Support the body with herbs
There’s really no such thing as an “herb for stroke” (or prevention). Sorry, but I knew the title would pull you in.
Because each person has unique biochemistry, symptoms, and individual constitution, the right herb, combination, or dosage will vary depending on your needs (this is also why consulting with an experienced herbalist is so much more helpful than simply searching online!).
That said, herbs have medicinal actions that can support the body in so many ways that reduce risk or encourage healing following a stroke. Classes of herbs that are helpful include:
· Cardiotonics (like hawthorn) that strengthen the heart
· Hypotensive herbs that lower blood pressure (like hibiscus),
· Hypoglycemics that help maintain healthy glucose/insulin balance (like cinnamon)
· Herbs that encourage healthy circulation (like ginkgo)
If stress is a factor that you think could impact your cardiovascular health, adding an adaptogen (or a mix) to your herbal supplementation can be a helpful long-term strategy. Depending on your needs, these could include ashwagandha, eleuthero, astragalus, American ginseng, holy basil, rhodiola or many others.
Note that every herb is not for every body—for example, licorice should be avoided in high doses for those with high blood pressure. Be sure to do your research and discuss with your medical practitioners any herbs or nutritional supplements you may be taking.
Stroke is a very real and common occurrence, especially upwards of the mid-50s. But it’s not an inevitable outcome of aging. The great news is that there are so many steps you can take at any age to reduce your risk, to strengthen your body’s resistance to the factors that contribute to stroke, and even to help the body recuperate and recover wellness following a stroke. And you can start today.
For information on the stroke prevention herbal protocol we created, visit our dispensary at Emerson Ecologic's Wellevate by clicking on the following link:
References:
Bunce, L. (2008) Herbal therapy for cardiovascular health. Retrieved from https://vtherbcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Herbs-for-Cardiovascular-Health.pdf.
The Internet Stroke Center. ( ). Stroke statistics. Retrieved from http://www.strokecenter.org/patients/about-stroke/stroke-statistics/.
National Institutes of Health. (2018). Stroke Information Page. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Stroke-Information-Page
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