Читать книгу Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies - David Hoffmann - Страница 28

Arteriosclerosis is characterised by a thickening and hardening of the artery walls, caused in the early stages by a gradual deposit of calcium, restricting the flow of blood to the cells of the body. In further stages this can develop into a build-up of cholesterol and fatty deposits in the artery walls, leading to a speedy degeneration of the vessels and causing profound problems. These fatty deposits are called atheroma. They can build up in the aorta, in the arteries of the heart and the brain.

Arteriosclerosis is one of the most common causes of death in the western world. Arteriosclerosis is a primary product of inappropriate lifestyle and a lot can be done to heal the body by making necessary changes. Diet, stress and lack of exercise are critical factors usually requiring change, as is the use of tobacco and alcohol. A major part of the treatment of arteriosclerosis can be found in the section on prevention of cardiovascular problems.

There are also a number of herbs that can help in this condition, above all Lime Blossom, as it has a specific anti-atheroma action and in longterm use will guard against the deposition of cholesterol, also helping the body in the removal of any that has already built up. The longterm use of Garlic has a similar effect.

Specific herbs for this condition include Garlic, Hawthorn Berries, Lime Blossom, Mistletoe and Yarrow. As you may notice, these are also herbs found to be most effective in the treatment of raised blood pressure, which often accompanies arteriosclerosis. The same mixture as for high blood pressure can be used, if the proportion of Lime Blossom is raised to three parts.