Ayurvedic(herbal treatment for heart disease)

It is quite disheartening that the highly technological approach of the modern medicine literally bypasses the underlying causes of the heart disease. Ayurveda, on the other hand, aims at striking at the very root of the disease. A real cure for this disease is only possible if we adopt a holistic approach as the one advocated in Ayurveda and address the problem at its very root. Shunning the age-old principles of healing described in the Vedas- the great Indian heritage, as unscientific only just because they are old, is most unfortunate. However, due to the intensive research work of some doctors in the west, people now have come to believe that Heart Disease can be reversed.
There are some very effective natural treatments for regulating and strengthening the heart. Here are some of the recommendations that Ayurveda makes:
Nourishment: Use of Amla fruit as an excellent anti-oxidant that can help to prevent arterial damage from free radicals as well as nourishing the heart tissue. Amla can help boost the immune system and nourish the heart. Chywanaprash is a delicious nutritive herbal jam that contains Amla and is a real boost to the strength of the heart.
Increase circulation: A major cause of heart problems is due to hardening, inflammation or congestion of the arteries which can restrict blood flow as well as putting pressure on the heart muscle and tissue. Arjuna is one of Ayurveda's wonder herbs for strengthening the cardiac muscle, reducing arterial congestion and lowering blood pressure.
Reduce Blood fats and high cholesterol: If you suffer from high cholesterol try Triphala Guggul which combines a range of herbs known to tackle the causative problems of high cholesterol as well as reduce high levels of blood fats.
Relaxation: If you suffer from excess tension try using Ashwagandha . It is a wonder herb for helping reduce tension in the body and mind as well as strengthen the heart muscle.
Dietary suggestions: Eat a nourishing diet that removes all processed foods, poor quality dairy, poor quality oils, hydrogenated oils. Increase foods that are excellent for the heart. Use garlic, turmeric, ginger and saffron. Include whole grains, pulses and foods high in essential fatty acids such as hemp seed oil. EFAs are renowned for helping to keep arteries clean and the heart strong.
Avoid over-eating and eating frequently. Eat a light breakfast and dinner. Lunch should be the main meal. Milk products, fried foods, cold foods and acidic foods should be taken in small quantities. White flour products and foods that contain chemical preservatives and additives should be avoided. Animal products, especially red meat, are not good as they take a long time to be digested, and create a lot of toxins in the stomach.
Seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables (steamed or cooked), Brown bread or Chapatti, salad, sprouts, vegetable soup, buttermilk, cottage cheese (paneer), a little quantity of fresh milk and ghee (clarified butter) prepared from cow's milk, make up an ideal list of food items to choose from. Anything sweet should be taken in moderation. Honey and jaggery are healthier than purified sugar.
Fried things, pulses and their preparations, and groundnut oil are prohibited. Ayurvedic physicians allow butter or ghee, and not groundnut oil. Cow's ghee, cow's milk and cows' butter are useful for the patient. Buffalo ghee and buffalo milk are not recommended. Stimulants like tea, coffee and alcoholic drinks are very harmful for such patients.
In addition to maintaining a healthy eating pattern, specific foods are often recognized as particularly heart-healthy. One of the most popular of these healthful foods is fatty fish with its high omega-3 fatty acid content. A recent study determined that women who consumed more omega-3 fatty acid laden fish (two servings weekly) had a reduced rate of death due to heart disease. These researchers found that this was independent of cardiovascular risk factors or other dietary sources that may influence the development of heart disease. Good sources of omega-3's besides fish are: flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, canola oil, olive oil, sesame oil, peanut butter and oil, sunflower seeds and oil, avocado, soybean oil, and safflower oil. Additionally, flavonoids found in tea and cocoa have been recognized for their antioxidant benefit. By blocking oxidative damage to LDL cholesterol and reducing platelet clumping, flavonoids may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. An inverse association between dietary fiber intake and cardiovascular disease risk has also been proposed. This underscores the recommendation for increased consumption of fiber-rich whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables.
Lifestyle:Your heart needs a regular supply of oxygen and it also must not be overstressed. Practice light aerobic exercise and regular relaxation. Ayurveda would recommend some nourishing yoga practices, such as the dynamic 'Sun Salutation' as well as daily breathing practices (Pranayama). Ayurveda suggests exercising within your own limitations and does not encourage excessive exercise that leaves you tired. Yoga is exercise that leaves you energised and fitter.
A very common cause of heart diseases is mental stress. Regular practice of yoga and Pranayama (breathing exercises) reduces stress levels. Also, meditation has been scientifically proven to prevent as well as cure heart diseases.
Ayurveda considers the functions of heart and mind inter-linked. Disturbance in one affects the other. Therefore, patients having heart disease are advised to refrain from anxiety, worry, excessive sexual intercourse and wrathful disposition. All efforts should be made for the patient to have good sleep at night. Even rest during the day is essential. He should never be permitted to remain awake at night for long.
The patient's bowels should move regularly. If there is constipation, he is advised to take a glass of water early morning and go for a walk every day. A gentle laxative like Triphala choorna may be used if required
Panchakarma: A gentle head massage with or without oil several times a week is very beneficial. A full-body self-massage with oil once a week is also .
                                  Herbal plants for heart disease 

