Ayurvedic Tips for a Healthy and Strong Heart

Cases of heart disease are on the rise, both within the country and worldwide. This comes as no surprise, though, given that our fast-paced lives have led to improper dietary habits, lack of exercise and poor stress management — all factors which affect the well-being of the body and heart. Fortunately, Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old wellness science rooted in natural treatments and herbal remedies, holds the key to a healthy and strong heart. Here are a few Ayurvedic tips you can follow to maintain your cardiac health and even reverse heart disease. 

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for a Healthy Heart

1. Consume heart-healthy food: One of the best things you can do for your heart and overall well-being is to eat healthy food. This is why Ayurvedic practitioners recommend opting for freshly cooked food with plenty of vegetables and fruits, as opposed to processed foods.

A few heart-healthy food options according to Ayurveda include: 

• Leafy greens
• Amla (Indian gooseberries)
• Whole grains
• Ashwagandha (Indian ginseng)
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Nuts

While it’s important to focus on consuming heart-healthy food in Ayurveda, it’s also necessary that you pay attention to what you drink. It’s recommended that you avoid or limit drinking sugary sodas and alcohol.

2. Use natural supplements and medicines: One of the most effective Ayurvedic tips to prevent heart disease is to follow a treatment plan that includes natural medicines and supplements. Medicines which are prescribed by trained Ayurvedic practitioners usually contain natural ingredients that help aid the normal functioning of the heart, clear cardiac blockages and strengthen the heart muscles.

Best Ayurvedic medicines for Heart Health and Blood Circulation

The best Ayurvedic medicines for heart valve and overall cardiac health include:

• Triphala: Triphala, which is a mixture of Haritaki, Amalaki, and Bibhitaki, helps reduce high cholesterol, which causes arterial plaque or clogging. 
• Arjuna: Arjuna is a cardioprotective herb which can help improve blood circulation and strengthen the muscles of the heart. 
• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha helps ease the mind and strengthens the heart muscles. 

1. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps detoxify the body, kindles Agni (digestive fire), improves circulation, and strengthens the muscles of the heart. However, over-exercising or under-exercising is harmful to the body and mind. The Ayurvedic approach to fitness involves exercising without exerting oneself too hard and working out at the right time of the day, specifically in the morning hours on an empty stomach. 

If you’re new to exercising, make sure to ask your healthcare provider which exercises you can safely do. For beginners, walking is a great start — it is not only good for the heart, but also improves one’s mental state. It’s also a good idea to practice yoga and breathing exercises daily to further fortify oneself.  

2. Get plenty of sleep: Getting inadequate sleep regularly can adversely affect cardiac health. Quality sleep is one of the pillars of a healthy heart in Ayurveda. Keep in mind that your body heals itself while you sleep. If you’re constantly tossing and turning at night, these solutions could help:

• Eat your biggest meal for lunch; keep your dinner relatively light
• Go to bed and wake up at around the same time every day to establish a routine
• Try to sleep during the Kapha hours (6 – 10 p.m.)
• Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises) to calm the mind and body before bedtime
• Avoid using devices like laptops and smartphones before your bedtime, since they can affect the quality of your sleep.

3. Eat mindfully: Food is sacred, and, thus, you must practice mindfulness when you eat. Eating mindfully will help you make informed decisions regarding your food choices and allow you to stop eating when you are full. According to Ayurveda, mindful eating will improve digestion, reduce the buildup of toxins in the body, reignite Ama (digestive fire) and help you maintain a healthy weight — these factors have an indirect effect on your heart health.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for a Healthy Heart

A few Ayurvedic home remedies for a healthy heart include:

1) Arjuna bark powder

Boil half a spoonful of Arjuna bark powder in some water for about 15 minutes. Make sure that you cook the mixture on a low flame. When the water has been reduced by half, your drink is ready to consume. Drink this mixture at least once daily to support heart health. 

2) Garlic

If you don’t suffer from pitta-dominant disorders, start your day by chewing a clove of garlic. Consume around 4 – 5 garlic cloves every day to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body and keep your blood vessels healthy. 

To take charge of your heart health and overall wellness, contact Madhavbaug today!