption. If you are pregnant, do not use saffron. In addition, if you are getting any stomach pains or diarrhea, stop using it (Castleman, 1991). In addition, due to its ability to lower blood pressure and activate GABA receptors in the brain, saffron may interact with blood pressure-lowering and sedative drugs, such as;

• Diuretics

• Beta-blockers

• Calcium channel blockers

• Benzodiazepines

• Barbiturates

#4 - Holy Basil

Basil has been used for rituals, cooking, and medicine, for thousands of years. The name "holy basil" got its name from the East Indian's because it was said to be sacred to the gods Vishnu and Krishna; it was considered the protector during life and death. The Greeks and Romans considered basil a symbol of hostility and insanity. To grow fragrant basil, the Greeks and Romans would shout and swear while sowing the seeds of basil. On the other hand, there were folk traditions who considered basil a symbol of love, For example, Italian women would put a pot of basil on their balcony, to let men know they were ready to proclaim their love. With basils many medicinal uses, it is also known to help with heart disease.

Holy basil contains beta-carotene and magnesium to help heart disease. Beta carotene helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the bloodstream. If cholesterol oxidizes in the blood stream, atherosclerosis and a heart attack may occur. Magnesium helps widen blood vessels and encourages blood flow, in turn, reducing irregular heartbeats and arrhythmia. Finally, the cinnamic acid in holy basil can increase blood circulation, while the eugenol helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Tinctures, Supplements, Herb

The suggested dosing range for a tincture is from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day, for general preventive purposes. On the other hand, when using for a treatment, the recommended dose is 600 mg to 1,800 mg taken in multiple doses throughout the day.

AOR provides holy basil in supplement form. The dosing for supplementation is the same as tinctures. Holy Basil is traditionally used in Ayurveda as an expectorant and/or demulcent to help relieve cough (Kasa) and colds, as well as a cardiotonic (Hrdya) to help support the contractions of the heart.

In addition, holy basil tea, from Harmonic Arts, is also a nice soothing way to get your heart health benefits. To make the tea, place 1–3 teaspoons of the organic holy basil in one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes.

Studies of medicinal plants reveal a great reduction in heart disease without causing life threatening side affects. The list of prescriptive drugs, on the other hand, such as statins, calcium channel blockers, blood thinners, and beta blockers, to name a few, show significant side affects; for examples:

Statins - interactions with prescription and non-prescription drugs, headache, difficulty sleeping, flushing of the skin, muscle aches, tenderness, or weakness (myalgia), drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and fatigue or weakness

Calcium channel blockers - interactions with prescription and non-prescription drugs, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn, and swelling in your ankles or feet.

Blood thinners - interactions with prescription and non-prescription drugs, pink in the sink when brushing your teeth or shaving, vomit that looks bloody or like coffee grounds, pink or brown urine (pee), stool (poop) that’s red or black, and nosebleeds.

Anti-coagulants - dizziness, lightheadedness, feeling faint, drowsiness or fatigue, unusual swelling of the feet and ankles, wheezing, trouble breathing, depression, nightmares, cold hands and feet, and decreased sexual ability.

As you can see, there is no competition to which form of healing that should take place. Medicinal plants along with a whole foods diet can and will stop and prevent cardiovascular disease. In contrast, prescription drugs mask and add to the underlying cause of your symptoms. Therefore, please take your time and do your research before jumping into bed with Big Pharma. Don't get me wrong, there is a time and place when medication is needed, but there is also a time to know when to slow it down. Lastly, always remember to consult your health care practitioner before taking any form of supplementation.

If you are unsure how to get your health back on track after being diagnosed with heart disease or you just want to prevent your family genes from sneaking up on you, you contact me at aalanutrition@yahoo,com. You can also find more information about myself and what services I provide, at aalanutrition.ca. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Tammy McDougall

Functional Nationalist and Supplements Consultant

Cited

Castleman, M. (1991). The Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines.