Heart Disease

Heart Disease Congestive 

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a variety for different diseases affecting the heart. As of 2007, it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, killing one person every 34 seconds in the United States alone.

Coronary heart disease

Coronary artery disease is a disease of the artery caused by the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium. Angina pectoris (chest pain) and myocardial infarction (heart attack) are symptoms of and conditions caused by coronary heart disease.

Over 459,000 Americans die of coronary heart disease every year. In the United Kingdom, 101,000 deaths annually are due to coronary heart disease.

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy literally means "heart muscle disease" (Myo= muscle, pathy= disease) It is the deterioration of the function of the myocardium (i.e., the actual heart muscle) for any reason. People with cardiomyopathy are often at risk of arrhythmia and/or sudden cardiac death.

Extrinsic cardiomyopathies - cardiomyopathies where the primary pathology is outside the myocardium itself. Most cardiomyopathies are extrinsic, because by far the most common cause of a cardiomyopathy is ischemia. The World Health Organization calls these specific cardiomyopathies:

• Alcoholic cardiomyopathy 
• Coronary artery disease 
• Congenital heart disease - see below 
• Nutritional diseases affecting the heart 
• Ischemic (or ischaemic) cardiomyopathy 
• Hypertensive cardiomyopathy 
• Valvular cardiomyopathy - see also Valvular heart disease below 
• Inflammatory cardiomyopathy - see also Inflammatory heart disease below 
• Cardiomyopathy secondary to a systemic metabolic disease

Intrinsic cardiomyopathies - weakness in the muscle of the heart that is not due to an identifiable external cause.

• Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) - most common form, and one of the leading indications for heart transplantation. In DCM the heart (especially the left ventricle) is enlarged and the pumping function is 
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM or HOCM) - genetic disorder caused by various mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. In HCM the heart muscle is thickened, which can obstruct blood flow and prevent the heart from functioning properly. 
• Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) - arises from an electrical disturbance of the heart in which heart muscle is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. -The right ventricle is generally most 
• Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) - least common cardiomyopathy. The walls of the ventricles are stiff, but may not be thickened, and resist the normal filling of the heart with blood. ** Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy - the left ventricle wall has failed to properly grow from birth and such has a spongy appearance when viewed during an echocardiogram

You can help reduce your risk of heart disease by taking steps to control factors that put you at greater risk:

• Control your blood pressure 
• Lower your cholesterol 
• Don't smoke 
• Get enough exercise

Akapulco

Akapulco (Cassia alata)

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate of Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that is used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, usedto treat intestinal problems including intestinal parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has helped develop the technology for a akapulko herbal medicine lotion.

Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time.

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following stomach problems

• Laxative to expel intestinal parasites,
• diuretic
• purgative.
• Strong decoction of leaves are also known to cause abortion in pregnant women.

Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for treatment of stomach problems

Pound or cut a cup of Akapulko seeds, Akapulko leaves and flowers into manageable sizes then let it seep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to creat an Akapulko herbal tea. Let it cool and drink a cup three times a day. The potency of Akapulko herbal tea is good to last for one day. Make new Akapulko herbal tea as needed. When symptoms persist or irritation occurs stop the use and consult your doctor.

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine for the following lung and mouth problems:

• Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea,
• mouthwash in stomatitis,
• alleviation of asthma symptoms

Preparation and application of Akapulko herbal medicine for lung and mouth problems

As expectorant and for the alleviation of asthma attacks. Drink a cup of Akapulko herbal medicine tea (see above for the preparation) three times a day until symptoms improved.

For the treatment of mouth infections such as stomatitis, gargle the Akapulko herbal tea three times a day until symptoms improve.

If symptoms persist and irritation occurs, stop the use and consult your doctor.

To prepare an Akapulko herbal ointment prepare and follow these instructions.

• Wash fresh leaves of Akapulko thoroughly and cut in small pieces.
• Add one glass of cooking oil or coconut oil to one glass of cut fresh leaves.
• Fry until crispy.
• Remove from the heat; strain.
• Cut 2 white candles (Esperma No. 5) into small pieces
• In a cooking pot, pour the strained oil together with the candle pieces; stir until the candle has melted.
• Pour the mixture into a clean container; cover when cool.
• Apply the Akapulko herbal ointment to affected areas twice daily.

