Medically CitedOverview
In a world where heart disease causes nearly one in every five fatalities in the United States, hypertension - or high blood pressure - emerges as a significant culprit. This statistic may feel daunting, but what if we told you there could be a natural and accessible remedy to this crisis? Imagine the power of herbs, not just for adding flavor to your dishes, but offering support for your cardiovascular health.
Today, we delve into some of the most beneficial supplements with herbs for blood pressure support, from beet root capsules to motherwort tincture, celebrated for its healing impact on the heart.
Craving more insights on heart-healthy herbs? Dive deeper into the subject with our latest video on the Herbamama YouTube channel.
Video Link - https://youtu.be/8id88LcPKyI
Exploring the Vital Functions of the Cardiovascular System and Understanding Blood Pressure Types
Our cardiovascular system is critical for performing a multitude of functions. Those are as followed:
- Blood transports vital nutrients to our cells.
- White blood cells combat infections through the bloodstream. [1]
- The blood stream also pushes hormones where our reproductive system grows and develops.
- Our bodies produce a lot of waste every day, and our cardiovascular system helps transport this waste to the organs responsible for eliminating it, keeping our insides clean.
- Beyond this, it helps maintain our body temperature at the ideal 37 degrees, this controls the balance of fluids between our blood and tissues, and plays a vital role in regulating our blood pressure.
Let's dive deeper into blood pressure: it comprises two types – systolic and diastolic. The first one represents the pressure exerted when the heart beats, pumping blood, while the latter is the pressure noted between these pumps. A healthy blood pressure reading on a monitor typically stands at 120 over 80. If the readings consistently hover around or exceed 140 over 90, that is an indication of hypertension, more infamously known as “the silent killer.” The term underscores the dangerous stealthiness of this condition - its symptoms are often unnoticed, leaving many oblivious to their ailment.
Hypertension currently affects over 115 million Americans and this figure only accounts for those with a diagnosis, as many people are not aware of their condition or dismiss its symptoms. Such symptoms could include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, nosebleeds, and visual disturbances. However, these may be attributed to other health issues or deficiencies, causing confusion. For instance, headaches might be dismissed as a symptom of magnesium deficiency or dehydration.
Hypertension generally falls into two categories:
- primary or essential hypertension, where no explicit cause is evident but genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices can contribute significantly,
- and secondary hypertension, which is a consequence of an underlying medical condition like kidney infections, diabetes, or certain long-term medications.
It's crucial to acknowledge the silent but potent threat that hypertension poses. Regular blood pressure check-ups, particularly beyond the age of 40, are a significant part of maintaining our health and catching potential issues early. In addition to regular blood pressure monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, nourishing diet, along with a few heart health supplements (nutritional and herbal) can play an influential part towards fortifying our cardiovascular system.
Botanical Allies: Harnessing the Power of Herbs and Berries for Cardiovascular Health
The foundation of all healing lies in proper nourishment. Botanicals known as cardiotonics, offer these nourishing effects along with the ability to strengthen the cardiovascular system. What’s interesting is the correlation between dark colored herbs and foods offering these nourishing qualities to our heart and blood vessels and both sharing the same color. That’s why some supplements for heart health infused with berries, beetroot and other red-hued fruits and vegetables are commonly recommended by healthcare practitioners for cardiovascular support.
Heart-Promoting Berries
The dark color that saturates berries is caused by flavonoids. Flavonoids offer us antioxidant effects, which means they feed and strengthen our blood vessels and heart by reducing inflammation. Tart cherries, bilberries (European blueberries), blueberries, and blackberries are some excellent sources of nourishment for our cardiovascular system and great to consume daily. It is also possible to consume wine in healthy amounts, as France is recognized for having the lowest rate of heart disease than other countries. That's why cardiovascular health supplements infused with these plants are especially essential for promoting overall heart well-being, offering natural ways to reduce blood pressure.
While these Berries are indeed beneficial for our cardiovascular system and can have a significant impact on blood pressure, each of them possesses distinct advantages that set them apart (ie. elderberry's - antiviral properties, tart cherries - melatonin boosting effects). Hawthorn berry, however, emerges as a standout, owing to its strong association with heart health. Studies indicate that, hawthorn berry possesses the potential to strengthen the heart muscle, thereby improving oxygen uptake and circulation, lowering cholesterol and helping manage blood pressure by dilating blood vessels through the release of nitric oxide.[2]. Interestingly, this powerful herb also works on an emotional level, providing solace to those dealing with heartbreak and grief. A natural high blood pressure supplement with hawthorn berry can be consumed in various forms, such as tea or a tincture, and can be a daily part of your diet.
