Two inexpensive natural items have been discovered to help maintain, improve, and even recover cardiovascular health. They are Hibiscus or Jamaica (hu-my-ku) tea and cayenne pepper powder or tinctures.
The remedies for high blood pressure and heart problems are Hibiscus tea and cayenne powder. It doesn't get much cheaper or easier. Though the dried Hibiscus flower petals may have to be ordered on line if you live in the USA, Canada, or Europe, it is available online. Cayenne powder is available in most herbal shops or spice sections of food stores.
The Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
From Dr. Andrew Weil, "Studies have found that people who drank two cups of Hibiscus daily for four weeks lowered their diastolic blood pressure by 12% - results similar to those for common blood pressure medication."
The American Heart Association's research has concluded that natural anthocyanins, which help strengthen collagen and improve capillary function are present in this brew. Hibiscus or Jamaica tea aids in the removal of triglycerides and cholesterol from blood vessels, which contribute to high blood pressure, blood clotting or blockage, and subsequent heart problems.
In Mexico, medical professionals recommend it for high blood pressure. Up to a liter a day of this tea is advised by professor Abigail Aguilar Contreras in Mexico City for restoring cardiovascular health. One study in Jamaica (the island) determined that even cancer cells were eliminated with the continual use of Hibiscus or Jamaica flower tea. This tea is rich in vitamin C and antioxidant bioflavinoids.
How to Prepare and Use Hibiscus Tea
Simply completely cover the bottom of a large pan or pot liberally with the dried leaves, add hot water (not boiling) for an infusion of the flower petals, cover with a lid and let it steep for at least a half hour. It's a good idea to make two quarts or liters at a time and refrigerate. It tastes somewhat like cranberry juice, though not as bitter.
The stronger the brew, the better the benefits. Make it so it turns a deep, dark red liquid. Sweeten with honey or Stevia if desired. Avoid sugar or commercial sugar substitutes, especially aspartame.
For health benefits, drinking a full glass two to three times a day is recommended. Since it can be stored in the fridge, once you make a batch it's easy to grab a glass whenever you want. And a good time to grab for that cold tea is after you've taken a teaspoonful of cayenne pepper with at least 40,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHUs) in a small amount of water for your heart health.
Adding Cayenne for Heart Health
Dr. John R. Christopher, a famous herbalist known as “Dr. Cayenne” because of his constant use and endorsement of cayenne for heart health, even used cayenne for emergencies on patients having heart attacks. He claimed he never lost a patient to a heart attack.
As a student of herbology, Dr. Christopher was amazed at the properties of cayenne, and he applied it to his own health issues. Among other nutrients, cayenne pepper is also abundant in vitamin C and vitamin E as well as antioxidant phytonutrients that contribute to heart health and minimize aging issues.
So a nice cold glass of Hibiscus tea after a quick gulp of the hot stuff, 40,000 SHUs at least, two to three times daily will boost your heart health with very little expense. There are tinctures of cayenne pepper if you can't handle the hot stuff. But a teaspoonful in about a two to three ounces of water gulped down quickly is doable, especially if you have that cold glass of Hibiscus tea handy.
Sources:
Prevention (online magazine) column “Ask Dr. Weil”
Health Freedom Resources, “Cayenne”, a summary of Dr. Christopher's use of cayenne.
Paul Louis - Paul Louis has written several articles for a variety of subjects. He has retired from the mortgage - real estate madness in the USA and ...
