By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Congestive Heart Failure
Herbal teas for congestive heart failure are a natural remedy that helps alleviate symptoms of this condition by promoting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation.
The best herbal teas for congestive heart failure include Crataegus monogyna, Digitalis purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Rosmarinus officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Silybum marianum, and Rauvolfia serpentina.
If left untreated, congestive heart failure can severely impact daily life, leading to fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and feet, ultimately affecting overall quality of life and increasing the risk of hospitalization and mortality.
1. Crataegus monogyna
Crataegus monogyna teas helps with congestive heart failure because of its unique combination of flavonoids and polyphenols, which have been shown to improve cardiac function and reduce oxidative stress.
The tea's active compounds, including oligomeric proanthocyanidins, have been found to increase the production of nitric oxide, leading to vasodilation and improved blood flow. This, in turn, helps to reduce blood pressure and alleviate symptoms of congestive heart failure, providing relief for patients suffering from this condition.
Regular consumption may also help to improve overall cardiovascular health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Flavonoids: They help with congestive heart failure by improving cardiovascular function, reducing inflammation, and enhancing the body's ability to relax blood vessels.
- Phenolic acids: They help with congestive heart failure by reducing oxidative stress, improving blood flow, and preventing the formation of blood clots that can lead to heart failure.
- Triterpenoids: They help with congestive heart failure by reducing inflammation, improving cardiac function, and preventing the progression of heart failure through antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Crataegus monogyna used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and other compounds that help improve heart function and reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Fruits: Contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that help improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart failure.
- Barks: Have been traditionally used to make teas that help improve circulation and reduce symptoms of congestive heart failure.
2. Digitalis purpurea
Digitalis purpurea teas helps with congestive heart failure because they contain digoxin, a cardiac glycoside that increases the strength of heart contractions and slows the heart rate.
This allows the heart to pump more efficiently, improving blood circulation and reducing fluid buildup. By enhancing the heart's ability to pump blood, Digitalis purpurea teas can help alleviate symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.
This can improve overall quality of life and increase patient mobility.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Digitalis purpurea teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Glycosides: Glycosides help with congestive heart failure by increasing the force of cardiac contractions, improving heart efficiency, and enhancing the heart's ability to pump blood.
- Cardiac glycosides: Cardiac glycosides help with congestive heart failure by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which leads to increased intracellular calcium levels and enhanced cardiac contraction force.
- Phenylethylamine derivatives: Phenylethylamine derivatives help with congestive heart failure by stimulating the cardiac muscle, increasing cardiac contractility, and enhancing the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Digitalis purpurea used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of digoxin, a key compound that helps regulate heart rhythm.
- Flowers: The flowers are used as they contain lower levels of digoxin, making them a safer alternative for some patients, and still offer cardiovascular benefits.
- Roots: The roots are also used, as they contain a higher concentration of glycosides, including digoxin, which helps to slow heart rate and improve heart function.
3. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with congestive heart failure because it improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation in the body.
The flavonoids and terpenoids present in Ginkgo biloba enhance the production of nitric oxide, which helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart. This increased circulation helps to reduce the workload on the heart, improving its efficiency and reducing symptoms of congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Regular consumption of Ginkgo biloba tea may also help to lower blood pressure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Flavonoids: These compounds help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the heart, thereby alleviating congestive heart failure symptoms.
- Bilobalide: This triterpene derivative helps prevent platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of blood clots and subsequent heart attacks, which can contribute to congestive heart failure.
- Quercetin: As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, quercetin helps protect the heart from oxidative stress and inflammation, potentially slowing the progression of congestive heart failure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Ginkgo biloba for teas due to their high concentration of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are believed to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Seeds: The seeds are sometimes used in Ginkgo biloba teas, particularly for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Buds: The buds of Ginkgo biloba are occasionally used in teas, as they are thought to contain similar beneficial compounds as the leaves, including flavonoids and terpenoids, which may help improve cardiovascular health.
4. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with congestive heart failure because of its potential to improve cardiovascular health.
The rosmarinic acid present in the tea may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart, while its antioxidant properties may aid in protecting the heart from damage. Additionally, the tea's ability to improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure may also contribute to its benefits in managing congestive heart failure.
This may lead to improved symptoms and overall quality of life for individuals with the condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Carnosic acid: Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart, thereby improving heart function in congestive heart failure.
- Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart, thereby alleviating symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Bornyl acetate: Possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to protect the heart from oxidative damage and inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of heart failure complications.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: Used due to their high antioxidant content and potential to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Flowers: Used for their potential to help reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function.
- Stems: Used due to their antioxidant properties and potential to help reduce inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular health.
5. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with congestive heart failure because of its unique combination of flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds.
These bioactive compounds possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart. Additionally, glycyrrhizin, a key constituent of the tea, has been shown to improve cardiac function by increasing the production of nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart.
This ultimately leads to improved heart function and reduced symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Glycyrrhizin: It helps alleviate congestive heart failure by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart, thereby improving cardiac function.
- Licoricidin: It acts as a cardiotonic agent by increasing the production of cardiac glycosides, enhancing the heart's pumping efficiency, and reducing fluid buildup in the body.
