Fresh ginger root is helpful for relieving many ailments

Ginger is a very popular herb which grows as a perennial. The root is the part used and can be found in natural food stores and even grocery stores in the fresh produce section. Fresh root is the most effective at treating ailments; however, dried and powdered ginger root are also useful to keep on hand.

Probably the most well-known remedy ginger root is known for is as relief against nausea in all forms. It is helpful for motion sickness and is a recommended safe herb to use for in pregnancy for morning sickness. Other digestive issues can be relieved also, including indigestion and stomach cramps. Ginger root may also increase appetite.

Ginger is a warming, stimulating herb which helps promotes circulation. It can be applied as a poultice to relieve muscle aches and painful inflamed joints. Ginger can be used internally or as a poultice to relieve menstrual cramps.

Ginger root also promotes sweating and is useful for relieving cold and flu symptoms. This herb is also great for relieving congested sinuses. Try it simmered in boiling water for about 10 minutes with some lemon and honey.

There are usually no side effects with either short-term or long-term use of ginger. It should be kept in a cool, dry place such as a refrigerator.

Alfalfa – While its most popular use is for arthritis, alfalfa is also a good herb to use for heart health. This herb is high in vitamin K, which is used by our bodies to help with blood clotting. Studies show alfalfa is useful for helping to reduce cholesterol, and in turn fighting atherosclerosis. It is also a blood purifier which helps keep the cardiovascular system healthy. Another plus is that alfalfa contains alkaloids which help reduce blood sugar. The seeds can be sprouted or ground into a powder, but you will mostly see it used in herbal teas.

Aloe Vera – Most commonly used as a kitchen aid for burns, aloe vera contains beta-sitosterol which helps lower blood cholesterol. Supplements and juices are seen in health food stores all over, and the whole plant can be grown in your windowsill.

Bilberry – Best known for its ability to improve poor night vision, bilberry also contains anthocyanosides which are helpful in maintaining capillaries. It also helps with circulation and is used as a remedy for varicose veins.

Powdered Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne Pepper – Cayenne is well known for its heart-healthy attributes. It contains capsaicin, which improves blood flow to the brain and other areas of the body. It is used as an overall heart tonic and can help reduce high blood pressure. It can be taken as a powder in capsules or used in cooking.

Coleus – Coleus is a member of the mint family which contains forskolin, helpful against clogged arteries. Coleus has been used to treat angina, congestive heart failure, and high blood pressure.

Garlic – Another popular heart-healthy herb, garlic contains allicin which helps improve cholesterol and decreases the risk of clogged arteries. It also helps with circulation, stabilizes blood pressure, and lowers blood sugar. Garlic can be used generously in cooking, and supplements are now available for those who cannot take the taste.

Ginger – Most commonly used to help combat nausea and other digestive issues, ginger is also

Ginger Root

known as a heart tonic. Its warming properties work to improve circulation. It also helps prevent blood clotting and atherosclerosis. Ginger is found in many recipes and used in herbal teas and as supplements.

Gingko – The gingko tree is one of the oldest plants in the world, surviving for over 200 million years and living to an age of 1000 years or so. This herb has been popular in folk remedies for age-related issues, and it is still used in this way today. One of its most well-known uses is to help improve blood circulation, which helps prevent blood clotting and strokes, improves concentration, increases energy, and helps improve hearing. It is most commonly seen as capsules or extracts.

Horse Chestnut – Containing saponins which help improve blood circulation, horse chestnut is mostly used topically to help with quicker healing for sprains and other injuries.

Motherwort – Motherwort works to help improve heart function overall, helping to dissolve blood clots and improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and as an aid against angina and heart palpitations.

Onion

Onions – Like its close relative, onions have similar effects on the heart as garlic. Used regularly in cooking, they may help to keep high blood pressure and other heart issues at bay.

Rose Hips – The high vitamin C levels in rose hips make them a popular

Dried Rose Hips

addition to herbal teas to help prevent colds, but rose hips also help improve circulation. This herb is especially helpful to use to strengthen capillaries.