Heart Health

Description

I used this tincture for almost 2 years, on a daily basis.  It helped me heal from congestive heart failure.  I worked with my cardiologist to wean off pharmaceuticals, was tested monthly for 6 months, and was released from cardiac care by my very surprised doctor…

My husband uses this tincture to control his high blood pressure and keep his cholesterol in check.

It is a blend of hawthorn berry, flower and leaf; Motherwort; and Violet flowers.

Hawthorn is ideal for those who have a family history of heart disease. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet and stress management, hawthorn is an effective long-term treatment for cardiovascular health. Additionally, it is not habit forming, accumulative or toxic.

Hawthorn has been extensively studied in people with heart failure, showing positive results. Studies published in Pharmacognosy Review suggest that hawthorn berries significantly improves heart function. In fact, the low/negligible incidence of side effects experienced by patients indicate that hawthorn is particularly useful in treating stage I and II heart failure.

Hawthorn may help combat angina, caused by low blood flow to the heart. Research published in The Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge suggests that hawthorn dilates coronary blood vessels and improves blood flow. In addition, it strengthens heart muscles and helps to rid the body of excess salt and water.

In addition to the antioxidants eliminating dangerous toxins from the body, the vitamin C in hawthorn berries are also boosting the activity of your white blood cells to increase your overall health!

In many traditional medicines, hawthorn berries are used for certain psychological conditions, including stress, anxiety and even depression. During the pilot study conducted in the UK, which evaluated hawthorn for hypertension, a trend towards a reduction in anxiety was observed in those taking hawthorn compared with the other groups taking a placebo. Hawthorn may have an impact on hormonal levels, which would explain why so many cultures of the past believed it was the cure “for a broken heart.”

Research shows that hawthorn may lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. In an eight-week Australian study, patients with abnormal amounts of lipids in the blood were treated with hawthorn fruit. The study showed that hawthorn berries simultaneously increased serum levels of HDL cholesterol and decreased LDL cholesterol. By doing so, hawthorn may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is primarily an herb of the heart in both physical and emotional senses. It strengthens and protects the heart. It controls irregular heartbeat, treats heart palpitations and slows rapid heartbeat. It relaxes heart muscle cells, inhibits the formation of blood clots and treats inflammation of the heart muscle. It decreases blood viscosity which improves blood circulation in the vessels. It also uplifts the spirits and promotes a sense of well-being, a feeling that all is well, and everything will work out.

Violet flowers provide comfort during times of emotional upheaval. Violet tends to the heart, helping to comfort those dealing with heartache and grief. “The leaf and flower calm the physical and emotional heart” (Mars, 2002). Children and adults who are sad, anxious, or tense will find violet to be a cooling friend that helps to soothe heated emotions and nerves. Symptoms of stress such as headaches including migraines and even insomnia can be helped by the kind violet (McIntyre, 1996).