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Page 47
and lymph systems. Often combined with other herbs, such as dandelion and corn silk, cleavers helps relieve fluid retention associated with high blood pressure. Brew as an infusion and drink 3 or more cups of cleavers tea daily or take 1 tsp. tincture 3 times daily.
Coleus (Coleus Forskohlii)
The root of Coleus forskohlii, an herb used in India's traditional Ayurvedic medicine, contains a diterpene molecule called forskolin, which causes the heart muscle to contract more strongly, helping to relieve congestive heart failure.
In a large-scale pharmacological screening of medicinal plants conducted in 1974 by the Indian Central Drug Research Institute, extracts of coleus root showed significant blood-pressure lowering and antispasmodic effects. Worldwide research continues to investigate coleus, which is prescribed for hypertension, congestive heart failure, angina, asthma, eczema and psoriasis. The dosage for Coleus forskohlii extract is 200 to 400 mg 3 times daily with meals. No adverse reactions to the plant have been published in the scientific literature.
Crampbark (Viburnum Opulus)
The dried bark contains antispasmodic, sedative and astringent ingredients and, as its name suggests, it is best known for releasing muscular tension and spasm. In women, this herb relieves painful menstrual cramps and helps prevent premature labor and miscarriage. In both men and women, it helps calm an irregular or rapid heartbeat and reduce the anxiety associated with high blood pressure. Brew as a de-

 
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