In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the heart is central to maintaining the body’s holistic well-being. Prioritizing heart health is paramount for leading a fulfilling life. For countless millennia, TCM has been harnessed to treat ailments and promote the harmonious functioning of diverse organs, with special emphasis on nurturing the heart’s vitality.
As a result of the potential adverse effects associated with conventional heart medications, such as antihypertensive drugs, there has been a shift toward more natural herbal remedies. Chinese herbal formulas, renowned for their distinct advantages in disease prevention and overall health maintenance, have become more commonly utilized in connection with Western medicine.
As the popularity of traditional Chinese medicine continues to rise, there has been a growing trend in conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the effectiveness of TCM in promoting heart health. Many herbal formulas traditionally used to promote heart health have held up in studies designed to ascertain efficacy for patients.
The Heart In Traditional Chinese Medicine
The heart, spleen, lungs, kidneys, and liver constitute the five zang organs in TCM. These zang organs, also called yin organs, play vital roles in producing, storing, and regulating essential substances like blood, bodily fluids, and qi (life force). They are responsible for maintaining the body’s internal functions.
In contrast to Western medicine, which perceives organs as distinct physical entities, Chinese medicine considers the organs as interconnected and abstract aspects of a vast network within the body. Adhering to the principle of yin-yang balance, any disorder or dysfunction in one organ will inevitably impact at least one other organ, illustrating the intricate interrelation of these vital components.
Herbal Formulas Promoting Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading global causes of mortality. Of its major independent risk factors, high blood pressure is among the most common, making hypertension and blood pressure-related illnesses a crucial issue in promoting heart health.
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin contains many beneficial herbs, including Skullcap, which helps improve heart issues connected with sleep disturbance and anxiety. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin is one of the most commonly provided herbal formulas for patients with heart issues like high blood pressure.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San has been used frequently to help people with heart issues such as hypertension. As shown in a study on treating hypertension and heart failure with TCM, those hypertensive patients who received Jia Wei Xiao Yao San presented a lower risk of heart failure than those treated without it.
This herbal formula contains ginger, an herb offering numerous heart health advantages. By effectively reducing hypertension and cholesterol levels, ginger exhibits the potential to mitigate the risk of diverse heart conditions, including heart attacks.
Individual Herbs
Aside from ginger, several other herbs help to promote heart health within TCM.
Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)
Astragalus root boasts a long history of use spanning thousands of years for its diverse therapeutic properties. In TCM, it is often used to help various ailments, including protecting against heart disease and contributing to reduced blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Red Sage (Dan Shen)
Red sage has been used to address heart-related concerns like heart attacks, myocarditis, and angina. It shows the potential to alleviate chest pains associated with specific heart conditions.
Turmeric (Jiang Huang)
Turmeric has shown the ability to reverse the steps involved in heart disease development by enhancing blood vessel functionality, effectively regulating blood pressure, and reducing the likelihood of clot formation. Additionally, incorporating Turmeric into one’s diet may aid in reducing harmful cholesterol levels and lowering the occurrence of heart attacks in those who have undergone bypass surgery.
Better Herbs, Better Health
When seeking the right herbal formulas to promote heart health, working with a licensed practitioner is essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Not all herbal formulas will work for each individual, and a professional who has studied and practiced TCM can better understand symptoms and how best to improve your physical condition.
Using herbal formulas made from quality herbs manufactured safely with high standards is also crucial. This ensures the best possible results and prevents adverse side effects from improperly sourced herbs. At KPC, our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and we pride ourselves on adhering to the most stringent guidelines and quality assurance programs.
KPC Herbs never compromise on quality, ensuring only ingredients and finished products that meet the highest industry standards leave our warehouse. As a leader in herbal manufacturing, we hold ourselves accountable for providing consumers with the safest and most effective herbal products. Visit our catalog to see the various formulas crafted over generations and learn more about the manufacturing process on our website.
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*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