Ampalaya

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)

Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) or it's scientific name, Momordica charantia has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments.

The Philippine Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) as an alternative herbal medicine for liver problems. Research about Ampalaya has shown that Ampalaya increases the production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin, that controls the blood sugar for diabetics.

Ampalaya Bitter Melon leaves and fruits are excellent sources of Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in beta carotene.

Ampalaya or Bitter Melon is used as herbal treatment for diabetes, HIV, coughs, skin diseases, sterility in women, parasiticide, antipyretic and as purgative among others.

Medical Uses Of Ampalaya - Health Benefits

Ampalaya for Diabetes. Clinical Studies for Ampalaya Bitter Melon demonstrated hypoglycemic properties (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus.

The hypoglycemic chemicals found in Ampalaya Bitter Melon include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of bitter melon where these chemicals are in greater abundance. The fruit has also shown the ability to enhance cells’ uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release, and potentiate the effect of insulin. In other in vivo studies, bitter melon fruit and/or seed has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides in both the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol. In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats were returned to normal after 10 weeks of treatment

• Ampalaya for Hemorrhoids. Powdered leaves and root decoction of Ampalaya are applied to hemorrhoids as astringent.
• Ampalaya for Stomach Problems. Ampalaya leaf juice is used to expel intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis. Grounded seeds may also be used. Taken in a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides.
• Ampalaya for Cough. Ampalaya leaf juice is used for mild coughs for children. Administered in a teaspoon 3x a day.
• Ampalaya for Burns, Scalds and Wounds. Pounded Ampalaya seeds or leaf are used to treat burns, scalds and wounds.
• Ampalaya as Anti-Cancer, Two compounds extracted from ampalaya bitter melon, α-eleostearic acid (from ampalaya seeds) and dihydroxy-α-eleostearic acid (from the ampalayafruit) have been found to induce apoptosis of leukemia cells in vitro. Diets containing 0.01% ampalaya bitter melon oil (0.006% as α-eleostearic acid) were found to prevent azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats.

Other acclaimed uses are for the treatment of HIV, treatment of fever and headaches, treatment of rheumatism and gout, disease of the spleen and liver.

Amplaya Side Effects:

In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and may cause pregnancy abortion.

Bawang

Bawang

Bawang or garlic, is a specie in the onion family Alliaceae. Bawang is a close relative of onion (sibuyas), the shallot, the leek and the chive. Bawang has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Bawang is a low herb, growing to up to 2 feet high. Bawang is widely popular for its bulbs. Bawang bulbs are broadly ovoid, 2 to 4 cm in diameter, consisting of several cloves. Bawang leaves are linear and flat. Umbels are globose, many flowered. Sepas are oblong, greenish white, slightly tinged with purple.

Bawang has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. Bawang cloves are used as seed, for consumption (raw or cooked), and for medicinal purposes. The leaves, stems (scape) and flowers (bulbils) on the head (spathe) are also edible and most often consumed while immature and still tender.

Bawang Herbal Medicine Use Side effects:

• Known adverse effects of bawang include halitosis (non-bacterial bad breath), indigestion, nausea, emesis and diarrhea.
• Bawang may interact with warfain, antiplatelets, saquinavir, antihypertensives, calcium channel blockers, hypoglycemic drugs, as well as other medications. Consult a health professional before taking bawang supplement or consuming excessive amounts of bawang.
• Bawang can thin the blood similar to the effect of aspirin.
• While culinary quantities of bawang are considered safe for consumption, very high quantities of bawang and garlic supplements have been linked with an increased risk of bleeding, particularly during pregnancy and after surgery and child birth. Some breastfeeding mothers have found their babies slow to feed and have noted a garlic odour coming from their baby when they have consumed garlic or bawang. The safety of bawang supplements had not been determined for children.
• The side effects of long-term bawang supplementation, if any exist, are largely unknown and no FDA-approved study has been performed. However, garlic or bawang has been consumed for several thousand years without any adverse long-term effects, suggesting that modest quantities of bawang pose, at worst, minimal risks to normal individuals. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, sweating, dizziness, allergic reactions, bleeding, and menstrual irregularities.
• Some degree of liver toxicity has been demonstrated in rats, particularly in extremely large quantities exceeding those that a rat would consume under normal situations.
• There have been several reports of serious burns resulting from bawang or garlic being applied topically for various purposes, including naturopathic uses and acne treatment, so care must be taken to test a small area of skin using a very low concentration of bawang.On the basis of numerous reports of such burns, including burns to children, topical use of bawang, as well as insertion of bawang into body cavities is discouraged. In particular, topical application of bawang to young children is not advisable.
• Garlic or bawang and onions might be toxic to cats or dogs. If you wish to feed them to your pet, first use only one flake or a pinch.

