Heart health ideas; readers' questions answered
Jonathan Evans
This is the month when everybody talks about heart health, and traditionally, I avoid the topic until March when perhaps more people are paying attention. But this year I am going with the flow and will hopefully reveal some of the wonders of nature that are available for cardio-vascular health.
First and foremost of the heart tonics is Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha).
It has a normalizing effect, improving blood flow to the heart, strengthening the heart contractions, maintains the integrity of the venal and arterial walls and exhibits anti- inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) is a potent circulatory stimulant, strengthens the blood vessels and capillaries, and helps regulate blood pressure (high or low). Linden flower or lime blossom(Tilia europaea) provides nutritional support for the heart with a relaxing action on the arteries, a great addition for fighting hypertension, as is
Coleus forskohli, an ayurvedic herb. Ginkgo biloba, improves circulation, strengthens blood vessels and promotes new blood vessel growth. Vitamin C, bioflavinoids, Co- enzyme Q10 ,magnesium, D-Ribose and L-Carnitine are very important nutrients. For more information and free literature, please contact the Herbarium.
In recent years, other natural products have shown great promise for cardio-vascular health. Natto is a cheese-like food product from fermenting steamed soy beans. Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from the natto and is a fibinolytic, meaning it can dissolve the normally insoluble fibrous component of coagulated blood.
Research has been ongoing since the 1980s using it as a substitute for warfarin. For people who are experiencing rather severe side effects from their prescription, these herbal and nutritionsl substances may offer safe and effective relief.
Dear Jonathan, I have been having digestive problems since the holidays. I have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Do you have any magic potions that may help? — Steve
Dear Steve, It is good to hear you actually went and got diagnosed. Now we have something to work with. First, watch your diet. Sugar and dairy products can really cause a lot of problems with IBS. Some traditional items we have seen work well would include slippery elm (Ulmas fulva) tea or capsules.
The slippery elm is a demulcent and is very soothing to the gastrointestinal tract. Another quick remedy is aloe vera gel or juice. Just as we use this plant for burns on the outside, it helps put out the inflammation on the inside. Enteric coated peppermint is very beneficial for IBS.
The oil acts as an anti-spasmodic and can help relax the colon. Artichoke leaf extract (Cynara scolymus) has been studied in Europe for irritable bowel syndrome. It also helps to lower cholesterol, so you can get two benefits for the price of one.
Dear Jonathan, I have Plantars Fasciitis and cannot walk without great pain. The painkillers I am using don't seem to do very much. Any ideas? -Avery
Dear Avery, I am quite familiar with the condition. What I found very effective was the use of stretching exercises and a combination of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) and traditional anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric (Curcuma longa) or Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumben). MSM is a sulfur compound with anti-inflammatory action, along with giving the tendons more flexibility.
Try that combination for a few days and see the difference. I was able to get rid of mine in a week and since I take this combination for other reasons, the Plantar's Fasciitis has not returned.
— Jonathan
Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mail at
info@theherbarium.com, or by regular mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013. If you are requesting additional information from Jonathan, please include a self-addrresed stamped envelope.
