Heart Pain: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Heart pain, medically referred to as angina or chest pain, is a symptom that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood, often caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, or heart valve problems.

The condition can lead to severe health complications, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and even death if left untreated. To alleviate heart pain, some herbal remedies include turmeric, which reduces inflammation, and hawthorn, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure.

However, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of heart pain, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of heart pain?

The main causes of heart pain are often attributed to various cardiac conditions, including coronary artery disease, which is characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle and subsequent ischemia.

Atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the accumulation of cholesterol and fatty deposits, is a significant contributor to heart pain. Cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, can also cause heart pain by disrupting normal heart function and reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to the heart is completely blocked, resulting in damage to the heart muscle and severe heart pain.

Additionally, conditions such as pericarditis, where the sac surrounding the heart becomes inflamed, and cardiac tamponade, where fluid accumulates in the sac, can also cause heart pain.

• Myocardial Infarction: Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked for a long period, causing damage to the heart muscle due to lack of oxygen and nutrients.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can cause heart pain by reducing blood flow to the heart muscle and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.
• Angina: Angina, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, occurs when the heart requires more oxygen than it can receive, leading to chest pain due to temporary damage to the heart muscle.
• Pericarditis: Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, can cause heart pain due to the irritation of the pericardium and the surrounding tissues, leading to pain in the chest and difficulty breathing.
• Tachycardia: Tachycardia, a condition characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate, can cause heart pain due to the increased demand for oxygen and nutrients by the heart muscle, leading to temporary damage and pain.
• Hypertension: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause heart pain due to the increased pressure on the blood vessels, leading to damage to the heart muscle and surrounding tissues over time.
• Pulmonary Embolism: Pulmonary embolism, a blockage of the blood vessels in the lungs, can cause heart pain due to the blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, leading to damage and pain.
• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle, can cause heart pain due to the weakening of the heart muscle, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygenation of the heart muscle.
• Mitral Valve Prolapse: Mitral valve prolapse, a condition characterized by the abnormal movement of the mitral valve, can cause heart pain due to the irritation of the valve and surrounding tissues, leading to pain and discomfort.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for heart pain?

The main medicinal herbs used for heart pain are Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, Rauvolfia serpentina, Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Crataegus monogyna, Ruscus aculeatus, Valeriana officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Centella asiatica.

Ginkgo biloba has been shown to improve blood flow and reduce platelet aggregation due to its flavonoids and terpenoids, which help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Panax ginseng has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce cardiac stress and improve heart function. Rauvolfia serpentina, also known as Rauwolfia, has been used for centuries to treat hypertension due to its alkaloids, which help to reduce blood pressure and alleviate cardiac symptoms.

Other herbs such as Zingiber officinale (ginger), Allium sativum (garlic), Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn), Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom), Valeriana officinalis (valerian), Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort), and Centella asiatica (gotu kola) also have various cardiovascular benefits, including vasodilation, improved lipid profiles, and reduced inflammation, although their effects may be more synergistic when combined with the above-mentioned herbs.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with heart pain by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation through its flavonoid and terpenoid compounds, which have been shown to relax blood vessels and improve cardiac function.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with heart pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow through its ginsenosides, which have been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and improve cardiac output.
• Rauvolfia serpentina: Rauvolfia serpentina helps with heart pain by reducing high blood pressure and preventing cardiac arrhythmias through its alkaloid compound reserpine, which has been shown to decrease sympathetic nervous system activity and lower blood pressure.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with heart pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow through its gingerols and shogaols, which have been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and improve cardiac function.
• Allium sativum: Allium sativum helps with heart pain by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation through its sulfur compounds, which have been shown to relax blood vessels and improve cardiac function.
• Crataegus monogyna: Crataegus monogyna helps with heart pain by improving cardiac function and reducing inflammation through its flavonoids and polyphenols, which have been shown to improve cardiac output and reduce inflammatory markers.
• Ruscus aculeatus: Ruscus aculeatus helps with heart pain by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow through its saponins, which have been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and improve cardiac function.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis helps with heart pain by reducing anxiety and stress, which can contribute to heart pain, through its valerenic acid and valepotriates, which have been shown to have anxiolytic and sedative effects.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with heart pain by reducing inflammation and improving mood through its hyperforin and hypericin, which have been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and have anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica helps with heart pain by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation through its triterpenoid saponins, which have been shown to improve cardiac function and reduce inflammatory markers.

What are the main herbal preparations used for heart pain?

The main herbal preparations used for heart pain are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Salve, Poultice, Suppository, Cream, Gel, Ointment, Elixir.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract used to treat heart conditions such as angina and arrhythmia due to its high bioavailability and ability to increase blood flow. Decoction is a method of extracting herbs in boiling water, used to make tea or infusion to treat heart conditions like hypertension and cardiac arrhythmia. Capsules are filled with powdered herbs that can be used to treat conditions such as heart palpitations and hypertension due to the standardized and controlled dose.

Elixir and Suppository are used for immediate and local treatment of heart pain and inflammation, while Salve, Cream, Gel, and Ointment are topical preparations used to treat external heart pain and inflammation.

• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Ginkgo biloba is made by steeping the dried leaves in a solvent such as ethanol, which helps to release the bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing heart pain by improving blood flow and reducing oxidative stress.
• Decoction: A decoction of the bark of the herb Prunus serotina, also known as black cherry, is made by boiling the bark in water, which helps to release the salicylic acid that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, reducing heart pain by reducing inflammation and pain.
• Capsule: Capsules containing the extract of the herb Tripterygium wilfordii, also known as thunder of god vine, can be taken orally to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties that help to reduce inflammation and pain in the heart.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of the herb Arnica montana can be applied topically to the chest to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce inflammation and pain in the heart.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the leaves of the herb Plantago lanceolata can be applied topically to the chest to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce inflammation and pain in the heart.
• Suppository: Suppositories made from the extract of the herb Valeriana officinalis can be inserted rectally to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have sedative and antispasmodic properties that help to reduce anxiety and muscle spasms that can contribute to heart pain.
• Cream: A cream made from the extract of the herb Aloe barbadensis can be applied topically to the skin to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce inflammation and pain in the skin and underlying tissues.
• Gel: A gel made from the extract of the herb Calendula officinalis can be applied topically to the skin to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help to reduce inflammation and prevent infection that can contribute to heart pain.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the extract of the herb Hypericum perforatum can be applied topically to the skin to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce inflammation and pain in the skin and underlying tissues.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the extract of the herb Panax ginseng can be taken orally to reduce heart pain, as the bioactive compounds in the plant have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to heart pain.