Chinese Herbs for a Healthy Heart
Herbal formulas used in traditional Chinese medicine may boost heart health, a new study suggests.
In a series of laboratory tests, scientists analyzed herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, such as dan shen and gua lou. Their findings indicate that certain herbal formulas may help the body generate large amounts of nitric oxide, a chemical compound that promotes relaxation in the blood vessels.
Stimulating blood-vessel relaxation allows blood to flow through the circulatory system more easily, the study's authors explain. What's more, nitric oxide helps protect against blood clots, keep blood pressure in check, and prevent plaque from clogging the arteries.
A number of other herbs have been shown to shield heart health in previous studies. Garlic and hawthorn, for instance, may help guard against high blood pressure, while artichoke and red yeast rice may help you maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
According to a recent study red yeast rice can help lower cholesterol. Dr. David Becker and Ram Gordon, M.D. at Chestnut Hill Cardiology, published the findings of their study, “Red Yeast Rice for Dyslipidemia in Statin-Intolerant Patients,” in the June 16, 2009 edition of Annals of Internal Medicine.
According to Dr. Becker “Every physician has patients who refuse to take statins or have significant side effects from them”. And he goes on to say “One of the largest challenges in the medical community has been that there is no agreement or consensus on how to treat these patients. We are convinced that our research may lead to some answers.”