There are many studies on herbs for supporting cardiovascular health including Hawthorn, Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza), Astragalus, Olive leaf, Garlic, Kudzu and Hong Hua/Safflower. Research, while useful and important, is not the only available information we have. Many herbs have been successfully used for hundreds or thousands of years in traditional medicine. TCM, Ayurveda, Eclectic Medicine, Siddha, Tibetan Medicine, Physio-medicalism and Unani-Tibb all address aspects of supporting cardiovascular health.
Understanding Herbal Support and Cardiovascular Health
The biggest change I’ve observed in the heart health category over the decades is consciousness. In this day and age, everyone is familiar with what lifestyle choices support good cardiovascular health: maintaining a healthy diet (in particular reducing sodium, free fructose and simple carbohydrates), adequate levels of magnesium and potassium, good quality sleep, and managing stress. And we all know that regular exercise is foundational to good heart health. Herbs, which have a long history of clinical use to support heart health, can also be useful.
Other individual herbs used to support the cardiovascular system include:
Amla fruit, Corydalis Yanhusuo, Dandelion leaf, circulation-supporting Rosemary, Turmeric, Arjuna, Dang Gui, Tienqi Ginseng, Linden Flower, Motherwort, Corydalis, Night Blooming Cereus, Prickly Ash, Butchers Broom, and Ginger. But, as you know, herbs are generally more effective in combination with other carefully selected herbs.
Formulas I developed to support cardiovascular health include:
contains Hawthorn berry flower and leaf, Linden Flower, Motherwort, Olive leaf and European Mistletoe. This product is designed to support healthy blood pressure already in a healthy range. Hawthorn is a cardiovascular trophorestorative, supporting heart and vascular function. Linden Flower and Motherwort are nervines and both Olive leaf and Mistletoe have been used in European phytomedicine (and shown in clinical trials) to support healthy blood pressure already in a normal range. Olive leaf and Hawthorn are also rich sources of flavonoids which have been shown to support cardiovascular and endothelial function.*
contains Hawthorn berry flower and leaf, Dan Shen, Night- Blooming Cereus, Astragalus, Corydalus and Dong Quai. It is designed to promote healthy heart function and cardiovascular circulation. It contains Hawthorn, a cardiovascular trophorestorative which supports heart and vascular function. In TCM Dan Shen, Astragalus, Dong Quai and Corydalis are the major cardiovascular herbs used to promote healthy circulation and cardiovascular activity. Night-Blooming Cereus was introduced into medical practice by the Eclectic Physicians who used it for the elderly. It is a slow acting restorative.*
contains Collinsonia, Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Hawthorn berry, flower and leaf, Goji berry, Cinnamon, and Horse Chestnut seed. These herbs have been used traditionally to support peripheral circulation and the veins, capillaries and arteries. Horse Chestnut, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Goji berry and Cinnamon can also support circulation to the lower extremities as well as the hands. These herbs are also rich in flavonoids and carotenoids to support venous integrity and endothelial function.*
provides the cardiac support benefits of Hawthorn berries in a form that may be added to food. This unique solid Hawthorn extract supports mood as well as cardiovascular health. Easy to use and tastes great, this unusual delivery system fosters compliance with children, pets, and adults looking for alternatives to capsules and tablets.*
Anyone on cardiac or other medications should talk to their doctor and use any botanical product carefully, because conditions should be monitored when on strong pharmaceutical medications.