Ayurvedic Cure for Heart Disease

The heart is the

most important
organ of the body
which pumps blood
to all the other
organs in order to
keep them
functioning. The
heart has to work
tirelessly for every
living second of our
life. It is no wonder
then, that the
heart is the organ
that undergoes the highest degree of wear and tear in the human
body.
Heart Disease or Hridyaroga is a global phenomenon. Already a big
health problem in the developed countries, it is now becoming a
major health problem even in the developing countries. Depending
on their dosha, the heart diseases could be Vataka Hridyaroga,
Paittika Hridyaroga and Kaphaja Hridyaroga. These three have
slightly differing symptoms as follows:
Vataka Hridaya Roga is characterized by acute pains which
are not localized at a particular point. This is the heart
disease caused due to the vitiation of the vata dosha
Pittika Hridaya Roga is characterized by a burning
sensation in the chest cavity. This is the heart disease
caused due to the vitiation of the pitta dosha
Kaphaja Hridaya Roga is characterized by mild pain in the
chest, accompanied by heaviness, nausea and coughing.
This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the
kapha dosha.
The predisposing factors of this disease are heredity, high blood
pressure, diabetes, high serum cholesterol and smoking. The way of
living and the way of feeling appear to be quite an important factor
in its increasing incidence. Cardiovascular problems have been dealt
with at length in Ayurveda, which describes 'Hridya' (heart) as a
body organ governing emotions and circulating blood to keep a
person alive and healthy.
Cardiac problems arise mainly due to improper diet and stressful life
styles. These lead to thickening of arteries (dhamani praticaya) or
hardening of arteries (dhamani kathinaya) resulting in angio-
obstruction (vata dosa) and angina (ruja).
High blood pressure that hammers the arterial walls roughens them
and causes the arterial wall to thicken. Fatty cholesterol particles get
deposited under the inner lining of the arteries (i.e. atherosclerosis).
The higher the pressure more the deposits will occur. Subsequently
these deposits become calcified due to fibrous growth and involved
arteries lose their elasticity. It prevents blood from flowing easily
and may lead to clotting. The clot formation can suddenly choke off
the blood supply and lead to a heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.
Treatment for Heart Disease:
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases:
1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina): The congestion of the arteries can
be reduced with help of juice of Alfalfa. The juice has better effects if
it is taken along with the juice of a fresh carrot.
2. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Arjuna has properties in
increasing the stimulation to the heart. Its bark is used in Ayurveda
for this purpose.
3. Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea): The digitalis herb is renowned
all over the world for its benefits in heart care. The herb can
stimulate the activity of all muscle tissues, including those of the
heart. It improves the nourishment of the heart and rejuvenates the
heart from its basic wear and tear. The digitalis herb also helps in
correcting problems that may occur in blood circulation to the heart.
4. Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana): The ephedra has fantastic
heart stimulating properties. It is especially beneficial in
strengthening hearts that are damaged due to infections of
pneumonia and diphtheria.
5. Garlic (Allium sativum): Rasona or garlic is most important
substance helpful in alleviating vata dosha controlling blood
pressure. It can break down the cholesterol accumulated in the
coronary arteries. Having a few cloves of raw garlic every morning
can also reduce the possibility of a heart attack.
Alternatively, a paste made of about 1gm of garlic should be mixed
with a glass of buttermilk. Drink this buttermilk twice a day. It will
bring your blood pressure down. Garlic lowers cholesterol and
triglyceride that have impact on heart disease
6. Onion (Allium cepa): Scientists have proved the properties of
the onion in allaying heart attacks. It also reduced thrombosis of the
heart and reduces the accumulation of blood cholesterol.
Additional Ayurvedic treatments for specific heart diseases: The
preferred drug for people with heart problems is the arjuna. The
modes of giving this drug depends on the dosha of the ailment.
1. If the person has a vata dosha related heart disease, then the
powdered bark of the arjuna is given mixed with pure ghee.
2. If the person has a pitta dosha related heart disease, then the
powdered bark of the arjuna is given mixed with milk.
3. If the person has a kapha dosha related heart disease, then the
powdered bark of the arjuna is given mixed with pippali powder or
with honey.
Medicines prepared using arjuna as the main ingredient, such
asArjunarishta and Arjuna ghritam can also be given in some cases.
In addition, there are other medicines for heart care such as
Hridayarnava rasa and Prabhakara vati, which are given in the form
of tablets. If the person has suffered an acute heart attack, then
Mrigamadasava is found to be quite effective.
Other medications as per Ayurveda:
Soak 1tsp fenugreek seed in water for a night and munch them
early in the morning on empty stomach. It will reduce your
cholesterol and excess fats.
Jaharmorha is another Ayurvedic drug used in the treatment of
cardio-vascular diseases. It is a yellowish-green soft stone found in
the Himalayas. Its powder is processed with rose water and
administered to heart patients.
Triphala Guggul is yet another Ayurvedic preparation found useful in
reducing cholesterol levels
Diet for Heart Care
Some sources of fats are actually good for the heart contrary to
popular belief, and they must be included in the diet. The fats that
are harmful for the heart are the trans-saturated fats, which are also
labeled as hydrogenated vegetable oil, partially hydrogenated
vegetable oil or shortening. These fats can remove all the proteins,
fibers, minerals and vitamins from the body, leaving behind only
toxins.
But fats that are polyunsaturated or monounsaturated are good for
the heart. These fats are contained in olive oil, flaxseed oil, sesame
oil, mustard oil, groundnut oil and ghee. Such fats should make up
for about 15% of the food requirement.
At the same time, remember that fat-free diets are extremely
harmful for the body. These diets do not contain any fats, which
prohibit the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K. This can only bring
death faster.
All stimulating foods such as tea, coffee, alcohol and chocolates
must be avoided by heart patients.
Some more Home Remedies to keep Heart healthy
1. A glass of lemon juice must be drunk daily. Lemon juice contains
vitamin C, which helps to dissolve the cholesterol. Amalaki can also
be used for this purpose.
2. Have a cup of parsley tea daily. Parsley must be also included in
the salad along with beet roots. This helps the proper functioning of
the heart.