This week, we're wrapping up the five-part series about heart-healthy plants. To my delight, we are going to discuss herbs today. Herbs are some of my all-time favorite plants. They are delicious and they enhance meals. They make wonderful teas and tisanes. Lastly, they have some amazing health benefits, as we will soon see.
There are numerous plants that directly and indirectly contribute to heart health. Since our space is limited, we will focus on the following three: hawthorn, hibiscus and motherwort.
Before we dive in, I highly recommend an online in-depth presentation on herbs for heart and metabolic health by Dr. Sarah Byrne. She is a primary care physician who also practices holistic, functional and integrative medicine. In the presentation, Byrne discusses numerous plants in detail, their health benefits and how to use them. (bit.ly/3DMhaO6)
Hawthorn is one of the best-known herbs for cardiovascular health. According to Bastyr University, hawthorn can strengthen "the normal function and structure of your cardiovascular system." It helps to lower blood pressure and, since it is an antioxidant, it may help prevent heart disease. Hawthorn has also been used to treat hardening of the arteries and congestive heart failure. (bit.ly/4jcmHO9)
Byrne shares that hawthorn may also benefit angina and "age-related loss of cardiac function." The berry, leaf and flowers of the hawthorn are used medicinally.
The hibiscus plant not only produces gorgeous flowers, but its tea is also delightful and heart-healthy. Hibiscus tea is deep red, tart and loaded with anthocyanins (antioxidants). This is one of my regular teas, I drink it most days of the week. Occasionally, I will take a "be here now" moment and watch the clear water slowly turn pink, then red. It is truly a beautiful tea.
A study showed that "patients who took an extract which contained 250 mg of hibiscus anthocyanins per day saw a greater decrease in blood pressure than patients who took 10 mg of lisinopril (an ACE inhibitor) and with fewer side effects." (bit.ly/3Wc2gHe)
The same study showed hibiscus extract as being mildly diuretic, while maintaining potassium levels "which is very important for individuals being treated with hypertension." Hibiscus may also help protect blood vessels from being damaged by excess blood sugar or cholesterol.
Last, but not least, motherwort is one of those tinctures I keep in the medicine cabinet and quickly turn towards in times of stress. It promotes relaxation without sedation. Motherwort is recommended for all heart conditions, including palpitations, associated with anxiety and tension. Motherwort may also have blood pressure-lowering effects. It is said to strengthen and protect the heart. (bit.ly/4jcmHO9)
If you are interested in using herbs as medicine, please consult your healthcare provider. Herbs can interact with each other, as well as over-the-counter and prescription medication.