Essential Herbs for Heart Wellness
Moving beyond berries, other red botanicals like red sage also offer numerous health benefits. This Chinese herb contains more than 200 compounds acting like antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. The vibrant red hue of red sage root signifies its enriching capabilities, and this is a great herb to nourish the kidneys and liver as well. The Red Raspberry functions as a natural berry that safeguards the liver from harm by restraining the discharge of enzymes into the bloodstream caused by injured liver cells as we referenced in our review of Reliver Pro .
Beetroot is another fantastic vegetable that we are all familiar with, which is capable of promoting heart wellness. The antioxidants or betalains that annoyingly stain our hands, provide the needed nourishment to our heart and circulatory system.
There's an array of other beneficial herbs that are not dark in color, which can still benefit our cardiovascular system, like stinging nettle. It has essential nutrients that offer a wide spectrum of different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and flavonoids. Remarkably, stinging nettle is also rich in iron, which is vital for red blood cell production.
These beneficial botanicals are readily available in health food stores and can be consumed in a variety of forms. They not only offer substantial health benefits but also have pleasant, palatable flavors, making it easy to incorporate them into your daily routine.
Embracing the Power of Circulatory Stimulant Herbs
Delving into the realm of circulatory stimulant herbs, these botanicals are responsible for quickening up blood flow to enrich more areas of the body. Cayenne pepper, rosemary, and ginkgo biloba, are a few common botanicals that can help in this manner and also positively impact our brain. Some of these gems are particularly useful during the post-lunch slump. Herbs such as ginkgo biloba help maintain motivation and focus on the task at hand, while the bitter components (alkaloids) in this plant ensure digestion is completed through stimulating saliva and releasing digestive enzymes.
Hypotensive Herbs: A Personal Journey Through Nature's Blood Pressure Allies
Let's look at how some natural supplements for high blood pressure can help those with hypertension. Vascular inflammation can increase the risk for our blood pressure to naturally rise. Which is why certain herbs like lime flower (aka. linden flower) and holy basil that are rich in anti-inflammatory flavonoids are great to indirectly improve this area. Beetroot is another option because this vegetable is loaded with nitrates that encourage our blood vessels to dilate and lower blood pressure slightly, through the creation of nitric oxide. Beetroot dilates our blood vessels, enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and the brain. That is why athletes are particularly fond of this vegetable. Unfortunately, these herbs are mild in nature, but they can subtly influence our blood pressure without causing abrupt changes, making them suitable for daily consumption.
Need a more potent approach? Blood pressure support supplements infused with mistletoe leaf, snakeroot, and greater periwinkle possess compounds called alkaloids, which exert a stronger effect on blood pressure. However, it's important to note that these potent herbs require supervision, especially if you have any heart or kidney conditions.
Exploring Nervine Herbs: The Calming Influence of Lemon Balm and Motherwort on the Cardiovascular System
Nervine herbs are botanicals used to promote and maintain our nervous system. These herbs usually burst with adaptogenic properties, having soothing effects on our nerves.
As we know, managing stress is very important for most medical conditions. For hypertension, chronic stress can negatively impact our heart with herbs that fall into the nervine category being influential towards this area. Notable herbs like passionflower and lavender are valuable towards increasing our relaxing hormone known as GABA, but the powerful heart soothing properties of motherwort and lemon balm are far more influential.
Lemon Balm & Motherwort Powers
Lemon balm, bursting with essential oils, and motherwort, rich in alkaloids, are both regarded for their sedative and antispasmodic effects on the cardiovascular system. These herbs help to expand the blood vessels, alleviate the tension in the heart's smooth muscles, and lower anxiety levels. As a result, they play a crucial role in mitigating stress-induced spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. The marvel of these herbs lies in their capacity to combat tachycardia and heart palpitations, offering a multi-faceted approach to cardiac wellness. If you ever get the chance to experience the calming effects of motherwort, it is comparable to a “mothers hug”. Its calming effects mimic the sensation of being swathed in a comforting, stress-dissipating embrace, that is why many herbalists call it a mother's hug in a bottle. Lemon balm, on the other hand, stands out when consumed fresh, as the essential oils it harbors are not as potent in its dried form. Thus, opting for a fresh lemon balm or a tincture often outweighs the benefits of a dried herb tea.
What’s Better?
Choosing between motherwort and lemon balm depends on your unique health needs. Motherwort is a go-to for when menstrual and uterine conditions impact the cardiovascular system. Meanwhile, lemon balm leans more towards aiding digestion, proving useful if indigestion or bloating is contributing to heart discomfort or palpitations.
