Arjuna

Arjuna is an Indian Ayurvedic herb, handed down for thousands of years. Nicknamed the “Guardian of the Heart” it is as amazing as a treatment for heart disease as Ashwagandha is for the nervous system. In fact, the two are often taken together. It is considered a sacred plant, and the word “arjuna” translates to “bright and shining one.”

Heart health

Arjuna has even been known to prevent heart failure. To quote Wikipedia, “Only 5 Grams A Day, Works Wonders – Prevents Heart Attack, Lowers Bad Cholesterol And Accelerates Wound Healing.”

Arjuna bark contains a wide array of healthful nutrients, including flavonoids, calcium, magnesium, and copper. It has substantial amounts of gallic acid, arjunic acid, tannic acid, tannins, saponins, and the phytonutrients, flavonoids. In addition, it has phytosterols, which are now increasingly studied because of their positive effects in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. 

Considered the best natural treatment for heart diseases of all kinds, arjuna’s many active nutrients give wide-spectrum benefits. It is used for circulatory problems, arrhythmia, to reduce chest pain and high blood pressure symptoms, and stops symptoms of angina. It has been shown to reduce the frequency of heart attacks by up to 80 percent.

Studies have shown that it prevents heart attacks when used with diuretics and chemicals that dilate blood vessels. It increases the supply of oxygen to the heart and strengthens the heart muscle. It is used to strengthen muscles and tissue after a heart attack or surgery.

Other benefits

Flavonoids reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, help improve heart and blood vessels, and prevent cancer. The phytosterols in arjuna break down deposits of oxidized fats in the blood vessels and thereby reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood.

In addition to its heart benefits, it is used to break up kidney stones and relieve kidney pain, and it protects the liver and DNA from damage. 

Dosage            

Arjuna is available in bulk, as a powder, and a water extract. I suggest taking a 10:1 extract, 80 to 250 mg divided into two doses per day.

As a supplement, take the lower dose. 

Warnings and Side Effects

There are no known side effects. However, arjuna has not been tested in pregnant or breast-feeding women. Avoid its use under these conditions.

Also, it may lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor before using it. Also, don’t take it for two weeks before surgery.

Arjuna may lower blood pressure. If you are taking drugs to lower your blood pressure, consult with a health-care practitioner before taking arjuna.