Prunella vulgaris (known as common self-heal, heal-all, woundwort, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort and blue curls) is a herbaceous plant in the genus Prunella.

Self-heal is edible: the young leaves and stems can be eaten raw in salads; the plant in whole can be boiled and eaten as a potherb; and the aerial parts of the plant can be powdered and brewed in a cold infusion to make a beverage.

Prunella vulgaris grows 5 to 30 cm high (2-12inches), with creeping, self-rooting, tough, square, ...

prunella vulgaris

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Obesity is the silent pandemic that takes the lives of 2.8 million people every year. The problem is no longer just concerning the developed countries, but it also affects the poorer ones.

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In 2015, a total of 107.7 million children and 603.7 million adults were obese. Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity has doubled in more than 70 countries and is steadily increasing in most other countries around the world.

What-is-body-mass-index-and-is-it-important-for-your-health

What is body mass index and is it important for your health

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The body mass index (BMI) is the weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters (kg/m2) and is a commonly used index for classifying overweight and obesity in adults.

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The WHO defines being overweight as having BMI equal to or greater than 25, and being&nbsp;obese as having BMI equal to or greater than 30. [<a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/6-facts-on-obesity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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High body mass index (BMI) resulted in 4 million deaths worldwide in 2015 alone, almost 40% of which occurred in <a href="/p/bilki_za_zdravo_srtsie_chast_1_bdd3a061_589a_402f_846f_042cbc215d6e" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">non-obese but overweight</a> individuals. [<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1614362" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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Is-obesity-a-risk-factor-for-your-health

Is obesity a risk factor for your health

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Obesity itself is a risk factor for many other diseases [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Natural_Products_for_the_Prevention_and_Treatment_of_Chronic_Inflammatory_Diseases_Integrating_Traditional_Medicine_into_Modern_Chronic_Diseases_Care_29805468" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Metabolic syndrome;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hypertension;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Type 2 diabetes;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dyslipidemia (impaired fatty metabolism, for example, expressed by increased cholesterol);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Sleep apnea and respiratory disorders;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Life-threatening cardiovascular disease, stroke and some cancers.</li>
</ul>

What-is-the-importance-of-herbs-for-overcoming-obesity

What is the importance of herbs for overcoming obesity

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Losing excess weight is a long and complex process that requires a lot of effort and strong will, as well as correct guidance from a specialist. A radical change in lifestyle is needed - intense training, proper diet and firm confidence on the path to health and freedom.

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Those who want to lose weight often fall victim to misleading advertisements of supplements, appliances and practices that promise to melt the excess pounds in a magical way. Many of these supplements and medications are not just ineffective, but even dangerous.

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Such is the example of the substance 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), which can lead to coma and death - unfortunately the presence of this substance is not always indicated on the label and consumers do not know what risk they are at.

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Various teas and herbal preparations <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2016.142" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a>are traditionally used for weightloss. Scientific data stands behind some of these herbs. Here we will focus on them and as the main source of information we will use the article "Anti-obesogenic and antidiabetic effects of plants and mushrooms", published in 2017 in Nature Reviews Endocrinology [<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2016.142" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>].

What-are-the-mechanisms-behind-herbs'-effect-against-obesity

What are the mechanisms behind herbs' effect against obesity

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Some plants and fungi, which are used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) or as nutritseutics, contain antioxidants, fiber and other phytochemicals and help lose weight by modulating various cellular and physiological pathways. These effects include:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">decrease in appetite;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">modulation of lipid absorption and metabolism;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">increase in <a href="/p/5_bilki_poliezni_za_diabietitsi_i_khora_izlozhieni_na_risk_ot_boliestta_a1be3113_4acb_48b7_98d1_885314093e78" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">insulin sensitivity</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">thermogenesis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">changes in the <a href="/p/chrievniiat_mikrobiom_i_nashieto_zdravie_62aa84cd_b51a_41ac_a714_087565dd2382" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">intestinal microbiome</a>.</li>
</ul>

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Which-herbs-suppress-appetite

Which herbs suppress appetite

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Substances that have the potential to suppress appetite &nbsp;are isolated from some plants used in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). One of them is the substance celastrol, which is found in the roots of lei gong teng (Tripterygium wilfordii) - a Chinese herb commonly called the "thunder god vine". This plant is used by TCM for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and fever. Celastrol has been found to reduce appetite and food intake in laboratory mice and leads to a significant decrease in their weight.

