Materia
Medica for the Cardiovascular system - .pdf
version
Flavonoid-rich cardiovascular anti-inflammatories
Hawthorn
berry, leaf and flower
This is the premiere tonic herb for the entire cardiovascular system,
helping to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, protecting
against the hardening of the arteries, reducing blood pressure if
it is elevated, opening blocked circulation, and protecting against
heart attack. It is safe and very food-like, and usually taken at
high doses: 1 tsp. of tincture 2-3 times a day, or 2-3 capsules
2-3 times a day, or a few tablespoons of Hawthorn berry jam daily.
A tea of the leaf and flower is also rich in flavonoids and quite
effective.
Blueberry
and Bilberry
Food like and delicious, these antocyanidin-rich herbs help to protect
the small blood vessels and capillaries throughout the system, and
especially in the eye and kidneys. Eat ¼ to ½ cup
of fresh or frozen berries daily for prevention, and little more
to manage active microvascular damage. Especially useful in diabetic
conditions.
Circulatory enhancers
Ginkgo
biloba standardized extract
The extract of Ginkgo helps with poor circulation and the associated
complications thereof. Cold hands and feet, poor brain circulation
in older folks, and any case where adequate circulation to the periphery
is compromised. Especially useful in conditions such as Raynaud’s
Syndrome. It can also help with anxious, unfocused conditions. Take
120mg to 480mg daily of the extract, standardized to 24% gflavo-glycosides.
Cayenne
fruit
A very warming circulatory enhancer. Use with caution in conditions
where the digestion might become upset. Very useful to improve conditions
where vital heat is low, and hands and feet are cold. Start with
a low dose – 1-2 capsules daily – and work up as tolerated.
Spicing foods with cayenne works too, but not everyone can take
it!
Blood
pressure normalizers
Hawthorn
(see above)
Garlic
Excellent at enhancing circulation, warming the periphery, and controlling
blood pressure and cholesterol. At least 2-3 cloves a day, or a
garlic supplement if dietary consumption at high levels is difficult
or undesirable. Use caution – can have blood-thinning effects.
Crampbark
Antispasmodic that helps relax the smooth muscle lining the arteries,
increasing peripheral circulation and lowering blood pressure. Valerian
works similarly, too. ½ to 1 teaspoon of the tincture 2-3
times a day.
Coleus
forskholii
Ayurvedic remedy that is especially useful in controlling blood
pressure as it creeps upward in the elderly. Also mildly relaxing
for anxious conditions. Start with 2 capsules twice a day, or as
directed by the manufacturer.
Nervine relaxants attuned to the cardiovascular system
Linden
Also known as Lime blossom, a cooling and calming nervine remedy
that opens the circulation and relaxes the mind. Best taken as a
tea, made with 4TBS of flowers per quart of water. Can be combined
with other herbs in tea form (such as Hawthorn).
Valerian
Calmative, it also enhances circulation to the hands and feet and
can help reduce blood pressure. Also useful for insomnia. Start
with ½ tsp. of the tincture three times a day.
True cardio-tonics
Nigh-blooming
Cereus
A beautiful cactus, it is used to strengthen the heart muscle in
conditions of heart failure, and aid in recovery after a heart attack.
It can help relieve the oppressive pain of angina when due to poor
heart function. Dose is low; between 5 and 10 DROPS of the tincture
taken 2-3 times daily.
Regulators
of blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides)
Garlic
(see above)
Fenugreek
These seeds, taken as capsules, help to reduce the uptake of dietary
fats and cholesterol. They must be taken with food, at a dose of
about 2-3 capsules with every meal.
Flax
The seeds or expressed oil from the seeds help to alter the physiology’s
balance of fatty acids towards a more balanced ratio of omega3,
6, and 9 fatty acids. This reduces the production of cholesterol
in the liver, as well as reducing overall cardiovascular inflammation.
The daily dose is 1-2 tablespoons of the oil, and 2-3 tablespoons
of the ground seed.
Venotonics
Horsechestnut
Specific for varicose veins, spider veins, and chronic venous insufficiency.
Seems to work on the walls and valves of the veins, reducing swelling,
pain and inflammation. Consequently, it can have a positive effect
on edema if it is due to poor venous tone. 2-3 droppers of the tincture,
twice daily, is a good place to start.
Gotu
Kola
Circulatory enhancer that is helpful for cold hands and feet, but
most specific for chronic venous insufficiency, where it acts synergistically
with Horsechestnut. Fresh leaves can be eaten, or the tincture can
be taken at a dose of 3-4 droppers of the tincture, twice daily.
Lymphatics
Cleavers
Helps to remove built-up fluid, most often present in the feet and
legs, when due to either deficient heart energy or poor venous return.
Must be combines with other herbs (e.g. Hawthorn, Cereus in the
former case; Horsechestnut in the latter). The tea is good –
3TBS per quart of water. The tincture is taken at a dose of 3 droppers
twice daily.
