The best-known herb for the heart in western herbalism is Hawthorn. The extract of hawthorn can increase blood flow to the heart muscle itself, helping to counteract one of the most common modern causes of death in industrial countries--heart attack due to lack of blood flow to the heart. In pharmacological tests on both animals and humans, hawthorn has been shown to improve the contractility of the heart muscle (which can lead to a stronger pumping action of the heart), increase cardiac performance and output, lower the peripheral vascular resistance (reducing the workload of the heart), steady the heartbeat (antiarrhythmic effect), as well as increasing the heart's tolerance to oxygen deficiency, such as might happen during stress or excitement, or in diseases where the arteries are partially blocked."
Hawthorn can be used as part of a comprehensive wellness program to promote cardiovascular health. Hawthorn leaf, stem and flower extracts have been shown to promote healthy heart function by improving blood and nutrient flow to the heart muscle. A healthy heart helps maintain healthy blood flow and nutrient delivery throughout the body.
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Slippery Elm: The Liquid from boiling the bark can be used as an eye wash. The dried inner bark made into a custard promotes overall healing, especially for the very ill. The custard also soothes sore throats, and stomach upsets. It will check diarreha and kidney infections. It's an excellent poltice for wounds and skin irritations. A poultice of slippery elm powder is supposed to be good for treating boils and other surface inflammations.
