6. Gingko
Gingko has similar but milder actions as the cardiac medications metoprolol and diltiazem. The herb can improve blood flow throughout your body — including the coronary arteries.
The herb reduces the oxygen demands of the heart muscle, which may reduce shortness of breath. Gingko may be safely used as an aspirin substitute if you want to lower your risk of stroke, but cannot take aspirin. It serves as an excellent tonic for the heart. Research proves that gingko’s antioxidant effects protect the heart.
7. Hawthorn
Do not use hawthorn without professional supervision if you take digoxin or lanoxin as it may increase the effects of the medications. Your blood pressure may fall and the force of the contraction of your heart may increase too much.
Hawthorn has amazing effects on balancing blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too low, small amounts of hawthorn may increase it to a normal range. However, if you have high blood pressure, the same herb has the ability to lower your blood pressure when taken in larger amounts.
It is truly one of nature’s wonders. Hawthorn works with your body to provide what your body needs — no pharmaceutical drug has that ability.
Usually the berries are employed by herbalists, however the flowers and leaves are useful too. It is safe for long-term use.
8. Garlic
Garlic is a healthy herb for your entire body. It is particularly useful if you have a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, as you have an increased risk of blood clot formation and stroke.
Garlic is a blood thinner, so if you take an anticoagulant medication, check with your health care provider prior to implementing it, except as a food. In addition to preventing blood clot formation, garlic lowers blood pressure, as well as unhealthy LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels — while increasing healthy HDL cholesterol levels.
Garlic prevents hardening of the arteries and improves the flexibility of your blood vessels. The herb is rich in healthy antioxidants. Garlic may relieve discomfort in your legs that is caused by poor circulation.
9. Ginger
Ginger has been employed as food and medicine for thousands of years. It is beneficial to your entire body and tastes great.
The herb is a superior tonic for your heart. Warming ginger prevents blood clots from forming and supports the circulation throughout your entire body.
Ginger exerts positive effects on the heart and blood vessels —f you suffer from leg cramps, cold hands and feet, due to poor circulation, ginger may provide relief. It may also relieve feelings of dizziness and vertigo, which may occur in the presence of atrial fibrillation and other conditions.
Ginger helps to maintain and restore the proper electrolyte balance within your heart. This is important for preventing arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation. Ginger does this by improving your heart’s ability to utilize calcium from your blood stream.
Check with your doctor if you desire to use ginger medicinally and you are taking blood thinners, or have gallbladder disease.