- 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid: It possesses diuretic properties, helping to remove excess fluid from the body, which reduces the strain on the heart and improves its pumping efficiency.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin-rich roots are used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their diuretic and potassium-sparing properties.
- Roots: Liquorice root extract from the roots is used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to its ability to counteract the effects of aldosterone, a hormone that can exacerbate heart failure.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin in the roots is used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to its anti-inflammatory and cardiotonic properties.
6. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with congestive heart failure because of its anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory properties.
The active compound, gingerol, has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system, which can contribute to heart failure. Additionally, ginger's ability to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow can help decrease blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart, making it easier for the heart to pump blood effectively and improving overall cardiac function.
This can lead to improved symptoms and quality of life for individuals with congestive heart failure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Gingerols: Help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart, thereby alleviating symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Shogaols: Exhibit vasodilatory properties, which help lower blood pressure and improve cardiac function in patients with congestive heart failure.
- 6-gingerol: Possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the heart from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation associated with congestive heart failure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their high content of gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Leaves: The leaves of Zingiber officinale are used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce cardiovascular risk and improve overall cardiovascular health.
7. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with congestive heart failure because its active compounds, valepotriates and valerenic acid, possess vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
These properties help to improve blood flow and reduce vascular resistance, which can alleviate symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath. Additionally, the tea's antioxidant and adaptogenic effects can help to reduce oxidative stress and improve cardiac function, making it a potentially beneficial adjunctive therapy for patients with congestive heart failure.
Its calming effects can also aid in stress reduction.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Valerenic acid: Helps to reduce anxiety and stress, which can contribute to congestive heart failure by promoting relaxation and lowering blood pressure.
- Valeranone: Exhibits antioxidant properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the heart, ultimately contributing to the progression of heart failure.
- Isovaleric acid: Has a vasodilatory effect, which can help to improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure, alleviating symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Roots: They contain valerenic acid, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety, and subsequently alleviates symptoms of congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: They are rich in valerenic acid as well, and their mild flavor makes them suitable for brewing teas to support heart health.
8. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with congestive heart failure because its active compounds, including linalool and linalyl acetate, possess potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These flavonoids work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, which can contribute to heart failure. Additionally, the tea's relaxing effects may help lower blood pressure and reduce stress on the heart, promoting overall cardiovascular health and potentially alleviating symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Its calming properties may also aid in improving sleep quality.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Linalool: It helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the heart, which can contribute to congestive heart failure.
- Luteolin: It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals and reduce the risk of congestive heart failure.
- Limonene: It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce the severity of congestive heart failure by protecting the heart from damage and improving cardiovascular function.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Flowers: Lavandula angustifolia flowers are commonly used in teas due to their potential to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial for patients with congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: The leaves of Lavandula angustifolia contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health, making them a suitable addition to teas for congestive heart failure.
- Seeds: Lavandula angustifolia seeds are sometimes used in teas due to their potential to help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function, which can be beneficial for patients with congestive heart failure.
9. Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum teas helps with congestive heart failure because it has been found to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
The tea's flavonoids and silymarin compounds may help improve cardiac function, reduce fluid buildup, and lower blood pressure, thereby alleviating symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Additionally, silymarin may also help protect against liver damage, which is often a comorbidity in heart failure patients.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Silybum marianum teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Flavonoids: Help alleviate congestive heart failure by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the cardiovascular system, thereby improving heart function and reducing cardiac damage.
- Silymarin: Aid in congestive heart failure by improving liver function, reducing inflammation, and scavenging free radicals, which can help alleviate congestive heart failure symptoms and improve overall cardiac health.
- Coumarins: Contribute to congestive heart failure treatment by exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective properties, which help to reduce cardiac damage and improve heart function.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Silybum marianum used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Seeds: Used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their cardiotonic and vasodilatory properties.
- Leaves: Used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Buds: Used to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their potential to regulate heart rhythm and lower blood pressure.
10. Rauvolfia serpentina
Rauvolfia serpentina teas helps with congestive heart failure because it contains alkaloids that have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
The tea's active compounds, including serpentine and ajmaline, help to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, thereby reducing the workload on the heart.
Additionally, Rauvolfia serpentina teas have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to protect the heart from damage caused by free radicals, promoting overall heart health and reducing the risk of complications associated with congestive heart failure.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rauvolfia serpentina teas that help with congestive heart failure.
- Reserpine: It helps with congestive heart failure by reducing sympathetic nerve activity, which in turn decreases peripheral resistance and improves cardiac output.
- Ajmaline: It helps with congestive heart failure by acting as a calcium channel blocker, reducing cardiac workload and improving heart function.
- Serpentine alkaloids: They help with congestive heart failure by having vasodilatory properties, reducing blood pressure and improving cardiac output.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rauvolfia serpentina used to make teas for congestive heart failure.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part to make teas for congestive heart failure due to their high alkaloid content, which helps in reducing blood pressure and heart rate.
- Roots: Roots are also frequently used to make teas for congestive heart failure as they contain significant amounts of alkaloids that aid in reducing heart rate and blood pressure.
- Stems: Stems of Rauvolfia serpentina are occasionally used to make teas for congestive heart failure as they contain some alkaloids that have a calming effect on the heart and help in reducing blood pressure.