Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies. David Hoffmann
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| Hawthorn Berries | 2 parts |
| Lime Blossom | 2 parts |
| Yarrow | 2 parts |
| Mistletoe |
1 part  |
This tea should be drunk three times a day.
In addition to this, Garlic may be eaten, preferably raw. If there is a lot of tension in the body, one part of Cramp Bark should be included in the mix. If there is much anxiety and stress, include Skullcap and Valerian. When headaches accompany high blood pressure, include one part of Wood Betony in the mixture. CAUTION: Do not use Broom as a diuretic in cases of raised blood pressure.
By using this mixture over a period of time, blood pressure will return to a normal level. The mixture is safe and does not artificially depress the blood pressure. None of these herbs are able to do that, because they are normalisers and will not lower blood pressure to an inappropriate level.
Low blood pressure
When the blood pressure drops below the individual’s normal level, it can cause as much distress as when heightened. Apart from being directly related to organic problems, there is often an association with debility and exhaustion.
The herbal approach to such a problem combines help for physical and nervous exhaustion with remedies that tone up the circulatory system and return the blood pressure to a normal level. Depending on the cause, different herbs are appropriate. Where stress and nervous exhaustion are involved, the nervine tonics should be used, most important in this case being Oats, otherwise either Kola or Skullcap, depending on the individual need. Bitters such as Gentian and Wormwood should be considered to help activate the digestive process with a strengthening effect. A basic mixture:
| Broom | 1 part |
| Hawthorn Berries | 1 part |
| Kola |
1 part |
This tea can be drunk three times a day.
When there is any degree of debility present it is valuable to take Ginseng regularly.
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis is characterised by a thickening and hardening of the artery walls, caused in the early stages by a gradual deposit of calcium, restricting the flow of blood to the cells of the body. In further stages this can develop into a build-up of cholesterol and fatty deposits in the artery walls, leading to a speedy degeneration of the vessels and causing profound problems. These fatty deposits are called atheroma. They can build up in the aorta, in the arteries of the heart and the brain.
Arteriosclerosis is one of the most common causes of death in the western world. Arteriosclerosis is a primary product of inappropriate lifestyle and a lot can be done to heal the body by making necessary changes. Diet, stress and lack of exercise are critical factors usually requiring change, as is the use of tobacco and alcohol. A major part of the treatment of arteriosclerosis can be found in the section on prevention of cardiovascular problems.
There are also a number of herbs that can help in this condition, above all Lime Blossom, as it has a specific anti-atheroma action and in longterm use will guard against the deposition of cholesterol, also helping the body in the removal of any that has already built up. The longterm use of Garlic has a similar effect.
Specific herbs for this condition include Garlic, Hawthorn Berries, Lime Blossom, Mistletoe and Yarrow. As you may notice, these are also herbs found to be most effective in the treatment of raised blood pressure, which often accompanies arteriosclerosis. The same mixture as for high blood pressure can be used, if the proportion of Lime Blossom is raised to three parts.
Thrombosis and phlebitis
When there is a build-up of atheroma, there is an added danger that a piece of it or clotted blood may enter the blood stream. Both can cause a vessel to be blocked, which leads to a deficiency of oxygen downstream from the blocked vessel. The seriousness of this thrombosis depends on where in the body the block occurs. It can be a minor problem, but it also is a possible cause of death. It must be treated to make sure that no new focus for thrombus formation develops. The treatment should be based on herbs that ensure a healthy circulatory sytem, together with following of the advice given for arteriosclerosis.
Comfrey
When a clot occurs in the veins of the legs, the condition is labelled phlebitis. In cases of local inflammations and pains, lotions, compresses or poultices are most effective. Herbs such as Arnica, Comfrey, Hawthorn Berries and Marigold should be used in the external treatment of these conditions.
Varicose veins
Lack of exercise, obesity, pregnancy and anything that reduces the circulation in the legs, such as tight clothing or sitting with crossed legs, can contribute to the development of varicose veins, a name for veins that have become enlarged, twisted and swollen. They can appear anywhere in the body, but are most commonly found in the legs, as the heart on its own is not strong enough to return the venous blood from the lower part of the body without the pumping action of the leg muscles, which only happens when these muscles are used and exercised. It is essential that adequate exercise be taken and that the feet are elevated when sitting for a long time, to counteract the effects of gravity.
Dandelion
Herbal medicine has a lot to offer in this condition, as long as its action is supported by exercise. The diet should be rich in fruit and green vegetables. Constipation has to be avoided. Vitamin B-complex, C and E should be added to the diet. The herbs to be used in this condition should stimulate the peripheral circulation and thereby aid the flow of blood in the legs. Appropriate herbs are Cayenne, Ginger and Prickly Ash Bark or Berries. Furthermore, herbs that strengthen the blood vessels have to be included, for example Buckwheat, Hawthorn Berries or Horsechestnut. If there is any water retention that leads to swelling of the ankles or legs, a diuretic such as Dandelion or Yarrow has to be included.
This mixture approaches the problem from all angles:
| Hawthorn Berries | 3 parts |
| Horsechestnut | 3 parts |
| Prickly Ash Bark (or Berries) | 2 parts |
| Yarrow | 2 parts |
| Ginger |