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Heart/Lung Tincture Support

Description

A heart/ lung tincture contains a proprietary herbal blend to support the heart and lungs. A heart/ lung tincture focuses on primarily the heart and lungs, but should also contain synergistic herbs that are designed to integratively support the other organ systems as well.

- Cardiovascular problems - Lung conditions

Hawthorne has been used since ancient times as a heart remedy. It is widely used in Europe for the early stages of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne has had an extremely safe history for use as an herb. A phytopharmaceutical encyclopedia lists some of the areas in which hawthorn berries are utilized: cardiotonics, coronary remedies, antihypertonics, arteriosclerosis remedies, geriatric remedies, and general tonics (Grainger, NB ed., Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Fla. 1994).

Mullein is classified as an expectorant and demulcent. Mullein is excellent in treating upper respiratory conditions due to its tonic action on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. Traditionally mullein has been used for bronchitis, asthma and coughs. Mullein reduces inflammation of the trachea and at the same time soothes inflamed tissues.

Red Clover became popular in the nineteenth century as a “blood purifier”. Many people believed that toxins in the blood were the root cause of disease and if the blood was purified, illness would resolve. For this reason, many popular natural detoxification treatments, including the Hoxsey Formula, contain Red Clover as one of the primary ingredients. Red Clover has also been suggested in skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Siberian ginseng has been traditionally used for centuries as an adaptogen (balancer), which is a substance that regulates the homeostasis of tissue organ systems. Siberian ginseng particularly stimulates and nourishes the adrenal glands, an important source of energy. A beneficial effect is noted on the adrenal-pituitary axis, which regulates the “anti-stress” adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally, it can result in tiredness and lethargy. Siberian ginseng increases monoamine content (the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine are all monoamines) in the brain and adrenals, and has, "consistently demonstrated an ability to increase the sense of well-being in a variety of psychological disturbances including depression, insomnia, hypochondriasis, and various neuroses” (Farnsworth NR et al., Econ Med Plant Res 1985;1:156-215).

Garlic has a significant antiarrhythmic effect on the heart, suppressing premature ventricular contractions and tachycardia (fast heart rate) (J Ethnopharmacol 1994;43(1):1-8). It also exhibits significant cholesterol/triglyceride reducing properties (Arzneim. 1993;43(9):978-81; J Postgrad Med 1991;37(3):132-5). Garlic can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Ginger is well known for aiding digestion and has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other herbs. Ginger is also a potent anti-inflammatory product. The gingerols, an active ingredient in ginger, have demostrated some ability to reduce the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes (Chem Pharm Bull. 1992; 40:387-391).

The guggul plant is used widely throughout India. It is from the same genus as C. myrrha, the myrrh referenced in the Bible. Guggul has become popular in the United States for its cholesterol-lowering properties. The active constituent of guggul is guggulsterone. Guggulsterone has been shown to have lipid-lowering effects in repeated studies. Furthermore, guggulsterone has been shown to exhibit thyroid-stimulating activity (Tripathi YB, et all Thyroid stimulating actions of z-guggulsterone obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta Med 1984;1:78).

Burdock is a good herb to use to neutralize and eliminate toxins from the body, as it rids the lymphatic system of congestion and promotes efficient kidney function. This herb also promotes perspiration, which enhances the detoxification process and brings down fevers. Burdock has also been beneficial in breaking down calcium deposits in the knuckles and joints and relieving the inflammation of arthritis.

Wild Cherry is known as a strong sedative for the cough reflex and is mainly used in the treatment of bronchitis, asthma or other irritating coughs. Wild Cherry contains cyanogenic glycosides that act by quelling spasms in the smooth muscles lining the bronchioles.

Slippery elm combines well with other herbs because of its ability to adhere or hold together with other herbs. Because of this cohesive property, it often stays in the stomach in extreme cases of nausea or vomiting. Traditionally, it has been used in ulcers, colitis and diarrhea. This is a very gentle herb and is tolerated well by infants as well as the elderly. Slippery elm calms the inflamed mucous membranes of the stomach (Balch JF Presc for Nutr Healing 1990, Garden City, NY).

Scullcap is a member of the mint family. Scullcap is best known and most widely used as a nervine (herbs to soothe and heal the nerves) and a sedative (herbs that quiet the nervous system) and is used alone or in combination with other herbs as a relaxing herb for emotional disturbances or anxiety. It is often used in cases of insomnia as it brings about a natural and restful sleep. Scullcap has been very useful in alcohol and drug recovery as it reduces the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.

In China, licorice is called, "the great detoxifier," and is thought to drive poisons from the body (Ody, P. The Complete Medicinal Herbal 1993. Dorling Kindersley Ltd, London). It has also been called, "the grandfather of herbs" because of its reputation for a wide variety of effects, including antiinflammatory, anti-arthritic, stimulant of the adrenal cortex, blood cholesterol reducer, gastric membrane soother, and possibly anti-allergenic and expectorant (ibid).

Oregon grape root is best known and most used for its berberine content which is highly effective in conditions such as “infected mucous membranes, inflammation of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver and chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema” (Murray, MT, The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing, Rocklin, CA 1995, page162-170). Due to the high alkaloid content of berberine, Oregon Grape Root possesses powerful antibiotic and anti-infective properties while also stimulating the immune system.

Dandelion has been used as a blood purifier, liver cleanser and strengthener, diuretic, skin cleanser and digestive supporter. Dandelion is best known for its liver cleansing properties. Dandelion is an excellent detoxification herbal.

Fenugreek is best known for its expectorant properties, which makes it a good choice for congested lungs, asthma conditions and the lymphatic system. Fenugreek seeds also contain mucilage, a gummy substance that coats and soothes irritated mucus membranes.

Cramp Bark is an excellent antispasmodic and is beneficial in relieving cramps and spasms of all kinds. As the name implies, Cramp Bark is helpful in relaxing the uterine muscles, which is beneficial in relieving menstrual cramps and can be of aid during a threatened miscarriage. Other studies show Cramp Bark to be active as a smooth muscle relaxant and as a cardiotonic.

Elecampane has been used traditionally to treat coughs, especially those associated with asthma, bronchitis or whooping cough. The constituents of elecampane include inulin and mucilage, which may contribute to the cough prevention capabilities of elecampane. The mucilage content may account for elecampanes carminative effect (the ability to soothe the digestive tract). Elecampane also contains alantolactone, which has been sold in isolated form in Europe by prescription to treat parasites.

5-20 drops in water three times per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Excessively high doses of the ginsengs can cause side effects of hypertension and anxiousness (this synergistic formula utilizes smaller amounts for an optimal effect). Licorice root is not recommended in doses above 400 mg/day in hypertensive patients. The combination of herbs in this herbal tincture work together in creating synergistic effects, and smaller amounts of the herbs are utilized for optimal effects.

Copyright: Copyright HealthQuest, Inc. All rights reserved. Information used with permission from the HealthQuest Nutritional Database Version 4.0
http://www.hquest.com

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