Prevention and Herbal Treatment of Disease
Cardio-Vascular System
The cardio-vascular tonics offer a range of remedies uniquely suited for treating problems of the heart and blood vessels in elders. Whilst they do not have the dramatic, rapid and often life-saving effects of many of the drugs currently used, they have a definite advantage when addressing the chronic degenerative conditions often found in this age group. A range of cardio-vascular remedies are appropriate for Elders, each having its distinct area of application. Diuretics can also be especially valuable. Please review these remedies :
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)
Aesculus hippocastanum (Horsechestnut)
Allium sativum (Garlic )
Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)
Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)
Taraxacum officinale folia (Dandelion leaf)
Tilia spp. (Linden flowers)
Vaccinium myrtillus (Bilberry)
Viburnum opulus (Crampbark)
A basic premise of this course has been the use of tonics and gentle effect or remedies, using the stronger effectors only where absolutely necessary. As this is also the basis for herbal treatment for elders, suggested treatments outlined in the chapter on cardio-vascular problems are relevant here. An important exception may be the use of Sarothamnus scoparius (Broom) in the treatment of hypotension. It should be avoided as it might prove too strong in some elderly people. Please refer to the following sections :
More than with any other age group it is essential to avoid the inappropriate use of cardiac glycoside containing herbs. Because of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic changes discussed above, it is all too easy to build up toxic levels of these chemicals. If such support of heart function is needed, it is safest to use the glycosides in a standardized form to ensure dosage is correct. This is almost impossible with the leaf of Foxglove, thus pointing to the value of pharmaceutical preparations of the digitalis glycosides. These are only obtainable via prescription. Please refer to the section on the Cardio-vascular system for a discussion of cardio-active and cardio-tonic remedies. Such potent treatment is not always necessary and, more importantly, not the only option. Remember the cardio-tonic remedies such as Crataegus spp. (Hawthorn), the best known and possibly the most valuable tonic remedy for the cardiovascular system found in the plant kingdom.
A brief review of Crataegus might be helpful, bearing in mind that this invaluable heart remedy does not contain cardiac glycosides. Crataegus spp. can be considered a specific remedy in many cardio-vascular disease. A tonic in the true sense, the therapeutic benefits are only gained when a whole plant preparation is used. When the isolated constituents were tested separately in the laboratory, their individual effects were insignificant, whilst the whole plant has unique and valuable properties. A mulit-center double blind clinical trial done in 1981 demonstrated marked improvement of heart function in patients with reduced cardiac output. Following a four year study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health, Crataegus spp. has gained full recognition as a heart remedy in Europe. The monograph concludes that the herb has these properties :
- it is positively inotropic,
- it is positively chronotropic & dromotropic
- it increases coronary and myocardial circulation, through a dilation of the coronary arteries.
The Ministry concluded that its main clinical applications are in the long-term treatment of `loss of cardiac function', any situation where there is a subjective feelings of congestion and `oppression' in the heart region, mild arrhythmia's and especially for conditions of the aging heart that do not warrant the use of Foxglove. Most significantly is the finding that no contra-indications or side effects were noted at all. Research suggests that much of its observable effects can be explained by the improvement in coronary circulation. It dilates the coronary arteries, relieving cardiac hypoxemia, thus reducing the likelihood of anginal attacks and relieves its symptoms. The herb thus directly effects the cells of the heart muscle, enhancing both activity and nutrition.
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Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it 
