Heart Herbs, Hawthorn
Answered by: Christine Dennis
Question from: Warren
Posted on: April 28, 2009

I found a reply from Susan Eagles a few years ago to a man about my age (63) who has chronic atrial afrillation, as I do. She recommended, among other things, hawthorn, motherwort, valerian, and linden flower (tinctures I suppose), along with garlic to "keep the blood vessels free of cholesterol" and omega 3 oils, in the form of oily fish and flax seeds.

My afib is completely asymptomatic -- it was picked up on a routine EKG a few years ago. I’m very athletic and fit (I do lots of "hot" yoga), am slender and in otherwise fairly good health. My heart rate is completely normal as is my blood pressure and there don’t seem to be any other cardiovascular abnormalities.

I assume Susan’s advice applies to me, and plan on starting motherwort and hawthorn. I was wondering how much and how often to take them, and if there is anything else you might recommend to keep my heart as healthy as possible.

Yes, it would still apply to yourself. Hawthorn is a particularly good start. I do not think motherwort is necessary at this time unless you have a lot of stress in your life or until the time that you may start experiencing elevated blood pressure. 1 to 3 mls of hawthorn tincture three times per day would have good protective benefits. I encourage you to follow the dietary recommendations as well with the addition of lots of magnesium rich foods (any green coloured vegetable) to your daily diet.



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