Lifestyle Choices and Dietary Habits for Cardiovascular Health
Taking into account the importance of certain botanicals in bolstering various aspects of the cardiovascular system, we should not forget the crucial role our lifestyle choices take into play. Among these, dietary habits significantly influence the state of our cardiovascular health.
First and foremost, it is imperative to curb inflammation within our bodies. The prime culprit here is sugar. Sugar is abundant in a multitude of food items. Without conscious regulation, one can easily exceed the daily recommended sugar intake, inadvertently fueling inflammation. It's thus paramount to be vigilant of sugar content, especially in processed foods.
In the same vein, we must be wary of trans fats, caffeine, preservatives, and artificial flavorings and colorings. While these substances extend the shelf life of foods, they can spike inflammation levels internally. Caffeine, though not inherently inflammatory, can place extra strain on the kidneys and heart. These are organs responsible for regulating blood pressure. Monitoring caffeine intake becomes especially important, especially considering the high caffeine content in energy drinks. Additionally, excessive sodium, an ingredient commonly found in canned items, like soups, can lead to water retention, increasing the risk of high blood pressure to develop. Regulating our daily sodium intake, irrespective of the source – be it table salt or sea salt – is crucial.
Alcohol and tobacco are another two factors to keep an eye on. While they may provide a temporary sedative-relaxing effect, they inflict an inflammatory blow on various body systems.
Moving on to heart-healthy foods, potassium-rich items like bananas, spinach, and avocados should be your go-to. They decrease the risk of heart disease and regulate sodium levels due to the intrinsic sodium-potassium balance, aiding in blood vessel dilation and positively influencing our blood pressure. Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates like oats and quinoa also play a crucial role in blood sugar regulation due to their ability to slowly release sugars into our blood and limit their impact on the cardiovascular system. Fiber is also a great prebiotic for our friendly bacteria. Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut offer this prebiotic, which allows our bacteria to convert them into anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids along with various others to support our cardiovascular system.
Healthy fats are highly beneficial to cardiovascular health due to their anti-inflammatory omega 3 content. Olive oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil and krill oil are some great choices. Lastly, given that 90% of our blood plasma is water, hydration is key. Dehydration alters the viscosity of our blood, which may have serious implications.
Exercise is another vital component of heart health. It strengthens the heart muscles, promotes blood flow, and enhances the body's antioxidant defense. The exercise regimen could range from intense gym sessions and long-distance running to simpler activities like jumping or dancing. The goal is to increase heart rate and reduce stress levels. Physical activities promote the release of dopamine and GABA, neurotransmitters which enhance our mental health.
Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation, Qigong, or even sipping a relaxing herbal tea, are also crucial. Substituting alcohol with herbal alternatives like non-alcoholic beverages with hops, such as tea or tinctures, can provide relaxing qualities without the inflammatory drawbacks that alcohol brings on. Some herbs may resonate variously with different individuals, hence exploring a range of herbs like passionflower, skullcap, lemon balm, or ashwagandha to find what works best for you is advisable.
Lastly, a healthy sleep pattern is indispensable for overall health. A sound, undisturbed eight-hour sleep, or slightly less or more depending on individual requirements, can work wonders for our wellbeing. Operating on sleep deficiency can drastically affect the following day, making it essential to prioritize good sleep habits.
Try out these healthy habits on your personal health journey and see how your heart health, and your overall wellness, elevates. The right habits, combined with natural herbal supplements, can greatly influence the way you feel, look and live! [3].
Drawing the Line: The Importance of Cardiovascular Health
Our heart, the engine of our body, demands lots of care as many factors can influence its health. Poor dietary habits, especially excessive sugar and trans fats, sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise, chronic stress and inadequate sleep can take a toll on cardiac health. Cardiovascular health holds immense importance as it directly impacts our overall well-being. So, It is crucial to take proper care of our heart by adopting a balanced and nutritious diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing sufficient sleep. And combined with herbal supplementation, your heart-care regimen can reach a new level.
Don’t Hesitate: Enhance Your Cardiovascular Health with Herbamama’s Natural Supplements
Take charge of your heart health today! Explore the power of natural supplements featured in this article and feel the difference. Visit our website to order premium supplements that promote cardiac well-being and start your journey towards a healthier heart. Invest in your cardiovascular health for a brighter future.
3 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) in the treatment of cardiovascular disease : emerging impact on cardiovascular health : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249900/
[3] The Effect of Herbal Supplements on Blood Pressure: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9332300/
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