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The fenugreek&nbsp; (Trigonella foenum-graecum) also quickly leads to a feeling of satiety, which has been confirmed in some studies.

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The compound ephedrine from the Ephedra sinica (Ma huang) plant also suppresses appetite, but its use is associated with severe adverse effects, including addiction, psychiatric symptoms, tachycardia, hypertension and heart disease.

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Herbs-and-plants-that-affect-digestion-and-fat-absorption

Herbs and plants that affect digestion and fat absorption

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The fats we take with food are first broken down to triglycerides by the lipase enzyme, which is excreted from the pancreas into the small intestine. The intestinal mucosa then absorbs them.

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Various plant compounds, including caffeine, flavonoids, polyphenols and saponins&nbsp;suppress the pancreatic lipase. Such a property has the drink yerba mate, which is prepared from the leaves of the plant yerba-maté (Ilex paraguariensis), the extract of the common self-heal, known also as heal-all (Prunella vulgaris), the plant flavonoid quercetin, which is found in many fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as luteolin, which is found in broccoli, celery and green pepper.

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Herbs-that-modify-fat-cells

Herbs that modify fat cells

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Some chemicals in plants lead to suppression of the development and lead to death of fat cells, also called adipocytes.

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Such are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in&nbsp;green tea (Camellia sinensis), resveratrol in grapes, soy genistein, glycyrrhizin from liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), capsaicin from chillies and quercetin.

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Some substances suppress fat synthesis - the well-known statins. These substances lower cholesterol and were first isolated from fungi.

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Lovastatin is a statin that was first isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus and is found in various other fungi, including in the fruit bodies or mycelium of species of the genus Agaricus (button mushrooms), Antrodia, Ganoderma (reishi), Ophiocordyceps and Pleurotus (oyster mushrooms), as well as in Chinese fermented tea pu-erh (pu'er tea).

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Fungi-that-affect-the-intestinal-microflora

Fungi that affect the intestinal microflora

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The intestinal microbiota of the individual contains trillions of microorganisms that are involved in various physiological functions, including vitamin production, maintenance of intestinal cells, development of the immune system and neutralization of pathogens, drugs and toxins. It has an important role in extracting energy from food and can be involved in the development of obesity and <a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_2_na_iedno_miasto_9b1be4d6_84a7_42c6_8e37_de3bd6480ba1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">type 2 diabetes</a>.

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It has been found that the aqueous extract of the reishi fungus&nbsp;(Ganoderma lucidum) alters the composition of the intestinal microflora in a way that favors weight loss. This effect is due to large polysaccharides, which are not broken down by our enzymes, but by those of bacteria, and the resulting substances lead to a decrease in: appetite, lipid deposition, insulin resistance and inflammation.

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Mushrooms such as the button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and shiitake (Lentinula edodes), which are rich in polysaccharides support the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. The fungus Hirsutella sinensis (the anamorph of the Traditional Chinese medicine mushroom Cordyceps sinensis) also modifies the composition of the intestinal microbiota and has an effect against obesity, diabetes and inflammatory processes.

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Only some of the medicinal active substances in plants and fungi are identified, and unidentified natural products have great potential. Modern technologies allow these substances to be detected and analyzed, and then they can be combined with a healthy lifestyle, proper diet and physical activity to reach the ultimate goal - weight loss, improved health and self-esteem.

Are there effective herbs against obesity and can they help you lose weight

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/f759ccc8-f4f0-4e16-8683-0b2dd1b97df0_middle.jpg

 Are there effective herbs against obesity and can they help you lose

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

The cardiovascular system is one of the most important in the human body. If we think about what are the most life-threatening conditions and how first aid is provided to a severely injured person, we will necessarily come to this conclusion.

But cardiac arrest is not the only thing that can befall us. It is extremely important that we keep our circulatory system in order&nbsp;to have a good quality of life and good overall&nbsp;health.

