Herbs and Supplements for Heart Disease: Evidence, Benefits, and Cautions

Explore the science, safety, and efficacy of herbs and supplements for supporting heart health and reducing heart disease risk.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Explore the science, safety, and efficacy of herbs and supplements for supporting heart health and reducing heart disease risk.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, driving ongoing interest in prevention and management strategies beyond traditional medications and lifestyle adjustments. Many people explore herbs and dietary supplements as potential allies for cardiovascular health, but it’s crucial to understand what the science says about their benefits, risks, and limitations. This in-depth guide reviews key herbs and supplements, examines their effects on heart disease risk factors, and provides practical guidance for safe use.

Can Herbs and Supplements Improve Heart Health?

Research on herbs and supplements for heart health is growing. Several natural options contain compounds believed to impact blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation, and other cardiovascular risk markers. However, evidence quality varies and many supplements lack rigorous large-scale trials. Some may also interact with prescription medications or have side effects, highlighting the importance of informed, cautious use.

Some herbs and supplements can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, according to studies, though effects are often modest and not a substitute for prescribed treatment.
Certain herbs (e.g., garlic) have demonstrated blood pressure-lowering capabilities similar to pharmaceutical drugs in some meta-analyses.
Others, like Chinese cat’s claw, are widely used in traditional medicine but remain under-researched in humans.
Safety, potential medication interactions, and product quality remain critical concerns.

Popular Herbs and Supplements for Heart Disease

Below is an in-depth review of some of the most commonly used herbs and supplements purported to promote cardiovascular health. For each, we examine the available scientific evidence and practical considerations.

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic has a rich history in traditional medicine and strong scientific interest for its potential heart benefits.

Active Compound: Allicin
Potential Benefits: Clinical reviews suggest garlic can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by an average of 8.3 mm Hg and 5.5 mm Hg, respectively—comparable to the effect size of some antihypertensive drugs.
Additional Effects: May slightly decrease cholesterol and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
Usage: Consumed fresh, cooked, or as a supplement.
Cautions: Interferes with blood-thinning medicines; may cause digestive upset.

2. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a staple in cuisines and traditional healing systems. Animal studies suggest compounds in basil may help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, but robust human research is limited.

Potential Benefits: Antihypertensive in animal experiments; mechanism may be tied to plant polyphenols.
Usage: Culinary herb, teas, supplements.
Limitations: Evidence in humans remains inconclusive.

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is another widely used traditional remedy with several heart-supporting properties:

Potential Benefits: May lower blood pressure, improve circulation, reduce cholesterol, and decrease inflammation.
Additional Properties: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, may aid nausea and protect against ulcers.
Usage: Fresh, dried, supplements, teas.
Cautions: High doses may interact with blood thinners and cause digestive symptoms.

4. Chinese Cat’s Claw (Uncaria rhynchophylla, Gou-Teng)

Chinese cat’s claw has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine, often for hypertension and neurological support.

Active Compounds: Hirsutine and rhynchophylline, believed to stimulate nitric oxide production—helping relax and expand blood vessels.
Potential Benefits: Animal and preliminary human trials suggest blood pressure-lowering effects. Also studied for nerve health.
Limitations: Human evidence remains limited.

5. Other Herbs and Spices

Mixed herbs and spices: Mixed daily doses (up to 6.6 grams/day) of culinary herbs and spices in diets for those with risk factors have been associated with reduced 24-hour blood pressure, but not cholesterol or blood sugar changes.
Examples include: Black pepper, cinnamon, rosemary, turmeric, oregano, and others.

Evidence from Recent Studies

Large-scale, high-quality research on herb and supplement use in heart disease is still emerging, but recent clinical studies provide some promising insights:

A 2021 study presented at the Nutrition 2021 Live Online conference found that adults at risk of heart disease who ate a high-dose spice diet (up to 6.6 grams/day) had lower 24-hour blood pressure levels than those on a low-dose spice diet.
Another study linked spice supplementation to lower cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, benefits were additive and should not replace a healthy diet, emphasizing plant-based foods, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

**Herbs/Spices and Their Cardiovascular Effects**
Herb/Supplement	Main Effect(s)	Evidence Strength
Garlic	Lowers blood pressure, may reduce cholesterol	Strong: meta-analyses, clinical reviews
Basil	Potential to lower blood pressure	Moderate: animal studies, limited human data
Ginger	Lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation	Moderate: clinical trials, reviews
Chinese cat’s claw	Lowers blood pressure (preliminary)	Weak: traditional use, early research
Mixed culinary herbs & spices	Improves blood pressure (dose-dependent)	Emerging: recent RCTs

Supplements to Approach with Caution

While many people assume natural means safe, not all herbs and supplements are harmless for people with heart disease. Some may have adverse effects or dangerous drug interactions, especially with blood thinners or blood pressure medications.

Herbs like ginseng, ephedra, and certain weight-loss herbal blends can raise blood pressure and heart rate, increasing risk of arrhythmias or cardiac complications.
“Natural” supplements can vary widely in strength and purity. Lack of regulation poses safety concerns.
Some products can interfere with medications, such as St. John’s wort (affecting heart medications, cholesterol-lowering statins, and more).

Benefits vs. Risks: The Bottom Line

Herbs and supplements can offer additive benefits for cardiovascular health, especially for mild elevation of risk factors, but should never replace proven medical therapy in people with diagnosed heart disease.
For the majority, integrating herbs and spices into a balanced diet is safe and may support healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammation reduction.
Consult your doctor or cardiologist before starting any supplement—especially if you’re on prescription medications or have multiple health conditions.
Seek products certified for quality and safety.

Tips for Safe Use of Herbs and Supplements

Pick culinary herbs and spices: Using seasonings like garlic, turmeric, or ginger in meals is a low-risk way to gain potential benefits.
Be honest about all non-prescription products with your doctor: Include vitamins, teas, and supplements in every medication review.
Check for third-party testing: Look for seals from USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab to verify product content and purity.
Start with small doses: Monitor for side effects such as stomach upset, allergic reactions, headaches, or changes in heart rhythm.
Avoid unregulated or ‘miracle’ blends: Products promising dramatic effects are rarely supported by evidence and may contain harmful additives.

Conclusion

Herbs and supplements have the potential to support heart health and reduce certain cardiovascular risk factors when used as part of a balanced lifestyle and in consultation with healthcare providers. Their effects are generally modest and should complement—not replace—proven medical therapies for those diagnosed with heart disease. Safety, monitoring, and evidence-based choices are crucial for any integrative approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Which herbs are proven to lower blood pressure?

A: Garlic has the strongest evidence among herbs, showing blood pressure reduction similar to some common medications. Ginger and possibly basil also have some supportive data, but human research is less robust for most herbs.

Q: Can I use herbs and supplements instead of heart medication?

A: No. While some natural products may help support heart health, they are not a substitute for medications prescribed for heart disease or high blood pressure. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Q: Are herbal supplements safe if I take blood thinners?

A: Many herbs, including garlic, ginger, and turmeric, can interact with blood thinners, increasing bleeding risk. Always review your supplements with your healthcare provider if you take anticoagulant medications.

Q: Which supplements should people with heart disease avoid?

A: Avoid products containing ephedra (ma huang), high-dose caffeine, bitter orange, ginseng, or stimulant herbs, as these may raise heart rate or blood pressure. Also, beware of products with non-specific ‘proprietary blends.’

Q: How can I maximize natural protection for my heart?

A: Combine a diverse, plant-based diet with moderate use of culinary herbs and spices, regular physical activity, stress management, and prescribed medication if recommended. Keep your healthcare team informed about all supplements you use.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb