10 Most Effective Herbs for Heart Health

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Despite the efforts of doctors across the country and organizations like the American Heart Association to educate Americans on heart health, cardiac disease remains the number one killer for American men and women alike. It is estimated that around 68 million Americans develop heart disease every year and those numbers don’t appear to be going down any time soon.

Because of the number of patients with heart problems and the high mortality rate, finding natural supplements is more important than ever, either as an alternative to mainstream remedies or as a adjuvant therapy. Below are some of the best herbs that can be taken to promote heart health.

Garlic

Garlic remains one of the very best things to add to the diet for heart health, due to its ability to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, increase blood flow and decrease the chances of forming a blood clot. (1)

Cacao

Arguably the most delicious way to keep the heart healthy, dark chocolate rich in cacao can help support the health of the blood vessels and again keep the blood thin and less likely to clot, thus reducing the chance of a heart attack or stroke. (2)

Hawthorn

This plant has been prized for its ability to lower blood pressure and increased blood flow by dilating the blood vessels around the heart and by helping to remove cholesterol and plaque. (3)

Motherwort

This soothing herb can help to tamp down a too-rapid heartbeat due to tension or stress but with long-term use can also help strengthen heart muscle and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. (4)

Bilberry

This astringent berry has been shown in clinical studies to help with the formation of capillaries and microcirculation, which are important for maintaining good heart health and perfusion. (5)

Ginseng

It is no surprise that this wonderful general tonic can also help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage around the heart, increasing its strength, contractility and overall function. (6)

Gingko Biloba

This herb is not just good for memory: it has been shown to dilate veins, arteries and capillaries around the heart, thus improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. (7)

Cayenne

This vitamin- and antioxidant-rich spice can help widen blood vessels and remove plaque from the arteries, thus lowering the chances of a heart attack. (8)

Butcher’s Broom

For those with low blood pressure, butcher’s broom is one of the few herbs which can raise blood pressure up to normal levels. (9)

Grapes

Regular consumption of grapes has been shown to help reduce both cholesterol and blood pressure to reduce the chances of a heart attack.  (10)

These herbs, in different ways, all promote the health of the heart. As always, however, it is important to remember to talk to a doctor before adding any herbs to the regimen, as there is always the possibility that they could interact with what is already being taken and wind up doing more harm than good.

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Meghan Telpner
Meghan has written many articles about health subjects as a journalist and as a freelance writer. As a reporter, she often covered hospital and clinic events/news and wrote news and features about health topics relevant to people in the community.