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In this article, we will talk about 3 of the diseases of the heart, for which there are herbs with a beneficial effect, proven by science: arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure.:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Arrhythmia (saffron, ginger, lemon balm, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Atherosclerosis (tribulus terrestris, red sage, black cumin, etc.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">High blood pressure, hypertension (garlic, saffron, green tea, etc.)</li>
</ul>

Arrhythmia

Arrhythmia_0_0

In general, arrhythmia consists of an abnormal heart rhythm - irregular, too fast, or too slow, and the cause of it can be both severe conditions, such as a vice of the heart or heart attack, and excessive emotional tension or alcohol abuse.

Arrhythmia_0_1

There are a&nbsp;few herbs [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/a_review_on_plants_and_herbal_components_with_antiarrhythmic_activities_and_their_interaction_with_current_cardiac_drugs_32670823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>] and supplements that could help us against arrhythmia.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)

Saffron (Crocus sativus)

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_0_0

Various studies have shown that saffron (saffron crocus) has a positive effect against arrhythmia, and it is considered that this is probably due to its ability to inhibit calcium channels in the cell.

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_0_1

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger-(Zingiber-officinale)_0_0

In traditional Chinese medicine, ginger enters the composition of a decoction with cardioprotective properties. In several studies, an effect of ginger against the occurrence of arrhythmia has also been demonstrated. [<a href="https://www.rjpbcs.com/pdf/2016_7(1)/[139].pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Lemon-balm-(Melissa-officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon-balm-(Melissa-officinalis)_0_0

According to some studies, lemon balm has a cardioprotective effect and can serve as an anti-arrhythmia agent.

Other-herbs

Other herbs

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Antiarrhythmic effect has also been established in the following medicinal plants:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Garlic (Allium sativum);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Magnolia officinalis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Burdock (Arctium lappa);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Common barberry (Berberis vulgaris);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Grapes (Vitis sp.)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and others [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/a_review_on_plants_and_herbal_components_with_antiarrhythmic_activities_and_their_interaction_with_current_cardiac_drugs_32670823" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>].</li>
</ul>

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Vitamins,-minerals,-arrhythmia-supplements

Vitamins, minerals, arrhythmia supplements

Vitamins,-minerals,-arrhythmia-supplements_0_0

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Omega-3 fatty acids (derived mainly from oily fish);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Vitamin C;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Magnesium and potassium.</li>
</ul>

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis_1_0

Atherosclerosis is a disease that depends on many factors and is nevertheless the main causative agent of death and severe damage since it affects the blood vessels of the most important organs - the heart and the brain.

Atherosclerosis_1_1

Essentially, it is the deposition of plaques&nbsp;inside the blood vessels, which hardens them and creates prerequisites for the formation of thrombi, which clog the vessels, and this can lead to heart attack, stroke, gangrene of limbs, and other severe conditions. Inflammation is a major participant in the process.

Atherosclerosis_1_2

The beneficial effect of some herbs against atherosclerosis is based on several different mechanisms:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Lowering the levels of lipids in the blood;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of migration and clustering of monocytes under the layer of cells covering the inside of blood vessels;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Anti-inflammatory properties;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Antioxidant properties;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of infiltration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suppression of plaque formation.</li>
</ul>

Atherosclerosis_1_4

Atherosclerosis_1_5

Here we take a look at some of the medicinal plants that possess one or more of these properties. The information is taken from the scientific article of 2019 "Medicinal Herbs Effective Against Atherosclerosis: Classification According to Mechanism of Action". [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Medicinal_Herbs_Effective_Against_Atherosclerosis_Classification_According_to_Mechanism_of_Action_30917628" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Danschen-or-red-sage-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)

Danschen or red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Danschen-or-red-sage-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_1_0

Dried roots of red sage are used in Eastern traditional medicine for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.

Danschen-or-red-sage-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_1_1

The beneficial effect of the herb is due to its ability to lower lipid levels in the blood, to suppress the accumulation of monocytes under the endothelial in blood vessels, its anti-inflammatory properties, to inhibit plaque formation, infiltration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and its antioxidant effects.

Danschen-or-red-sage-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_1_2

Therefore, it can be said that danschen is the most suitable herb for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil-(Ocimum-basilicum)_1_0

Aqueous basil extract lowers LDL-cholesterol levels, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, raises the level of HDL-cholesterol, and has antioxidant effects - properties that work against atherosclerosis.

