Most individuals recognize the important role that diet and exercise plays in maintaining good cardiovascular health. But did you know that certain herbal supplements may also be beneficial for heart health? While these herbal supplements are easily found at health food stores and nutritional centers, you may also use them as spices to complement many of your main meals and side dishes.
If your goal is to maintain a healthy heart for life, follow your doctor’s instructions, and also consider the following herbal remedies that may help you achieve those goals.
1. Allspice
This spicy herb comes from the pimento tree, and you may find it in herbal supplement form. Taken as a dietary supplement, it may help promote heart health. Allspice increases blood flow to the heart and may help decrease strain on the heart as well.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranate has health benefits such as lowering cholesterol and improving blood flow. This herbal remedy also contains antioxidants. You may find this herb in supplement form.
3. Ginger
Studies show that ginger offers benefits for heart health. Some medical experts believe that taking this herbal supplement regularly may reduce the risk of cardiac disease in adults over the age of 18. Additionally, ginger has antioxidant properties, which are also beneficial for good heart health. The herb may also help reduce high blood pressure.
4. Garlic
Many individuals take garlic supplements daily for protecting the heart. Experts believe this herb helps decrease the formation of the plaque that forms in the arteries of the heart. Plaque formation may lead to coronary heart disease and heart attacks. Because hypertension is another contributor to heart disease, you may also consider garlic for lowering your blood pressure.
5. Hawthorn Berry
If you wish to help your heart stay strong and healthy, consider adding the hawthorn herb to your diet. Clinical studies have shown that this herb, which is derived from flowers and leaves of the hawthorn plant, has a positive effect on the heart. In addition to increasing blood flow to the heart, hawthorn berry may help regulate the heartbeat and help combat arrhythmia.
6. Green Tea Extract
Green tea extract contains heart-healthy antioxidants. In addition, green tea helps protect cells that line the blood vessels of the heart. If you do not particularly enjoy green tea as a beverage, you might want to consider taking a daily supplement of green tea in herbal form. You may find this herbal supplement in capsule form.
7. Basil
Basil may be taken in herbal supplement form. Basil may help lower bad cholesterol, which may prevent blocked arteries in the heart. High cholesterol may lead to heart disease, so adding this herb to your diet is worth considering. Basil also contains magnesium, a mineral that helps promote function of the heart muscle.
8. Ginkgo Biloba
Taken as an herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba helps your circulatory system. The herb may also help prevent blood clots in arteries. Some believe that ginkgo biloba supplements also prevent free radicals from damaging cells in the heart.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains natural compounds that may help lower or break down cholesterol. Cinnamon also provides anti-clotting benefits as well. Take a cinnamon supplement daily if you prefer not to add it to foods.
10. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spicy herb that is often used for cooking. However, you will find turmeric in herbal supplement form as well. This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is also said to lower bad cholesterol and may even prevent strokes. In addition, turmeric may help to prevent clots from forming in the arteries of the vascular walls.
For maintaining good cardiac health, consider any of the above mentioned supplements. To err on the side of caution, do not take any herbal remedies without first consulting with your healthcare provider or wellness clinic.
