Herbal Medicine and Cardiovascular Health
By Nathaniel Whitmore
The heart is formed during early in-utero life and continues to beat until the end of one’s life. In fact, the pulse (which is the sign of a functioning heart) is often considered the primary sign of life. In life-or-death situations, the pulse is watched carefully, perhaps even monitored with modern equipment. The heart is so important because it delivers oxygen from the lungs to the entire body by pumping blood through the vascular system. Without a constant supply of oxygen, the body cannot survive.
The heart is also responsible for the deliverance of nutrients to the entire body. Blood is carried from the intestines (where it gathers nutrients from food) through the liver (which processes and detoxs the contents of the blood) to the entire body. The blood also carries waste from the body to the kidneys, which filter the blood and form urine from excess fluid and waste. Blood also acts to deliver hormones from various parts of the body to others so that the body can function harmoniously. Blood performs all these functions and more with the constant help of the heart.
We must not limit ourselves to modern physiology in consideration of the heart. The heart has long been associated with mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life. The oldest Chinese medical literature links the heart with the mind, spirit, and emotions. The connection between the heart and the emotions has especially continued through to the present day. Even our Valentine cards take the shape of the “cartoon” heart. And we often speak of a “broken heart.” Perhaps the clearest link between the heart and mind, for us modern people who have been raised to see the body as a machine, is the effect that stress has on the cardiovascular system.
The effects of stress on both the body and mind can be thoroughly explained. It is beyond the scope of this article, however, to explore the effects of stress with much detail. I only want to point out that stress is widely accepted by both conventional and holistic medicine to be a major contributor to heart disease. This is significant because it, to some extent, proves the interconnection of mind and body (specifically mind and heart for our discussion). It is also significant because it points us toward some corrective measures. If stress contributes to, or causes, heart disease, than stress should be avoided, reduced, or eliminated. Some might point out that stress cannot be eliminated and that it is more correct to say that one should learn how to deal with stress rather than learn to eliminate it, but again, we will not be getting so technical for this article. The point is that one should address the cause.
In addition to stress, the causes of cardiovascular problems might include diet, exercise, smoking, drug and alcohol use, emotions, diseases of other organs, et cetera. It is likely that heart problems manifest due to a variety of factors. I think that it is outrageous that modern medicine so often prescribes pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular problems while ignoring the cause of the problems. Drugs cannot fix gross lifestyle and dietary errors (herbs cannot either). If your heart is suffering from a diet of too much fat and heavy foods, such foods need to be reduced. If your heart is growing weak from a lack of exercise, your activity level needs to be increased.
Often schedules make it difficult for people to find the time to cook healthy meals or take lengthy walks. So often priority is given to the full time job and health becomes secondary. I know one inspiring individual who, towards the end of a successful career, started to develop heart problems. Not being a fan of modern medicine, he saw an acupuncturist. The acupuncturist successfully treated him. He went back, however, and asked the acupuncturist how he could keep his blood pressure down without the herbs. The acupuncturist told him to quit his job, which he did.
Not many of you are in a position that allows you to feel like you can quit your job, but maybe it is time that you give your health the priority that it deserves. Drugs and herbs are not quick fixes. All the herbs that were formally quick fixes for heart problems (including Foxglove, Lily-of-the-valley, Hellebore, and various nightshades) have fallen out of herbal practice because they are poisonous, or have be copied synthetically because the dose is easier to control in pill form (among other reasons).
Herbs can, however, help. There are many herbs that can be used to help address the variety of heart issues. As always, it is important to understand the pattern of ill-health that is affecting each individual before choosing which herbs to use. If there is a cure-all for cardiovascular disease, it is probably Hawthorn. It benefits the cardiovascular system in many ways. It strengthens the veins and arteries, reduces cholesterol, and balances the blood pressure. It is also an herb that calms the mind and emotions.
It is interesting that many herbs act strongly on both the mind and the physical heart. Others include Reishi (the mushroom, also known as Varnish Conk), Motherwort (a purple flowering herb that grows locally in the wild), and Valerian (well-known as one of the primary sedative herbs). Cinnamon and Cayenne can be used to stimulate circulation. Another culinary herb that is widely recognized for its cardiovascular benefit is Garlic. And while we are on the subject of things that can be found in the kitchen, I will point out that Oatmeal often carries a heart health claim right on the label.
There are many herbs available to support a healthy heart. When combined with an active lifestyle and adequate exercise, a healthy diet, loving relationships, and a positive mental outlook on life, herbs can help you stay healthy naturally.
Nathaniel Whitmore has a private herbal consultation practice at the Wellness Center in Honesdale. He also leads wild medicinal herb tours and teaches classes and workshops on holistic health. Contact him by calling (570) 224-0264.
www.thepoconoherbfoundation.com
106 Whitmore Road; Damascus, PA 18415
The Honesdale Wellness Center- 602 Church Street; Honesdale
“wathakes” means “herbalist” or “one who knows plants” in Lenape.
© Copyright 2010 Connections Magazine