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St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)_1_0

Flavonoid-rich St. John's wort extract lowers serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL, temporarily increasing the level of HDL. In addition, it also has antioxidant properties.

Tribulus-terrestris

Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus-terrestris_1_0

Tribulus Terrestris is a known herb in Europe, the extract of which has the property to lower the level of lipids in the blood - lowers LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)

Black cumin (Nigella sativa)

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_1_0

Black cumin seed oil lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels and increases HDL levels, which inhibits plaque formation in blood vessels. It also has antioxidant properties.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_1_1

Heal-all-(Prunella-vulgaris)

Heal-all (Prunella vulgaris)

Heal-all-(Prunella-vulgaris)_1_0

The herb is also called common self-heal,&nbsp;heart-of-the-earth, woundwort, carpenter's herb, brownwort, and blue curls. The spirit extract from an ordinary heal-all inhibits the attachment of cells monocytes and has an anti-inflammatory effect. These properties help in the fight against atherosclerosis.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_1_0

With regard to atherosclerosis, turmeric has similar properties to that of the common heal-all.

High-blood-pressure-(hypertension)

High blood pressure (hypertension)

High-blood-pressure-(hypertension)_2_0

In hypertension, a persistent increase in pressure in&nbsp;blood vessels is observed, which severely burdens the heart and leads to damage in the long term.

High-blood-pressure-(hypertension)_2_1

An unhealthy lifestyle is a prerequisite for high blood pressure- alcohol, cigarettes, unhealthy eating, lack of physical activity, excessive salt consumption. Hypertension in itself can be a symptom of serious diseases of the cardiovascular system.

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Herbs that come to the rescue in hypertension have several mechanisms of action - they affect the smooth musculature and endothelium of blood vessels, free radicals (reactive oxygen species, ROS), and suppress the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). [<a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319878701_Herbs_Used_for_the_Treatment_of_Hypertension_and_their_Mechanism_of_Action" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Garlic-(Allium-sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic-(Allium-sativum)_2_0

Garlic is used by folk medicine to lower lipids in the blood and blood pressure. The benefits of this use are also established by science and are believed to be mainly due to alicin and biologically active sulfur compounds in garlic. The only contraindication is the intake of anticoagulants (anti-blood clotting drugs) since in combination with them garlic can intensify bleeding too much.

Green-and-black-tea-(Camellia-sinensis)

Green and black tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green-and-black-tea-(Camellia-sinensis)_2_0

It has been found that the long-term daily use (6 months) of black or green tea lowers blood pressure,&nbsp;with the effect of green tea is greater. This is probably due to flavonoids called catechins, which are contained in tea and lead to the expansion of blood vessels, and therefore - a decrease in pressure in them.

Green-and-black-tea-(Camellia-sinensis)_2_1

Green tea: 9 unexpected health benefits and how to prepare it

Beetroot-(Beta-vulgaris)

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Beetroot-(Beta-vulgaris)_2_0

Beet juice has been successfully used to lower blood pressure in several studies in volunteers suffering from hypertension.

Beetroot-(Beta-vulgaris)_2_1

Saffron-(Crocus-sativus)_2_0

Saffron has been used for medicinal purposes, including hypertension, for at least 4,000 years. It contains several substances typical of the plant, as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins - all of which have a vasodilating effect. The positive effect of saffron on high blood pressure has also&nbsp;been confirmed by several studies among volunteers.

Black-cumin-(Nigella-sativa)_2_0

Black cumin oil also has a blood pressure-lowering effect, in addition to lowering lipid levels in the blood. The substance thymoquinone has a vasodilating effect.

Roselle-(Hibiscus-sabdariffa)

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

Roselle-(Hibiscus-sabdariffa)_2_0

Carcade is the name of the tea from the roselle plant. It has a blood pressure-lowering effect, which is more pronounced in people with higher blood pressure. The effect has been confirmed by several studies in animals and humans.

Roselle-(Hibiscus-sabdariffa)_2_1

Other medicinal plants with a hypotensive effect are ginseng (Panax sp.) and danschen or red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza).

prunella vulgaris

Herbs for a healthy heart. Part 1