To a pharmacist this would imply that the rest are useless, which could not be further from the truth, as the other glycosides have been found to increase the solubility of the active ones by up to 500 times. The obvious value of this is that a smaller dose is necessary, as an increase in solubility will also increase the ‘bio-availability’. Furthermore it was found that though Convallatoxin has a fast effect and is oxidised and excreted rapidly, the whole plant has a longer effective time in the body. Others of the apparently inactive glycosides are being converted by the body into the directly active ones as and when needed. A danger of poisoning does not exist with Lily of the Valley, as its glycosides have a unique chemical structure which ensures that they are easily excreted and do not build up in the body.
In Lily of the Valley we have a good example of the synergistic way in which herbs can work. From all this analytical and biochemical study we can see that the whole is indeed more than the sum of its parts. The action of the whole plant cannot be predicted by knowing the separate chemical constituents, as the effects are brought about through complex, integrated interactions. All this goes to show that ancient wisdom about this herb, passed down to us through the generations, can be supported by modern science when a wide enough perspective is used.
Let us now have a closer look at the specific heart tonics mentioned previously. They all act in a way that tones and strengthens heart function, and will be given here with some brief indications of their use in the circulatory system. Please consult the Herbal for more details.
Lily of the Valley: This can be used where the strength of the heart is insufficient, as in angina or in the treatment of the aging heart, especially when there are deposits in the blood vessels.
Night Blooming Cereus: This can be used similarly to Lily of the Valley and is especially useful where there is any change in the rhythm of the heart beat.
Hawthorn Berries: These constitute one of the most valuable remedies for the cardiovascular system, strengthening the force of the contraction of the heart muscle while also acting to dilate the vessels of the coronary circulation. They can be used in most circulatory problems as they are amphoteric (i.e. they will relax or stimulate the heart according to its need) and normalise the heart function.
Motherwort: This herb is a relaxing nervine and a valuable emmenagogue. Its value for the circulatory system is even noted in its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca. It will greatly strengthen and normalise the function of the heart.
Broom: It can be considered as the primary heart diuretic. Whilst it strengthens and normalises the heart beat, it also rids the body of any build-up of water that is due to insufficient heart strength. Care has to be taken though, as it may increase blood pressure.
Figwort: Although this is primarily a herb known for skin problems, it also increases the strength of the heart contractions.
Bugleweed: Whilst this herb increases the strength of the heart beat it also reduces its rate. It is a valuable relaxant as well.
Herbs for the circulation
As with herbs for the heart, there is a vast range of remedies available to help and heal the vessels of the circulatory system, but here we limit ourselves to specific ones.
The most important herbal agents for the circulation include Broom, Buckwheat, Cayenne, Dandelion, Ginger, Hawthorn, Horsechestnut, Lime Blossom, Mistletoe and Yarrow.
As you can see, some of these are also heart tonics, while some are diaphoretics and stimulate the peripheral circulation (Cayenne, Ginger), and yet others are diuretics (Yarrow). This again goes back to the fact that the body will manifest problems in an area because of a whole range of causes and contributing factors stemming from the interdependence of all the systems.
Diuretics
When circulatory problems arise there is often a need to aid the body in the removal of water from the system. When the heart is weak and fails to circulate the blood efficiently through the kidneys or when the blood vessels (particularly in the venous system of the legs) are weak, a build-up of water in parts of the body can occur and in such conditions diuretics such as Broom, Dandelion, Lily of the Valley and Yarrow can help. Perhaps the most important diuretic for circulatory problems is Dandelion. When any other remedy is used to increase the power of the heart, there is always the danger of causing a potassium deficiency in the body, which in turn would aggravate the heart problem. Therefore, whenever a diuretic is prescribed in orthodox medicine, there is also a potassium supplement added. However, as Dandelion already contains a high level of potassium, there is an overall gain of it whenever Dandelion is used as a diuretic, which makes its value apparent.
The cardio-active herbs Broom and Lily of the Valley are included here as Broom is a strong diuretic and because Lily of the Valley also acts as a strong diuretic if the root of the problem lies in the heart.
Nervines
Anxiety and stress can lead to cardiovascular problems, and it is often impossible to pinpoint any particular cause. Any specific problem is a manifestation of the whole interacting web of lifestyle, inner reality and physical tendencies. Whenever there is a cardiovascular problem, the use of relaxing nervines has to be considered, as in many cases anxiety and stress are involved, and sometimes even caused by the problem.
The most useful nervines for cardiovascular problems are Balm, Hops, Lime Flowers, Motherwort, Pasque Flowers, Skullcap and Valerian. The appropriate ones to be used by any individual should be selected by comparing their associated actions in the herbal section of this book.
The conscious and holistic use of herbal medicine has much to offer in the treatment of circulatory problems. It must be emphasised, however, that the more serious heart problems should be treated under medical observation.
Whilst considering these specific conditions and patterns of illness, we have to bear in mind that each person is unique. People are not textbooks!
Heart weakness
Conventional medicine divides heart problems into many categories, but when using herbs it is not usually necessary to do this, as we are working with herbs that have an overall strengthening effect. Again it must be emphasised that chronic heart failure has to be treated by trained people.
To strengthen the heart, the following mixture should be taken over an extended period of time:
| Hawthorn Berries | 2 parts |
| Motherwort | 2 parts |
| Lily of the Valley |
1 part*  |
Drink a cup of this three times a day.
At the same time, an adequate intake of potassium has to be ensured, for instance by eating grapes and tomatoes. If there is any water retention, one part of Dandelion should