Best Herbs for Heart Health

Introduction

Maintaining heart health is crucial for overall well-being, and while medical treatment and lifestyle changes play a primary role, certain herbs can support cardiovascular function. Below are three of the best herbs for heart health, their benefits, and how they work.

1. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Why It’s Beneficial:

Hawthorn is well known for its effects on the cardiovascular system. It contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which help protect blood vessels and improve circulation.

Key Benefits:

• Supports heart muscle function and improves blood flow.
• Helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
• May reduce cholesterol levels and prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
• Can support individuals with mild heart failure and hypertension.

How to Use:

Hawthorn is available as teas, capsules, or extracts. Always consult a doctor before taking hawthorn if you use heart medications.

2. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Why It’s Beneficial:

Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. It contains allicin, which helps reduce blood pressure and supports healthy blood vessels.

Key Benefits:

• Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
• Reduces blood pressure and improves circulation.
• Has mild blood-thinning effects, helping to prevent clot formation.
• May reduce inflammation linked to heart disease.

How to Use:

Garlic can be consumed raw, cooked, or as supplements. Aged garlic extract is often used to support heart health.

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Why It’s Beneficial:

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Chronic inflammation is a key driver of heart disease, and curcumin helps protect the heart.

Key Benefits:

• Reduces inflammation in blood vessels, helping to prevent damage.
• Improves endothelial function (the health of blood vessel linings), reducing hypertension.
• Lowers cholesterol and may prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
• Supports overall cardiovascular health by reducing oxidative stress.

How to Use:

Turmeric can be used in cooking or taken as supplements. Combining it with black pepper enhances absorption.

Conclusion

While these herbs offer significant heart health benefits, they should complement—not replace—medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle. Always consult a healthcare provider before adding herbs to your routine, especially if you have cardiovascular conditions or take medications.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines

1. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. https://www.heart.org/
3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
4. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults
5. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/39/4043/7238227
5. https://www.escardio.org/