Cardiovascular Health - Herbs for the Heart
Reduce Heart Muscle Stress Naturally

Staggering health statistic: According to the American Heart Association, Coronary Heart Disease caused close to five hundred thousand deaths in 2003. I lost my grandmother, grandfather and father to forms of heart disease or stroke, as well as other relatives, so this is getting VERY personal for me.

I have taken agressive steps to prevent myself from becoming a family statistic and one of those steps has been to include hawthorn in the supplements I take for my heart.

I also take Salmon Oil capsules, and want to write an article on the benefits of that as well in the future. It pays to buy the best, when it comes to Omega-3 supplements. The cleanest fish, the one most free of contaminants, is the Alaskan Sockeye. I take Vital Choice Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil Supplements because they are tested and certified by NSF International.

....Tonic Herbs to Support Cardiovascular Health

© 2006, Neva J Howell, All Rights Reserved, Revised 2007

Wellness Library Home Page ~*~ Search for more on Cardiovascular Health
Heart Health Focus: Cleaning out clogged arteries Naturally and Safely

Alternative Health Articles from the Wellness Library: Hawthorn and Your Heart
Bioflavonoid-rich Hawthorn assists the body in restoring healthy heart function

Few herbs have the history of cardiovascular health benefits that Hawthorn enjoys. Since the middle ages, hawthorn berries have been a favorite of herbalists when addressing the need to support the heart and normalize cardiovascular functions. All the way thru to these modern times, hawthorn berries remain one of the most valuable medicinal herbs. Hawthorn has even been used as part of a holistic approach to helping the body heal itself in cases of congestive heart failure and circulatory disorders.

The fame of hawthorn spreads beyond the alternative health care community, however. It is one of the most-tested natural remedies around. According to European studies on the effects of hawthorn, this tonic herb increases blood flow to the heart and brain, protects the heart from irregular beats, enhances the strength of the heart's contractions, and mildly lowers blood pressure. Compounds in hawthorn can help protect the heart against oxygen deprivation, a condition that often leads to angina, a disease marked by intense chest pain.

The importance of bioflavonoids: You have probably read about the health benefits of bioflavonoids. In addition to being powerful antioxidants, helping to increase oxygen and blood flow to the heart, bioflavonoids also help relax and dilate the arteries. One of the reasons hawthorn is so good for the heart is that hawthorn is a bioflavonoid-rich herb.

When there is better blood flow to the heart, and more oxygen reaching the heart, and the arteries are more relaxed and dilated, the heart doesn't have to work so hard to circulate blood. This helps reduce heart muscle stress and blood pressure. The bioflavonoids help to promote strength of the blood vessel walls, improving blood flow throughout the body.

A partial listing of additional health benefits associated with Hawthorn


1. Improved circulation
2. Normalization of heart action
3. Increased strength of heart contractions
4. Helps to prevent arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
5. Natural diuretic
6. Inhibits free radical formation
7. Promotes healthy blood pressure
8. Promotes healthy cholesterol levels

Can hawthorn be taken long term? One should always check with their doctor before adding anything new to their heartcare regimen but hawthorn is generally considered safe. It can not only be taken long term but should be, since it is a tonic herb and does not work rapidly. Rather, hawthorn helps cardiovascular health over the longterm.

The amount of studies done on hawthorn and heart health lead most holistic practitioners and not a few medical doctors to believe it to be safe but adding something to it, requires additional research. To additionally address memory loss, hawthorn is sometimes combined with ginko biloba but it should be noted that ginko biloba may have different reactions with any drugs one is taking than hawthorn would, if taken alone.

What herbalists say about Hawthorn: The amazing Hawthorn Berry is considered by herbalists to be the world's best cardiac tonic. Used for beginning heart disease, mild heart-muscle weakness, angina, and arrhythmia. Hawthorn promotes cardiovascular health, a healthy blood pressure and and better cholesterol levels thru it's function of relaxing blood vessels, increasing metabolism in the heart muscle, and improving blood supply to the heart.

Hawthorn is sometimes additionally used for sleeplessness, nervousness, poor digestion, and weight control though it's main application remains as a healthy heart supplement. Please read: Coronary Heart Disease is a serious, often life-threatening, health challenge and no single health care article can hope to span the length of treatment options or information for this or any other serious cardiovascular health condition. If you suspect you may have heart problems, consult with a qualified specialist in the cardiovascular field.

Atrial Fibrillation Testing - Provided by Life Line Screening

Health Care Disclaimer: The information contained in any alternative health care / spiritual healing article or material on this site is never intended to take the place of personal medical evaluation. Any health decisions you elect to make, based on the contents found in this educational health information, is your right and your responsibility. Please consult with your chosen cardiovascular specialist on matters relating to coronary heart disease and other heart disorders.