Three Herbs That May Improve Heart Health
- Marcia Howard
- Feb 21, 2024
- 5 min read
What are the 3 best herbs for heart health?
February is Heart Health Month. Cardiovascular Disease remains the number one killer among men and women. so we must keep the conversation going to bring awareness. Today, I want to raise awareness of 3 herbs that may improve health outcomes.
Heart health is a vital aspect of overall wellness, as the heart is responsible for pumping blood and oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body. Poor heart health can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, and more. Fortunately, there are some natural ways to support and improve heart health, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and using herbs.
Herbs are plants that have medicinal properties and can be used to prevent or treat various health conditions. Some herbs have been shown to have beneficial effects on heart health, such as lowering cholesterol, improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress. In this article, we will explore three of these herbs and how they work to improve heart health.
Oregano
Oregano is a common herb that is used to flavour many dishes, especially in Mediterranean cuisine. But oregano is more than just a tasty spice; it also has powerful antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit heart health.
Oregano can help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme that synthesizes cholesterol in the liver. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, as it can clog the arteries and impair blood circulation. Oregano can also help add dietary fibre, which is essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and preventing constipation.
Oregano is also rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that can protect the heart from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Oxidative stress is a condition where there is an imbalance between the production and elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules that can damage cells and tissues. Oxidative stress can contribute to ageing and various diseases, including heart disease.
Oregano also has anti-inflammatory effects that can reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can be harmful and lead to various diseases, such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Oregano can modulate the immune system and inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that trigger inflammation.
To use oregano for heart health, you can add fresh or dried oregano leaves to your salads, soups, sauces, pizzas, or other dishes. You can also take oregano supplements in capsules or liquid form, or make oregano tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried oregano in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
Garlic
Garlic is another herb that is widely used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Garlic has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, such as infections, wounds, colds, flu, and more. Garlic has also been shown to have positive effects on heart health by lowering blood pressure, improving blood circulation, and preventing platelet aggregation.
Garlic can help lower blood pressure by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels and increasing the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is a gas that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, as it puts extra strain on the heart and damages the blood vessels.
Garlic can also help improve blood circulation by reducing the viscosity of the blood and preventing the formation of blood clots. Blood clots are masses of platelets and fibrin that can block the blood vessels and cause stroke or heart attack. Garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation by interfering with the enzymes that activate platelets and by increasing the levels of prostacyclin (PGI2), which is a hormone that prevents platelet aggregation.
Garlic can also protect the heart from oxidative stress and free radical damage by scavenging ROS and enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, that have antioxidant properties and can modulate the expression of genes involved in oxidative stress.
To use garlic for heart health, you can eat raw or cooked garlic cloves daily or take garlic supplements in capsules or tablets. You can also make garlic oil by crushing garlic cloves and soaking them in olive oil for a few days. You can use garlic oil to dress your salads or apply it topically to your chest or feet.
Butcher's Broom
Butcher's broom is a lesser-known herb that has been used for centuries to treat various circulatory disorders, such as varicose veins, haemorrhoids, leg ulcers, and more. Butcher's broom has also been found to have beneficial effects on heart health by strengthening the blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and preventing oedema.
Butcher's broom can help strengthen the blood vessels by stimulating the contraction of the smooth muscles that surround them. This can improve the tone and elasticity of the blood vessels and prevent them from dilating or leaking. Weak blood vessels can lead to various problems, such as poor blood circulation, swelling, pain, and increased risk of bleeding.
Butcher's broom can also help reduce inflammation in the body by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by blocking the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), which is a protein that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation. Inflammation can damage the blood vessels and the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Butcher's broom can also help prevent oedema, which is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the tissues and causes swelling. Edema can occur due to various reasons, such as heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or medication side effects. Edema can impair blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the tissues and organs. Butcher's broom can prevent oedema by increasing the reabsorption of fluid from the tissues into the blood vessels and by enhancing the drainage of lymphatic fluid.
To use butcher's broom for heart health, you can take butcher's broom supplements in capsules or tablets or make butcher's broom tea by steeping one teaspoon of dried butcher's broom root in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes.
A whole-food diet is always the best line of defence for preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease. It is caused by the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other organs. One of the main factors that contribute to CVD is an unhealthy diet, high in saturated fat, salt and sugar, and low in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
A whole-food diet emphasizes natural, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains and oily fish. These foods are rich in nutrients and phytochemicals, which are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. A whole food diet can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation, and prevent or reverse atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in the arteries. Several studies have shown that people who follow a whole-food diet have a lower risk of developing CVD and a lower mortality rate from CVD. Therefore, choosing a whole-food diet is one of the best ways to protect your heart and your health.
Health Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your doctor before using any herbs or supplements, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication. Do not use herbs or supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless advised by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if you experience any adverse reactions.
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