Condition also caused by a spasm in the coronary circulation. ‘Strangling pain in the chest’, lasting 2 to 10 minutes. Aggravated by diabetes, anaemia, goitre, high blood pressure and stress.
Is it angina? Important evidence is the association of the pain with exercise and its relief by rest. Pain is similar to intermittent claudication (pain in the calf muscle). Sense of constriction in front of chest: may radiate to the jaw or left arm.
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is caused by cholesterol deposits hindering blood flow. It is the work of the practitioner to unclog blocked arteries where possible.
Phytotherapy may increase exercise capacity, reduce the number of angina attacks, and is known to enjoy a low incidence of unwanted side-effects.
Alternatives. Teas. Chamomile, Hawthorn, Motherwort, Lime Flowers, Hops, Oats (avena), Orange Tree leaves.
Tablets/capsules. Cayenne, Hawthorn, Lobelia, Prickly Ash.
Powders. Formula. Equal parts: Hawthorn berries, Opuntia (Cactus flowers), Mistletoe, Motherwort. Dose: 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon) thrice daily.
Liquid extracts: Formula: Equal parts: Cactus, Hawthorn, Prickly Ash. Dose: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.
Tinctures: Formula. Hawthorn BHP (1983) 30ml; Motherwort BHP (1983) 30ml; Prickly Ash bark BHP (1983) 20ml; Tincture Capsicum Fort BPC 1934: 0.25ml. Dose: 5ml in water thrice daily.
Practitioner. Alternatives:–
1. Tincture Aconite, BPC 1949 : 2-5 drops (0.12 to 0.3ml) when necessary.
2. Liquid extract: Lobelia BHP (1983): 10-30 drops every 20 minutes when necessary.
3. Formula. Tincture Selenicereus grand (preferably fresh plant) 1oz; Tincture Ginger quarter of an ounce. Dose: 15-30 drops every 15 minutes.
4. Formula. Liquid extract: Prickly Ash bark 20ml; Liquid extract: Cactus 20ml. Mix. Dose: 5-20 drops when necessary. (A. Barker, FNIMH)
5. Emergency. Tincture Gelsemium BPC 1973. Dose: 5 drops (0.3ml).
Diet: See: DIET – HEART AND CIRCULATION. Vitamin E reduces the risk of angina.