For centuries people around the world have used the medicinal properties of plants to heal injuries and cure diseases. Through a process of trial and error, and experimentation, the knowledge that certain plants were useful for treating illness was gradually determined. This knowledge was originally passed down by word of mouth, from generation to generation, until the development of written language. Materia medica (books providing information on herbs and their prescription) captured important medical knowledge.

Many herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help the body heal itself. Despite this history of successful treatment, herbalism lost its popularity with the advent of scientific discovery in the 19th century. Similarly, alchemy evolved into the science of chemistry, and modern chemistry made it possible to isolate and ultimately synthesize the active ingredients in medicinal herbs.

Today, people and scientists are turning again to natural remedies that are gentler and less toxic than synthetic drugs. Herb extracts and whole herbs work synergistically to correct the underlying cause of illness, whereas synthetic drugs are designed to treat only the symptoms.

“Many people died while the herbs that could have saved them grow on their graves.” – Father Sebastian Kneipp

Garlic, hawthorn, cayenne, and bilberry are four herbs recognised by modern science and traditional herbalism for their ability to tone and strengthen the cardiovascular system. Together, these herbs can enhance diet and lifestyle programs designed by healthcare professionals for the maintenance of cardiovascular health.

Garlic

Highly potent, yet gentle, garlic is prized the world over. Garlic strengthens the immune system, which is important for cardiovascular health. Arterial blockages begin when free radicals or other substances damage arterial walls. The body attempts to patch the wound with plaque. Unfortunately, this begins a vicious physiological circle that encourages the production of yet more plaque. When immunity is strong, white blood cells naturally protect arterial walls from potentially damaging materials.

Garlic’s antioxidant ability inhibits free radical production. Garlic also prevents blood clotting, lessening the chances of blocked circulation to the heart (heart attack) or brain (stroke). Blood clots also tend to catch on plaque, contributing to its growth. Garlic speeds the breakdown of fibrinogen, a blood protein. High fibrinogen levels are associated with cardiovascular disease. Finally, garlic has been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn appears in over 200 European herbal formulas, most of them intended to support cardiovascular health. Hawthorn leaves and berries contain biologically-active compounds called flavonoids, whose antioxidant activity protects the heart and arteries from free radicals.

Certain hawthorn flavonoids also dilate the coronary arteries, thereby increasing oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart. Hawthorn’s dilation of blood vessels results in a gentle lowering of blood pressure. Hawthorn flavonoids strengthen and regularise the heartbeat and increase the heart’s ability to utilise oxygen. Regular hawthorn use has been shown to reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques.

Hawthorn does not act quickly. Rather, taken over months or even years, it gradually rejuvenates the heart and arteries.

Cayenne

Thai researchers first noticed that individuals who preferred spicy foods had fewer blood clots. Cayenne pepper has been identified as the ingredient that breaks down blood clots.

In addition, the carotene molecules in cayenne pepper are powerful antioxidants, which help prevent the havoc that free radicals can wreak on the arteries.

Traditional herbalists value cayenne for its ability to stimulate blood flow and strengthen the heart, arteries, and capillaries. They rely on cayenne’s ability to increase circulation to treat cold hands and feet, weak pulse, and circulatory congestion. Traditional herbalism also says that cayenne strengthens the nervous system, thus helping patients whose cardiovascular systems are affected by oversensitive nerves.

Bilberry

During World War II, British fighter pilots ate bilberry jam to improve their night vision. Bilberry improves circulation in the retina’s tiny capillaries. In fact, bilberry improves circulation throughout the whole body, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients reach the body’s farthest corners.

Compounds found in bilberry strengthen capillaries and stimulate the formation of new capillaries. Bilberry also encourages the formation of healthy connective tissue, which maintains the integrity of most body structures, including the blood.

Researchers have noted that bilberry lessens blood clotting, lowers blood pressure and is able to improve blood supply to the nervous system.

It has been shown that, in most cases, heart disease is preventable. If you take action on your heart’s behalf, you stand a good chance of enjoying vigorous circulation and heart function into old age.

Bibliography

-Balch, Koscielny J, et al. "The antiatherosclerotic effect of allium sativum". Atherosclerosis. 1999; 144:237-249

• Murray M. ND. The Healing Power of Herbs. Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA, 1998, pp. 50-57, 70-76, 121-129, & 203-209.
• Weihmayr, T. and Ernst, E. "Therapeutic effectiveness of Crataegus." Fortschr Med. 1996; 114:27-29