Happy Hearts: Chinese Herbs for Cardiovascular Health

Imagine a world where your heart beats effortlessly, where stress melts away, and where you feel truly alive. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s achievable with the right care. Heart disease has been one of the world’s leading causes of death for the past 30 years. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. High blood pressure can damage the arteries over time, making them more susceptible to cholesterol buildup and narrowing. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and the heart over time, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and heart failure. Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to boost cardiovascular health, yet many people don’t get enough exercise. A diet high in processed foods and added sugars is a recipe for obesity and heart-related issues. A nutritious diet is essential. Chronic stress does more than wreck your mood. It’s one of the main factors that lead to heart health problems. In Western medicine, the cardiovascular system is made up of the heart organ, the arteries, and the veins. Traditional Chinese Medicine views the Heart system as more than just an organ of circulation. It’s a holistic approach to well-being. Rather than focusing solely on symptom management, TCM seeks to address the root causes of imbalances in the body. The Heart is considered the “Emperor” of the body, responsible for blood circulation, mood, sleep, and more. The health of our Hearts—and minds—can be seen through our eyes, considered the window to the “shen” or spirit. Healthy blood flow is essential for not only health but also general well-being and emotional stability. Problems with circulation can manifest as pain, fatigue, digestive issues, headaches, dizziness, or menstrual pain. Heart imbalances can also be a key factor in diseases like cancer, infertility, varicose veins, fibromyalgia, or arthritis. A well-nourished Heart is essential for restful sleep, allowing us to fall asleep peacefully and wake feeling rested. Emotional imbalances affect us all, but Chinese medicine can help improve and prevent mood imbalances by regulating hormones and releasing tensions. The Heart is the seat of all emotions in Chinese medicine. Restoring balance to the Heart system eases emotional tensions. There are many different herbal supplements for heart health, each with its own functions and uses. A great overall herbal formula for circulation is Dan Shen Pian. This formula best supports anyone who needs a little help getting the blood moving throughout the body – those with cold hands and feet, swelling, dizziness, heart palpitations, or who have a sedentary lifestyle. If you have known heart issues, herbal formulas that include shan zha are particularly helpful. This herb helps to dissolve and prevent blood clots and improve the flow of blood through the vessels. Wenxin Keli is a popular treatment for many heart health symptoms including arrhythmias, restless heart palpitations, shortness of breath and fatigue, dizziness and palpitations, chest pain and oppression, and more. Cholesterol Support Tablets are designed to help maintain cardiovascular function and regulate healthy cholesterol levels. It contains the key herb Shan Zha, or Hawthorn Berry, which is known to regulate cholesterol and specifically support cardiovascular health. Cholesterol Guard Herb Tea is a daily tea can help you improve your cholesterol levels and boost heart health. This herbal tea supports healthy blood circulation, improves circulation, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. One of the most popular formulas for diabetes management is the classic formula Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. This formula helps restore the deficient Yin common in diabetes and is helpful in managing blood sugar levels, neuropathy, and kidney-related issues. It also helps reduce inflammation to help relieve pain and neuropathy. Wu Ling Wan is a special blend of five different herbs that help your body manage excess water so it doesn’t stress your cardiovascular system. This formula is particularly useful for those with excess swelling and urinary issues due to diabetes.  To revive the Heart, we must nourish and relax; supplement and comfort. Calm Mind tablets (An Shen Bu Nao Wan) are great for an easy as-needed natural way to release tension and improve depression. Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer) Teapills are one of TCM’s most famous go-to formulas for stress. This supplement helps tackle stress specifically related to deep-seated frustration and depression by encouraging good circulation of Qi and blood. Anxiety is often rooted in an imbalanced heart system. If your anxiety comes with a tight feeling in the chest, heart palpitations, and sleep issues, consider Gan Mai Da Zao Wan. This simple and gentle formula can be taken nightly to help settle the mind during times of increased stress. Suan Zao Ren offers supportive nourishment for the Heart system, as well as qi and blood, especially for those feeling weak in other areas of health. For instance, you may have dry and brittle hair, nails, and skin, feel tired and lethargic, have pale and light periods, … …dizziness or headaches, hot flashes or night sweats, or have recently delivered a baby or are pre- or post-menopausal. Anxiety can also be caused by excess heat agitating the Heart. This requires cooling and clearing herbs, like Plum Flower’s Heavenly Heart Pills. With this formula, the goal is to cool and calm the Heart and simultaneously re-establish healthy blood flow to relax the body and mind. Emperor’s Teapills work to calm the Heart and relax the mind so you can get a good night’s sleep. Excess heat can disturb the heart system leading to chronic insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and palpitations. These symptoms are also accompanied by other heat signs (like night sweats, hot flashes, or skin irritations). For those who find they worry their way into restless, sleepless nights, An Shen Bu Xin Wan might be in order. This is especially great if you also feel worn down in other ways; you’re easy to fatigue, have weak back or knees, or feel generally burned out. If you are a light sleeper, tired, and often suffer from indigestion, you might benefit better from Gui Pi Wan. This Chinese herbal formula is great for nourishing the Heart, but does so by restoring the beautiful harmony between the digestive system and our nervous system. Have you been protecting your body’s Emperor? The heart deserves our protection and loving care. With Chinese herbs for heart health, you can support your entire cardiovascular system, mental health, and overall well-being. Embrace wholesome heart medicine with Chinese herbs and take a step towards a healthier, happier life.