The heart is the most important organ of the body which pumps blood to all the other organs in order to keep them functioning. The heart has to worktirelessly for every living second of our life. It is no wonder then, that the heart is the organ that undergoes the highest degree of wear and tear in the human body.
Heart Disease or Hridyaroga is a global phenomenon. Already a big health problem in the developed countries, it is now becoming amajor health problem even in the developing countries. Depending on their dosha, the heart diseases could be Vataka Hridyaroga, Paittika Hridyaroga and Kaphaja Hridyaroga.
These three have slightly differing symptoms as follows:
- Vataka Hridaya Roga is characterized by acute pains which are not localized at a particular point. This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the vata dosha
- Pittika Hridaya Roga is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest cavity. This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the pitta dosha
- Kaphaja Hridaya Roga is characterized by mild pain in the chest, accompanied by heaviness, nausea and coughing. This is the heart disease caused due to the vitiation of the kapha dosha.
The predisposing factors of this disease are heredity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high serum cholesterol and smoking. The way of living and the way of feeling appear to be quite an important factor in its increasing incidence. Cardiovascular problems have been dealt with at length in Ayurveda, which describes 'Hridya' (heart) as a body organ governing emotions and circulating blood to keep a person alive and healthy.
Cardiac problems arise mainly due to improper diet and stressful life styles. These lead to thickening of arteries (dhamani praticaya) or hardening of arteries (dhamani kathinaya) resulting in angio-obstruction (vata dosa) and angina (ruja).
Treatment for Heart Disease:
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Heart Diseases:
1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina): The congestion of the arteries can be reduced with help of juice of Alfalfa. The juice has better effects if it is taken along with the juice of a fresh carrot.
2. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Arjuna has properties in increasing the stimulation to the heart. Its bark is used in Ayurveda for this purpose.
3. Digitalis (Digitalis purpurea): The digitalis herb is renowned all over the world for its benefits in heart care. The herb can stimulate the activity of all muscle tissues, including those of the heart. It improves the nourishment of the heart and rejuvenates the heart from its basic wear and tear. The digitalis herb also helps in correcting problems that may occur in blood circulation to the heart.
4. Ephedra (Ephedra gerardiana): The ephedra has fantastic heart stimulating properties. It is especially beneficial in strengthening hearts that are damaged due to infections of pneumonia and diphtheria.
5. Garlic (Allium sativum): Rasona or garlic is most important substance helpful in alleviating vata dosha controlling blood pressure. It can break down the cholesterol accumulated in the coronary arteries. Having a few cloves of raw garlic every morning can also reduce the possibility of a heart attack.
Alternatively, a paste made of about 1gm of garlic should be mixed with a glass of buttermilk. Drink this buttermilk twice a day. It will bring your blood pressure down. Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglyceride that have impact on heart disease
6. Onion (Allium cepa): Scientists have proved the properties of the onion in allaying heart attacks. It also reduced thrombosis of the heart and reduces the accumulation of blood cholesterol.
Some more Home Remedies to keep Heart healthy

