Home Remedies and Herbs for Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive Heart Failure’s (CHF) definition is a medical condition in which the heart isn’t able to pump sufficient blood to meet the body’s circulatory needs. It doesn’t mean that the heart has failed entirely as in stopped or gone into arrest. Rather, congestive heart failure means the blood output from the heart is weak and that the heart is not pumping the amount necessary for the body to function normally. ^1,2,3 The weakening of the heart’s pumping ability causes:

• Tiredness and shortage of breath
• Blood and fluid backing up into the lungs
• Edema — the buildup of fluid in the feet, ankles and legs

Not all conditions that cause congestive heart failure can be reversed but proper treatment can improve the signs and symptoms to improve quality of life. A number of congestive heart failure natural treatments and home remedies are available. ^1,2,4,5

What Causes Congestive Heart Failure?

Congestive heart failure can stem from any condition that leads to a change in the heart’s pumping power. They include: ^1,3,4,5

• Coronary artery disease
• Previous heart attack
• Diabetes
• Hypertension – High blood pressure
• Obesity and overweight
• Genetics – African Americans have a higher rate of CHF than others
• Gender — Males have a higher rate than females

Congestive Heart Failure Symptoms

The primary congestive heart failure symptoms are shortage of breath and fluid buildup (swelling) in the lower extremities. Other symptoms of CHF include:^1,3,4,5

• Fatigue and weakness
• Dizzy spells
• Loss of appetite
• Rapid weight gain from fluid buildup
• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Wheezing and coughing up pink phlegm

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Congestive Heart Failure

Fortunately for sufferers, there are readily available congestive heart failure home remedies and natural treatments. Some of the most effective are:

• Hawthorn - Hawthorn is a flowering shrub from the rose family. It’s native to northern Europe but now grows around the world. Hawthorn fruit are small red berries called the “haw”. Both the leaves and the berries have strong medicinal value with compounds that have a tonifying effect of the heart and vascular system. Hawthorn is taken orally and available in liquid extract, capsules and tablets.
• Coenzyme Q10 - This is a powerful antioxidant which has been shown to benefit heart health by supporting the metabolism of the mitochondria of the heart cells which is where the energy for muscular action is created. CoQ10 is naturally found in many foods and is available as a supplement.
• Goldenseal - Goldenseal is a plant that occurs in the wild and is also grown commercially. It’s one of the top five, best-selling herbal remedies. Goldenseal contains a compound called berberine and is highly effective in dilating blood vessels to improve congestive heart failure symptoms. It can be taken orally or applied topically.
• Creatine - This is a nitrogenous organic acid that naturally occurs in vertebrates. It helps to supply energy to all cells in the body, primarily to muscle which is what the heart is. Creatine is available in natural foods and is ingested orally.
• L-Carnitine - Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body convert fatty acids into energy. Studies have shown that L-Carnitine reduces the chances of congestive heart failure, especially after a heart attack.
• Vitamin B1 - Thiamine improves congestive heart failure by strengthening the heart muscle. Low levels of Vitamin B1 significantly contribute to a weak heart and poor circulation.

References

1. http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/heart/congestive-heart-failure-chf/
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/basics/definition/con-20029801
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/heart-failure
4. https://medlineplus.gov/heartfailure.html
5. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hf