Atherosclerosis develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries. Over time, this buildup can cause arteries to become narrower and reduce blood flow to the heart, brain and other parts of the body.
High LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excess weight, physical inactivity and family history are among the factors associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis.
No herb or spice can literally “unclog” an artery on its own. However, certain herbs and spices contain compounds that have been studied for possible effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, inflammation and other factors related to cardiovascular health.
Here are 10 commonly discussed options.
- Garlic
Garlic has been used both as food and as a traditional remedy for centuries.
It contains sulfur-containing compounds that have attracted considerable interest for their potential cardiovascular effects.
Research suggests that garlic preparations may produce modest improvements in blood pressure or cholesterol in some
people.
The easiest way to include garlic in your diet is to use it regularly when preparing vegetables, soups, sauces, beans, fish and other healthy meals.
However, garlic shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for cholesterol or blood-pressure medication prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the world’s most familiar spices.
Beyond its flavor, researchers have studied cinnamon for possible effects on blood sugar, cholesterol and other metabolic markers.
It can be an easy way to add flavor to oatmeal, yogurt, fruit or other foods without relying on large amounts of added sugar.
The important distinction is that adding cinnamon to a generally healthy diet is very different from taking large doses of concentrated cinnamon supplements.
More isn’t necessarily better.
- Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, the compound responsible for much of its characteristic yellow color.
Curcumin has been extensively investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
This has led to considerable interest in turmeric and cardiovascular health.
But turmeric shouldn’t be advertised as something that dissolves arterial plaque or prevents a heart attack by itself.
Using turmeric as a culinary spice—in curries, soups, rice, vegetables and other dishes—is a simple way to incorporate it into a balanced diet.
- Coriander and Cilantro
Coriander seeds and cilantro leaves come from the same plant and are widely used in cuisines around the world.
They provide flavor along with a variety of plant compounds and micronutrients.
Some research has explored coriander in relation to cholesterol, blood pressure and metabolic health, although this doesn’t establish it as a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
Fresh cilantro can easily be added to salads, beans, vegetables, soups and homemade sauces.
- Ginger
Ginger is another popular spice with a long history of culinary and traditional use.
Its active plant compounds have been investigated for
effects involving inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipids.
Fresh or powdered ginger can be incorporated into tea, soups, stir-fries and many other foods.
Again, the evidence doesn’t mean ginger can remove existing arterial plaque. Think of it as one component of an overall heart-conscious diet rather than a cardiovascular treatment.
- Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper gets its heat primarily from capsaicin.
Capsaicin has been studied for several biological effects, including possible influences on blood vessels and cardiovascular function.
Using cayenne can also be a useful way to add strong flavor to meals without adding much sodium.
But eating cayenne pepper isn’t a substitute for treating hypertension, high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease.
If spicy foods cause digestive problems for you, there’s no reason to force yourself to eat them for supposed heart benefits.
- Parsley
Parsley is sometimes treated as nothing more than a garnish, but it’s a
nutrient-rich herb that can easily become a regular part of meals.
It provides vitamin K, vitamin C and several other plant nutrients.
Fresh parsley works particularly well in salads, soups, vegetables, beans, fish and homemade sauces.
The original article suggests that parsley can dilate arteries and protect against atherosclerosis. That’s stronger than the evidence supports.
It’s more accurate to think of parsley as a nutritious herb that can contribute to an overall healthy dietary pattern.
- White Willow Bark
White willow bark deserves considerably more caution than ordinary culinary herbs.
It contains salicin, a chemical related to compounds that eventually led to the development of aspirin.
This doesn’t mean willow bark is simply “natural aspirin,” nor should it be used instead of aspirin prescribed for cardiovascular disease.
It may cause side effects and can potentially interact with medications or increase bleeding concerns in certain people.
Anyone taking blood-thinning or antiplatelet medication—or
considering willow bark specifically for cardiovascular reasons—should speak with a healthcare professional first.
Never replace prescribed aspirin with white willow bark without medical advice.
- Saffron
Saffron is a distinctive spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower.
It contains compounds such as crocin and crocetin, which researchers have investigated for antioxidant and other biological effects.
Some studies have explored saffron in relation to cardiovascular risk markers, but evidence isn’t strong enough to conclude that saffron removes arterial plaque or prevents cardiovascular events.
As a culinary spice, however, saffron can certainly be incorporated into a varied diet.
- Hawthorn
Hawthorn has a long history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in connection with the heart.
Its berries, leaves and flowers contain various plant compounds, including flavonoids and procyanidins.
Hawthorn has been studied for cardiovascular effects, but this is another case where supplements deserve more caution than using ordinary herbs in food.
Hawthorn products can
interact with cardiovascular medications.
People with heart disease or those taking heart or blood-pressure medicines should therefore consult their healthcare professional before using concentrated hawthorn products.
Can Herbs Really Unclog Your Arteries?
This is the most important part of the article.
There is no herb, spice, drink or home remedy proven to simply flush plaque out of clogged arteries.
The original article presents these ingredients as ways to “unclog” arteries and prevent heart attacks, including strong claims about several individual herbs. Those claims should be interpreted cautiously.
Atherosclerosis is a complex disease.
Reducing cardiovascular risk generally involves addressing the major factors that contribute to the disease rather than relying on one food or supplement.
That can include managing LDL cholesterol, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy diet and taking prescribed medication when necessary.
Food First Is Usually the Better Approach
For most people, there’s
a big difference between using garlic, ginger or turmeric in meals and taking highly concentrated herbal supplements.
Using herbs and spices in food can help make nutritious meals more flavorful.
Concentrated supplements, on the other hand, may contain much larger amounts of active compounds and can interact with medications.
That’s particularly important for people taking:
Blood thinners or antiplatelet medicines
Blood-pressure medication
Diabetes medication
Heart medication
Multiple prescription drugs
Always discuss supplements with your doctor or pharmacist when medication interactions are possible.
The Bottom Line
Garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, ginger, cayenne, parsley, saffron and other herbs and spices can all be part of a heart-conscious diet.
Some contain compounds being studied for possible beneficial effects on cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and other cardiovascular risk factors.
But they cannot be relied upon to unclog blocked arteries or guarantee protection against a heart attack.
White willow bark and concentrated hawthorn products deserve
