Black Tea
A Strong clinical evidenceCamellia sinensis
Its caffeine and L-theanine increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk.
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Heart & Circulation
Herbs linked to heart and circulatory health. If you take blood pressure or blood-thinning medicines, pay close attention to interaction warnings.
12 herbs · 9 with clinical evidence (A/B) · 6 not marked avoid in pregnancy
Ginkgo Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceGinkgo biloba
Standardised ginkgo extract may help age-related cognitive decline and mild dementia; bleeding risk and interactions call for caution.
Horse Chestnut
A Strong clinical evidenceAesculus hippocastanum
Standardised horse chestnut seed extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy, aching legs; never eat raw conkers.
Psyllium Husk
A Strong clinical evidencePlantago ovata
Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines.
Vine Leaf
A Strong clinical evidenceVitis vinifera
Vine leaf extract may help chronic venous insufficiency with swollen, heavy legs; vine leaf tea is used traditionally for heavy legs.
Black Seed
B Limited clinical evidenceNigella sativa
A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe.
Coconut Oil
B Limited clinical evidenceCocos nucifera
An effective skin moisturiser; small studies found it helpful for children's atopic dermatitis. As a food fat, it is very high in saturated fat.
Hibiscus
B Limited clinical evidenceHibiscus sabdariffa
A sour, red tea. Meta-analyses of small clinical trials found it slightly lowered blood pressure in mildly high blood pressure.
Sesame
B Limited clinical evidenceSesamum indicum
The seed behind tahini and simit. It contains healthy fats, protein and lignans; small studies saw modest falls in cholesterol and blood pressure.
Cardamom
T Traditional useElettaria cardamomum
A ginger-family spice that flavours coffee and desserts. Traditionally used for indigestion and wind; other effects come from small early studies.
Garlic
T Traditional useAllium sativum
Garlic powder is traditionally used to help prevent hardening of the arteries, and garlic extract to relieve symptoms of the common cold.
Hawthorn
T Traditional useCrataegus spp.
Hawthorn leaf and flower are traditionally used for palpitations linked to mild anxiety, after a doctor has ruled out serious heart disease.