Cardiovascular + Circulatory System

The cardiovascular system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, working together to circulate oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells throughout the body. It regulates blood pressure, maintains fluid and pH balance, removes metabolic waste, and distributes heat. Herbal support for this system focuses on strengthening the heart, improving circulation, supporting vascular tone, modulating inflammation, calming nervous stress that impacts the heart, and enhancing overall cardiovascular resilience.
Relevant Herbal Actions:
Cardio Tonic
Vascular Tonic
Circulatory Stimulant
Vasodilator
Hypotensive
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Adaptogen
Nervine
Astringent (Styptic, Hemostat)
Nutritive Tonic
Herbal Allies:
Hawthorn
Ginkgo
Gotu Kola
Stinging Nettle
Yarrow
Rosemary
Schisandra
Tulsi, Holy Basil
Eleuthero
Licorice
  • Transports gases: O₂ to tissues, CO₂ to lungs
  • Carries nutrients and hormones: distributes metabolic fuel + endocrine signals
  • Removes metabolic waste: urea, lactic acid, CO₂
  • Blood pressure regulation: adjusts vessel diameter + heart rate
  • Thermoregulation: distributes and releases heat
  • Maintains pH + electrolyte balance
  • Immunity: transports WBCs + antibodies
  • Hemostasis: initiates clotting to prevent blood loss
  • Homeostasis: integrates with endocrine and nervous systems to maintain balance

    • Heart

    • Muscular pump located in mediastinum
    • Four chambers:
      • Right atrium – receives deoxygenated blood
      • Right ventricle – pumps to lungs
      • Left atrium – receives oxygenated blood
      • Left ventricle – pumps to body
    • Valves: tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, aortic
    • Layers:
      • Endocardium – inner endothelial lining
      • Myocardium – cardiac muscle
      • Epicardium – outer layer
    • Pericardium: double-walled sac with lubricating fluid

    Blood Vessels

    • Arteries → arterioles → capillaries → venules → veins
    • Vessel wall layers:
      • Tunica intima – smooth endothelium
      • Tunica media – smooth muscle + elastic fibers
      • Tunica externa – connective tissue support

    Blood

    • Plasma (55%): water, proteins, nutrients, hormones, electrolytes, waste
    • Formed elements (45%):
      • RBCs – oxygen transport
      • WBCs – immune defense
      • Platelets – clotting and repair

    Supporting Tissues

    • Endothelium (all vessels)
    • Myocardium
    • Connective tissue (valves, pericardium)
    • Nervous tissue (rhythm + conduction)

    Circulation Routes

    • Systemic: left heart → body → right heart
    • Pulmonary: right heart → lungs → left heart
    • Coronary: blood supply to heart muscle
    • Portal: specialized routes like hepatic portal system

    ‍