Bayabas

Bayabas

Bayabas or guava is a fruit bearing shrub or small tree that grows in the tropical climate like Mexico, Peru and the Philippines. Bayabas is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine and is recognized by the Philippine Department of Health for its antiseptic property. Bayabas or guava fruit is known for being rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Bayabas leaves and fruits contain eugenol, tannin, saponins, amydalin, phenolic acids, malic acid, ash, aldehydes, catequinic components and flavonoids.

Bayabas or guava is used in herbal medicine as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic.

Bayabas or guava tree grows 3 to10 meters tall with greenish to red-brownish smooth bark. Bayabas produce a round globular bayabas fruit that starts as a flower. The bayabas fruit is green and turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe. Bayabas fruit has many small hard seeds contained in a yellowish pulp. Bayabas fruit is usually eaten while still green and hard.

How to use Bayabas as an antiseptic and astringent

Preparation:

• Gather fresh bayabas leaves and wash with water.
• Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Strain and let cool.
• To use as mouthwash, gargle
• To use as wound disinfectant, wash affected areas 2 to 3 times a day.
• Use as vaginal wash especially after child birth.
• Fresh Bayabas leaves can also be chewed for the treatment of toothache and gum swelling.

To hasten wound healing, fresh Bayabas leaf poultice may be applied to the wound.

If symptoms persist or aggravates, stop use and consult your doctor.

For diarrhea and control stomach parasites

• Gather fresh Bayabas leaves,
• Boil chopped pieces of about 4 to 6 tablespoon for every 18 ounces of water.
• Strain and let cool.
• Drink ¼ cup of decoction every 3-4 hours until symptoms improve.
• Bayabas Side Effects

Eating too much of Bayabas fruit can cause constipation.

If there is no improvement to diarrhea symptoms in two days, consult your doctor.

Lagundi

Lagundi

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a large native shrub that grows in the Philippines and has been traditionally used as herbal medicine. The Philippine Department of Health has conducted research and study for Lagundi and has suggested that the lagundi plant has a number verifiable therapeutic value

Lagundi is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5 m high. Lagundi has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen in swamps of the Philippines. Lagund leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi leaves are 5-foliate, rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long, slightly hairy beneath. The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long bearing fruit globose of about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe,

Lagundi has been traditionally used as herbal medicine by Philippine folks. The efficacy of Lagundi has also been verified by the Philippine Department of Health and other Philippine based scientists which concentrated on its use to ease respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally used for the treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems,

Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effect that helps alleviate pain and discomfort. Other traditional benefits that are derived from the use of Lagundi are as follows:

Relief of asthma & pharyngitis

Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea

Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders

Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox

Removal of worms, and boils  

Niyog-niyogan

Niyog-niyogan

Niyog-niyogan is a large climbing, woody shrub that is native in Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, India, Myanmar and Malaysia. Niyog-niyogan grows to about 20 feet in height with leaves that is rounded at the bottom and pointed at the tips. Niyog-niyogan shrub has fragrant and colorful flowers. Niyog-niyogan flowers exhibit varying colors, from white, red, reddish purple, pink red to orange that sprouts into clusters. Niyog-niyogan has edible fruit that is ellipsoidal in shape with five lengthwise wings. It has seeds that are black in color.

Niyog-niyogan is also one of the herbal plants endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health for its deworming property. Niyog-niyogan has other medicinal benefits as discussed in the following.

Adverse side effects of the Niyog-niyogan or Chinese honeysuckle may include the following;

• hiccups,
• diarrhea, and
• abdominal pain)

frequently occur if the nuts of the plant are eaten for consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.