Ayurveda is a traditional and most commonly practiced form of medicine in India¹. Ayurveda comes from the words Ayur (life) and Veda (knowledge). The concept of Ayurveda is based on a combined study of body (Sharira), sense organs (Indriyas), mind (Manas) and soul (Atman)². Equilibrium of all these is related to health. When an imbalance exists among any one of the three Doshas, Ayurveda suggests a unique combination of food, exercise, meditation and herbs. Ayurvedic herbs stimulate the function of specific organs in the body, possibly by altering hormones, affecting immunity and neurotransmitters, and conveying antioxidant properties ³. Cardiovascular problems have been dealt in detail in Ayurveda, which describes Hridaya (heart) as a body organ governing emotions and circulating blood to keep a person alive and healthy. Heart Disease (Hrudroga) is a global phenomenon. It is now becoming a major health problem even in developing countries⁴. The predisposing factors are heredity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high serum cholesterol and smoking⁵. Improper diet and stressful life styles lead to thickening of arteries (Dhamani praticaya) or hardening of arteries (Dhamani kathinaya) resulting in angio-obstruction (Vata dosa) and angina (Ruja).

Ayurveda has given different plants and formulations, which are useful in managing heart diseases⁶ Table 1).

Angina

It is characterized by pain normally felt in the chest, also occurs in jaws or abdomen. In some cases, it may cause no symptoms (a condition called silent ischemia.) If a blood clot suddenly cuts off most or all blood supply to the heart, a heart attack results^7-9. An Ayurvedic mixture of Abana formulation significantly reduces the frequency and severity of angina attacks. Guggul reduces the serum cholesterol levels. Green tea helps to avoid clogging arteries. Garlic prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol and liver from producing excess fat and cholesterol. Hawthorn dilates coronary blood vessels, improves blood flow; strengthens heart muscles and helps to rid of excess salt and water. Turmeric lowers blood cholesterol levels and checks blood clots. Ginkgo biloba Linn. improves blood flow. Alfalfa leaves and sprouts help to reduce blood cholesterol levels and plaque deposits on artery walls. Ginger reduces cholesterol and prevents blood clots. Citrin (Garcinia cambogia Desr. extract), inhibits synthesis of fatty acids in the liver. Other beneficial herbs for cardiovascular disorders include barberry, black cohosh, butcher's broom, cayenne (capsicum), dandelion, ginseng, and valerian root.

 

Hypertension (High blood pressure)

Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries¹⁰. Low blood pressure is related to weakness of the digestive fire. It is common in vata types, due to poor circulation; in kapha type, it occurs

Table 1—Plants used in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia56-58
Plant name	Plant parts used, preparation and dosage	Design and model	Result
Azadirachta indica	Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia diffusa, Cedrusdeodar, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Trichosanthes lobata, Inula raceomosa (2 gm each, 8 hrly); Commiphora mukul (1/2 gm 8 hrly); and Urgenia indica 100 mg (8 hrly).	14 cases of congestive heart failure	All patients were given the decoction and Urgenia indica; patients with ischaemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale were given powder of Inula racemosa, while patients with rheumatic heart disease were given Commiphora mukul. After 2 weeks, 10 patients were cured completely, 2 had bradycardia and 2 were refractory.
Cassia fistula	Cassia fistula	Albino rats	Administration of Cassia fistula produced a significant decrease in blood and liver total lipids. Brain, spleen, kidneys and heart followed a similar trend but with moderate effect. Blood, liver kidneys, spleen and heart total cholesterol significantly decreased. The level of triglycerides was markedly improved.
Cedrus deodara	Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia diffusa, Cedrus deodara, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Trichosantes lobata, Inula Racemosa (2 gm each, 8 hrly); Commiphora mukul (½ gm 8 hrly), Urgenic indica (100 mg, 8 hrly).	14 cases of congestive heart failure	All patients were given the decoction and Urgenia indica. Patients with ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale were given powder of Inula acemosa, while patients with rheumatic heart disease were given Commiphora mukul. After 2 weeks 10 patients were cured completely, 2 had bradycardia and 2 were refractory.
Cocos nucifera	Coconut and coconut oil	Clinical trial: 32 coronary heart disease16 matched healthy controls	Consumption of coconut oil was found to be similar in both groups. The groups did not differ in the fat, cholesterol consumption. The result implies no specific role for coconut or coconut oil in the causation of coronary heart disease in this set of patients.
Elephantopusscaber	Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts (0.3–6 gm/kg) of Elephantopus scaber whole plant.	Mice, rats	Both extracts induced writhing, loss of muscle tone, ataxia, prostration and death. Both reduced brewer’s yeast- induced hyperthemia but when given orally did not affect it. Aqueous extract reduced intestinal transit time while the hydroalcoholic extract increased it. Given IV, blood pressure and heart rate were reduced.
Myristica fragrans	Ethanolic extract of Myristica fragrans 500 mg/kg orally for 60 days.	Albino rabbits and controls	Total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol were significantly reduced. Extract also showed platelet antiaggregatory ability and a
			(Contd)
—Contd			significant decrease of total cholesterol levels in heart and liver.
Picrorhiza kurrooa	Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia diffusa, Cedrus deodara, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Trichosantes lobataand Inula racemosa (2 gm each, 8 hrly); Commiphora muku, (1/2 gm 8 hrly); Urgenic indica (100 mg, 8 hrly).	14 cases of congestive heart failure	Patients were given Urgenia indica decoction. Patients with ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale were given powder of Inula racemosa, while patients with rheumatic heart disease were given Commiphora mukul. After 2 weeks 10 patients were cured completely, 2 had bradycardia and 2 were refractory.
Terminalia arjuna	Terminalia arjuna bark (500 mg, 8 hourly).	Clinical randomized controlled double-blind trial: 12 with congestive heart failure NYHA Class IV	Terminalia arjuna compared to placebo therapy was associated with improvement in symptoms and significant signs of heart failure. On long-term evaluation (phase II), patient continued to show improvement in symptoms, signs, effort tolerance, and NYHA class.
Terminalia chebula	Decoction of Azadirachta indica, Boerhaavia diffusa, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Terminalia chebula, Tinospora cordifolia, Trichosantes lobata, Commiphora mukul (1/2 gm each, 8hrly; Urgenia indica(100 mg, 8 hrly).	14 cases of congestive, heart failure	Patients were given the decoction and Urgenia indica. Patients with ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and cor pulmonale were given Inula racemosa powder, while patients withrheumatic heart disease were given Commiphora mukul. After two weeks 10 patients were cured completely, 2 had bradycardia, and 2 were refractory.

because of congestion and stagnation with phlegm clogging and reducing the blood flow; while in pitta type, it is mainly associated with anemia or damaged liver function. From Ayurvedic perspective, hypertension is commonly a pitta condition¹¹. However, it can occur in the other doshas as well. Generally, it is of three types. Vata hypertension is due to worry, strain, overwork, anxiety or insomnia, frequently associated with nervous system disorders. Kapha Hypertension is due to obesity, tiredness, edema, and high cholesterol. Pitta Hypertension is associated with liver disorders and the accumulation of internal heat.

