Recovery from a Stroke
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: March 28, 2002

What herbs would you recommend for someone who had a stroke? Something that would repair the damages. Maybe something that deals with the nerves. My dad now walks with a limp and I wanted to see if I could help in any way. He’s willing to take whatever herb will help him.

There are several factors in promoting healthy blood vessels, which, in turn, provide nutrition to the nerves.

Watch cholesterol that can clog the blood vessels: avoid fatty food, fried food, eggs, cheese, margarine and shortening. Fish is beneficial, taken three times a week. Fish, especially wild salmon, herrings, sardines and mackerel, contains good oils that are heart protective and do not raise cholesterol.

Omega-3 oils, high in fish, walnuts, freshly ground flax seed, flax oil and hemp oil, decrease inflammation and decrease blood clotting. High consumption of fats in meat and omega-6 oils (sunflower, safflower and corn oils and products such as salad dressings and mayonnaise made from these) throws off the balance of omega-3 oils.

A high fibre diet (lots of fresh fruit and vegetables) helps to eliminate cholesterol. A diet high in fruit and vegetables also provides the vitamins and minerals required for blood vessel repair.

Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries strengthen and repair blood vessels and help keep the blood from clotting.

Regular physical exercise (walking, as approved by your dad’s health care giver) increases the ability to handle stress, improves heart function, improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the body’s tissues and improves bowel function, thus the elimination of wastes.

Ginger and Cayenne improve blood circulation.

Garlic is heart protective and reduces cholesterol.

Hawthorn (berry or leaf and flower) is a heart tonic that normalizes blood pressure and improves the health of peripheral blood vessels.

Linden flower or lime flower (Tilia euoropa or T. cordata) is generally relaxing and relaxes tense muscles in blood vessel walls.

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