5 Evidence-Based Herbs To Support Better Heart Health

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but did you know that February is also American Heart Month? 

Between the love in the air from Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, February is a wonderful time to evaluate how you’re taking care of your heart. To help you out, we’re sharing five herbs that encourage better heart health and the research backing it up. 

Garlic 

We all know garlic tastes incredible, but one of its biggest traditional uses is for encouraging heart wellness by supporting desirable blood pressure and cholesterol levels. And research today is catching up! 

Here are just a few studies we found about garlic’s impact on cardiovascular health. 

A 2019 study review found that garlic reduces blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, improves elevated cholesterol levels, and reduces arterial stiffness. It also decreases inflammation and improves gut microbiota, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. 

Another research study notes that garlic may be used to manage hyperlipidemia because researchers demonstrated that it reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels. This study even reported that garlic may help against other heart-related conditions such as hypertension, inflammation, and oxidative stress. 

Other than adding garlic to your food (yum!), we recommend checking out the following heart-boosting supplements: 

• Heart Calm Capsules: This herbal supplement encourages healthy blood pressure levels and may help those with cardiovascular problems related to stress, insomnia, or nervous tension. It contains both hawthorn and garlic! 
  
• Garlic Capsules: This pure garlic supplement encourages healthy cholesterol levels, platelet function, and cardiovascular wellness. It’s believed that garlic decreases cholesterol and hypertension by preventing blood platelets from clumping together excessively. 

Learn more about garlic’s benefits in this dedicated article on its evidence-based effects. 

Hawthorn

According to Mount Sinai, heart disease was treated with hawthorn as far back as the first century, which is incredible! Although it’s still being studied today, promising research has found that hawthorn may encourage better heart health. 

Specifically, Mount Sinai shares that research has shown that hawthorn extract is helpful for hypertension in individuals with type 2 diabetes and may improve symptoms and heart function in those who have suffered heart failure. 

Hawthorn may improve hypertension by relaxing the arteries based on this study on coronary bypass patients. Lastly, we found an amazing research review that shares that hawthorn extracts have cardioprotective, anti-oxidative, and serum lipid-lowering properties.

Here are a few easy ways to incorporate hawthorn into your diet: 

• Hawthorn Berry Powder: Try this berry powder in your morning shake or any liquid for an easy boost of micronutrient-rich berries. This pure hawthorn berry powder may strengthen the heart and prevent heart diseases. 
• Hawthorn Berry Capsules: If you want to support ideal blood pressure levels and heart function, this pure hawthorn supplement is one of our top recommendations for promoting better heart health. We also offer pure hawthorn berries in an extract form for those who prefer adding drops to their water over swallowing pills.
• Pressure Eaz Capsules: Another excellent option for those looking to encourage healthy blood pressure. Our Pressure Eaz Capsules combine hibiscus and hawthorn for the ultimate antioxidant-rich combination that supports the cardiovascular and immune systems and promotes desirable blood pressure and blood glucose levels. 

Butcher’s Broom

Traditionally, butcher’s broom was used for low blood pressure, improving circulation (particularly in the hands and feet), and for weakness of the heart. Herbalists typically use it to help strengthen the heartbeat and the walls of blood vessels. 

Modern research supports this use. A 2016 study reported that butcher’s broom may support vein contraction, aiding blood return to the heart. 

Another study tested a supplement containing butcher’s broom in adults with chronic venous insufficiency, a common cause of varicose veins that occurs when blood doesn’t effectively return to the heart. The patients taking the supplement experienced reduced pain, cramps, heaviness, and blood pooling in their legs, demonstrating that butcher’s broom helped return blood to the heart. 

Interested in this herb? Try our Butcher’s Broom Capsules. 

Lemon Balm

If you struggle with nervousness, stress, or heart palpitations, lemon balm is a traditional remedy that can soothe the nervous system, ease heart palpitations, and relax the mind. 

A 2024 study published in the National Library of Medicine found that lemon balm is considered a cardiac tonic that may lower lipids, a risk factor for coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study found that lemon balm substantially impacted serum lipid profiles in many participants. 

Next, we found an impressive 2021 study review that considers lemon balm a potential nutritional strategy for cardioprotection. The review cites that it may help with heart palpitations and encourage improved HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. 

You can quickly add lemon balm into your routine with our Lemon Balm Capsules or soothing, herbaceous Lemon Balm Tea. 

Cayenne

The Cleveland Clinic reports that cayenne peppers support and protect your heart in several ways. For starters, it may fight and protect against inflammation in the body, which can contribute to heart disease. It may also reduce blood pressure and support healthy blood vessels. 

A 2017 study even found that adults who regularly consumed red chili peppers had a 13% lower hazard of death. This same study reported that capsaicin (the primary component in peppers) may protect against obesity, decreasing the overall risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and lung diseases. 

Try cayenne out with these quick herbal remedies: 

• Cayenne Capsules: Cayenne has many benefits, from its richness in antioxidants and flavonoids to its ability to encourage improved digestion and support cardiovascular function. It’s traditionally used to enhance circulation and strengthen the heart, arteries, capillaries, and more. 
• Back To The Heart Capsules: If you have a sluggish venous system, restless leg syndrome, varicose veins, or other circulatory problems, this unique capsule blend was formulated with you in mind. It contains cayenne, hawthorn, and butcher’s broom to promote better circulation and support the veins throughout your body. 

Happy Heart Month! 

Herbalist Natalie

Natalie Hajdu-Voakes is a consulting herbalist and the owner of The Herb Stop, with over 28 years of hands-on experience in crafting herbal remedies and promoting natural wellness.