HERBS that LOVE the HEART

Modern herbalism has identified and studied a plethora of various plant compounds. Within this science, they have been able to determine the effects of certain botanical constituents and their action on the body and various organs.

Ayurvedic medicine refers to this as prabhava, the English translation means the specific power of the plant with an affinity for a specific area of the body. Interestingly, this Sanskrit term is over 6,000 years old.

Here’s a shortlist of our must-have herbal allies to support heart health.

HAWTHORN In Asia, often known as a digestive aid, but in Western medicine as a heart tonic. In Europe, hawthorn is often prescribed in place of digitalis as a cardiotonic. Known to improve blood pressure, strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, and lower cholesterol. One really important ability of this herb is its ability to protect the heart muscle during times of oxygen deprivation, help soften deposits, reduce blood vessel inflammations, and strengthen connective tissue. Hawthorn calms the spirit. The heart is put under a lot of stress during times of serious infection; drinking hawthorn tea during and after these periods helps protect the heart from pathogens.

ELEUTHERO is a primary adaptogen that is often referred to as the “king” adaptogen. It has been shown to reduce cardiovascular stress response in healthy persons, including inhibiting stress-induced hypertension. Eleuthero modulates lipids and reduces cholesterol in research. Eleuthero also has the ability to impose a vascular relaxing effect.

REISHI a secondary adaptogen is a fungus used in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) used in this tradition for more than four thousand years. It helps lower cholesterol, inhibits platelet aggregation, and is a cardiovascular tonic and hypotensive. Used by monks to calm the spirit and mind. It is known to normalize blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

RHODIOLA is often referred to as arctic rose. It enhances T-cell immunity and can improve the function of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, by inhibiting their destruction by enzymes; it has been found to increase serotonin levels in the brain by up to 30 percent. Rhodiola provides profound cardioprotection and antiarrhythmic effects against periods of extreme cardio stress. Its uplifting quality impacts the energetic heart and protects the heart from emotional strain.