Heart-Healing Herbs

Research demonstrates that after a heart attack, these botanicals can assist in recovery.

- Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, DN-C, RH

“As serious as a heart attack.” That’s what they say. A cliché, but so true. Hopefully you will never have one, but statistics are not in your favor. Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, accounting for well over 17 million deaths per year, a grim figure predicted to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030. About one in three deaths in the United States is attributed to cardiovascular disease. It claims more lives than all forms of cancer combined.

Modern medicine often helps people survive a heart attack, but once a patient has been stabilized, it’s critical to commit to some serious recovery. Think exercise, of course, but three outstanding heart herbs may speed the healing.

HAWTHORN

Hawthorn is the European Swiss Army knife of herbs for safe and effective treatment of heart and circulatory disorders.

The plant contains an assortment of bioflavonoid complexes; traditionally, the berries have been used, but modern research has confirmed the content of active ingredients in other parts of the plant.