Treatment includes avoidance of dairy, butter, eggs and high fat foods, incorporating plenty of hot spices in the diet, particularly mustard and onions¹². Crushed garlic clove with honey is taken once or twice a week. Nutmeg or Saraswat powder is given with warm milk. Mixture (1-3 gm) of Ashwagandha 1 part, Valerian 1 part, Gotu kola 1 part taken with warm water or with ghee calms the nerves and relieves heat and stress¹³. Arjuna preparations like Trikatu are very useful. Herbs such as gotu kola, calamus, valerian, skullcap, jatamamsi, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, garlic, black pepper, myrrh, motherwort, hawthorn berries, barberry, katuka and cardamom are recommended for this condition¹⁴. For vata types garlic is used; for kapha types cayenne or Trikatu is used; while for Pitta types, saffron or turmeric in a base of aloe gel is used. Gotu kola is another useful herb for Pitta hypertension. Brahma Rasayana and Saraswat powder are also used.

 

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when a coronary artery abruptly fails to deliver blood to a part of heart. Arteriosclerosis means thickening and hardening of artery walls due to calcium deposits¹⁵. In atherosclerosis, the deposits consist of fatty substances, and artery walls lose elasticity and harden. Both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis affect circulation. If not taken care of they can ultimately lead to high blood pressure and to angina (chest pain), heart attack, stroke, and/or sudden cardiac death.

Kapha and pitta types are due to fat accumulations. Vata type is from the hardening of the arteries^16,17. Treatment for arteriosclerosis is similar to the treatment of heart diseases and for hypertension. Hypertension usually follows arteriosclerosis. Guggul lowers high cholesterol and is useful for Kapha. It improves circulation, reduces pain, removes accumulations and promotes healing. 1 gm is taken in the morning and evening for three months. Garlic is taken along with honey. Calamus, turmeric, elecampane, aloe vera gel with turmeric or safflower, katuka, myrrh, saffron, motherwort, and hawthorn berries are other useful herbs.

 

Cardiomyopathies (Vatika Hrudoga)

Vatika Hrudyoga comprises of an umbrella of disorders. The main features include excruciating pain in heart, pricing, squeezing and crushing. Other features include breathlessness, feeling of emptiness in chest, palpitation, sudden lethargy, and loss of consciousness¹⁸. The Ayurvedic treatment of IHD comprises of Panchkarmas, which mainly includes Virechna (Purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas). Internal medicines include drugs like Ajmoda, Vishatinduka and Bold. Externally a local treatment, known as Hrid-Basti, which is a type of oleation (Snehana) incorporating application of oils, decoctions, juices of herbs locally on mid sternal zone, forming a wall of wet gram paste is given.

 https://amzn.to/2oT7U4q

Congenital heart disease & cardiovascular diseases

Congenital means inborn or existing at birth. In order to rectify the defects cardiac surgery is needed ¹⁹. According to Caraka Samhita of Agnivesa, plants termed as cardiac tonic are as follows

Botanical name/Family	Common names	Useful parts
Magnifera indica Linn. (Anacardiaceae)	Aam, Amba	Fruit
Gmelina asiatica, Linn. (Verbenaceae)	Badhar	Fruit
Carissa carandas, Linn. (Apocynaceae)	Karanda	Fruit, Bark, Leaves
Garcina indica Choisy (Guttifereae)	Amsul	Fruit
Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. (Guttifereae)	Amlavettas	Fruit
Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ; Ziziphus nummularia Wight & Arn. (Rhamnaceae)	Kuval, Bor	Fruit, Leaves
Punica Granatum Linn. (Lythraceae)	Anardana	Flowers, Fruits
Citrus medica Linn. (Rutaceae)	Mahalung	Fruit