Quick Answer
Five herbs traditionally used to support heart health and circulation are hawthorn, hibiscus, danshen, motherwort and cayenne. Hibiscus has the most human research. Small trials suggest hibiscus tea may support healthy blood pressure, though the evidence is limited. Hawthorn has been studied a lot, but results are mixed. Danshen and motherwort are mostly backed by traditional use, and cayenne's cardiovascular research comes largely from animal studies. Herbs work best alongside diet, movement, sleep and stress management. They are not a substitute for medical care. Talk with your doctor first if you have a heart condition or take heart, blood pressure or blood-thinning medications, since several of these herbs can interact with them.
Supporting your heart starts with the basics: a whole-food diet, regular movement, good sleep, managing stress and not smoking. Herbs have a long history as part of that picture. Here are five herbs traditionally used for heart and circulatory health, what the research does and doesn't show, and how to use them safely.
In this article 6 sections
How Herbs Fit Into Heart Health
Many traditional heart herbs are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. Others are used for their warming effect on circulation or their calming effect on the nervous system. Herbalists see them as supportive tools, not replacements for medical care. That matters most with the heart, so always loop in your doctor.
5 Herbs Traditionally Used for Heart Health
1. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
Hawthorn's berries, leaves and flowers are rich in flavonoids and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. It's one of the best-known heart herbs in Western herbalism. It has been studied in people, but according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), the results are conflicting, and there's little quality evidence for most uses [1]. Studies haven't tested use beyond 16 weeks. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea and digestive upset [1]. Learn more in our guide to hawthorn berry.
2. Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Hibiscus makes a tart, bright red tea rich in anthocyanins. A 2022 systematic review of 17 randomized trials found that hibiscus was associated with lower systolic blood pressure, with larger effects in people with higher readings. The authors rated the evidence as weak because the trials were small and varied [2]. It's an easy, enjoyable tea to add to a heart-healthy routine.
3. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
Danshen, or red sage root, is a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has long been used to support circulation. It contains compounds called tanshinones and salvianolic acids. Much of the research comes from East Asia and lab studies, and more high-quality trials are needed. Danshen may increase bleeding risk with blood thinners such as warfarin, so talk with your doctor before using it. Read more in our guide to danshen.
4. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort's Latin name, cardiaca, reflects its long traditional use for the heart. Herbalists value it as a calming herb, especially when stress and a racing feeling go together. Modern research is limited. Avoid it during pregnancy. See our guide to motherwort.
5. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)
Cayenne is a classic warming herb traditionally used to support circulation. Its active compound, capsaicin, acts on receptors in blood vessel walls. A 2021 review notes that most of this research comes from animal studies, and evidence in people is limited [3]. Read more in our guide to cayenne pepper.
Our Heart Support Tonic
Our Heart Support Tonic combines organic herbs including danshen, hibiscus and cayenne in a concentrated liquid extract. It supports heart health and healthy circulation.† It's often paired with our Liposomal Turmeric Curcumin Tonic, made with organic turmeric, ashwagandha, fenugreek and Berberis aristata, which supports a healthy inflammatory response.† And our Ionic Magnesium Chloride Tonic provides 133 mg of magnesium per serving to support muscle relaxation and normal nerve function.† Check with your doctor before adding any of these if you take heart, blood pressure or blood-thinning medications.
What Customers Report
As of October 2026, our Heart Support Tonic has 6 customer reviews, all five-star. That's a small sample, so we'll update this as more reviews come in. Results vary.
Everyday Habits That Matter Most
Eat whole foods: Plenty of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, olive oil and fish, and fewer ultra-processed foods.
Move daily: Walking counts.
Sleep and de-stress: Both affect blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Get potassium and magnesium from food. See our guide to balancing sodium and potassium.
Know your numbers: Get regular checkups for blood pressure and cholesterol.
Safety First
Medications: Talk with your doctor before using heart herbs if you take heart, blood pressure, blood-thinning or diabetes medications.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid these herbs unless your provider approves.
Chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting: These need emergency care, not herbs. Call 911.
The Bottom Line
Hawthorn, hibiscus, danshen, motherwort and cayenne have long traditions as heart and circulation herbs. Hibiscus has the most encouraging human research, while the evidence for the others is mixed, early or mainly traditional. Use them as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, not in place of medical care, and always check with your doctor first if you have a heart condition or take medications.
References
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Hawthorn. nccih.nih.gov
Ellis LR, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa on blood pressure and cardiometabolic markers. Nutr Rev. 2022. doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuab104
Munjuluri S, et al. Capsaicin and TRPV1 channels in the cardiovascular system: the role of inflammation. Cells. 2021;11(1):18. PMC8750852
