I wasn’t feeling well for a long time. I visited doctors repeatedly, but nobody told me I had angina (Angina pectoris) until one day I had a heart attack. My lungs also became congested. I spent an entire month in the hospital. It was only there that the diagnosis of angina was made. The doctor told me the disease is chronic and cannot be cured.
After I left the hospital I had another attack — I was coughing terribly, I could not catch my breath. Medicines were prescribed, but I decided I would help myself. I discovered folk‑recipes: I took 1 tablespoon of anise seeds and poured 1 teaspoon of boiling water over them, and drank the infusion.
In addition I prepared this mixture: in the evening I put into a one‑litre thermos 5 tablespoons of anise, 2 tablespoons of ascil (Agasyllis latifolia) and ½ teaspoon of black grass. I filled it with boiling water. In the morning I strained it and drank one glass before meals, three times a day; then one half‑glass twice a day (morning and evening) for one year. Very soon the result was noticeable.
Also, for the coughing and breath‑shortage I drink a tincture of walnut shells: you must pour 1 teaspoon of walnut shells with 1 teaspoon of vodka (ar‑ra‑kee) and leave it closed for 2 weeks. Then strain. You should take 30–30 drops three times a day after meals. The coughing passed quickly. Four years have passed since I started the treatment and I haven’t had angina trouble again. But as a preventive measure I still occasionally drink the anise tincture.
Every autumn I stock up on anise, ascil and black grass. Despite having lived a rather hard life and now being over 80 years old, I feel great.
Doctor’s commentary: Anise and ascil are plants of the rose family (note: Umbelliferae family). They are widespread in Georgia and people often use them for medicinal purposes. Anise contains flavonoids. It is prescribed to patients with cardiovascular system disorders as a cardiac‑tonic agent. It also has a role in lowering blood pressure and is significant in the treatment of angina.
Source: Karabadini”
Expanded version (~1200 words)
I’d like to share the full story and the detailed recipes, along with my reflections and the commentary from a physician, so you can understand how and why I used these folk‑traditional remedies in dealing with angina, how I prepared them, and what I experienced over the years.
My health story
For many years I did not feel well. I experienced episodes of fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort — but none of the doctors I visited told me I had angina. Eventually, one day everything changed: I suffered a heart attack. My lungs became congested, I was unable to breathe properly, and I was rushed into hospital. I spent a full month in the hospital receiving care. It was only during that hospitalization that I was given the diagnosis: angina pectoris — a chronic condition of the heart’s blood supply. My cardiologist told me that, sadly, this disease is chronic and cannot be fully cured; it can only be managed.
After being discharged, I thought I was safe — but then another attack struck. I was coughing terribly, I had laboured breathing, and I felt terrified. The doctors prescribed medications (which I took), but I decided I would also try to help myself through natural / folk remedies. I felt that my body needed something more, beyond what the conventional medicine was offering.
The folk‑recipes I used
Recipe 1: Anise seed infusion
I took 1 tablespoon of anise seeds. (In Georgian tradition “კუნელი” means anise seed.)
I poured a teaspoon of boiling water over the seeds and made an infusion.
I drank this infusion regularly.
Recipe 2: Evening thermos mixture for daily use
In the evening I loaded a one‑litre thermos with:
5 tablespoons of anise seeds
2 tablespoons of “ასკილი” (ascil) — a local herb known in Georgia (in Latin perhaps Agasyllis latifolia)
Half a teaspoon of “შავბალახა” (black grass) — another herbal component used in folk medicine
I filled the thermos with boiling water and closed it, letting it steep overnight.
The next morning I strained the liquid and used it as follows: before meals, one glass (≈ full glass) three times a day; then for maintenance I drank half a glass twice a day (morning and evening) for a full year.
After a relatively short time I noticed real improvement: fewer attacks, better breathing, less chest discomfort.
Recipe 3: Walnut‑shell tincture for cough and shortness of breath
I used walnut shells (“კაკლის უღელი”) — 1 teaspoon of the shells.
I poured 1 teaspoon of alcoholic spirit (ar‑ra‑kee, or similar strong alcohol) over the shells and let the mixture sit, tightly closed, for two weeks.
After two weeks I strained the tincture.
The dose: 30 drops, three times daily, after meals.
I found that the coughing and the sensation of breathlessness improved quickly.
After four years of regular use of these recipes, I can report that I have not had another angina attack. I still use the anise infusion occasionally as a preventive measure, especially each autumn when I stock up on the herbs (anise, ascil, black grass). Even though I am over 80 years old, and life has been difficult, I feel excellent.
My reflections on safety
I believe these folk‑traditional remedies are completely harmless — at least in my experience. The herbs involved are common, widely used in Georgia, and the doses are moderate. Because I have used them for many years without adverse effects, I say “completely harmless!” But of course each person is different and what worked for me may not work exactly the same way for someone else.
Doctor’s commentary & scientific context
The doctor’s commentary given to me states that anise (which in Georgian we call “კუნელი”) and ascil (“ასკილი”) belong to the family of plants often used in medicinal traditions. They are indeed common in Georgia and people often use them for therapeutic purposes.
What we know scientifically about these plants / their active components:
Anise seeds (Latin: Pimpinella anisum) have been studied for their chemical composition: they contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds. One comparative study found that anise seeds had between ~148–156 mg of total flavonoids per 100 g in certain extracts.
Menoufia JAB
+1
Flavonoids themselves have been shown to have protective effects in cardiovascular disease: they act as antioxidants, anti‑inflammatory agents, reduce oxidative stress in blood vessels, support endothelial (vessel‑lining) function, modulate smooth muscle and potentially reduce atherosclerosis risk.
PubMed
+1
For example, a meta‑analysis of flavonoid intake found that higher flavonoid consumption was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cambridge University Press & Assessment
+1
In the context of anise specifically: some evidence indicates it has antioxidative and anti‑inflammatory activity relevant to vascular health. Though human clinical trials specifically in angina are lacking, the mechanistic support exists.
PMC
Hence, the doctor’s statement that anise “contains flavonoids” and “is prescribed for cardiovascular system disorders as a tonic for the heart” is consistent with the broader botanical and phytochemical evidence.
Important caveats and safety notes:
While flavonoids are promising in cardiovascular health, they are not substitutes for medical treatment when a disease is present. The commentary about angina being “chronic and managed rather than cured” remains accurate in conventional cardiology.
“Completely harmless” must still be considered in context: herbal remedies can interact with medications, have variable potency, and individual responses vary. For example, if you are on blood‑thinners, anti‑platelet drugs, blood‑pressure meds, you should still consult your doctor before using herb‑based remedies.
The evidence for angina specifically (versus general cardiovascular health) is limited in rigorous human trials. So while the folk‑tradition is valuable and your personal anecdote is compelling, it is not a guarantee for everyone.
Why I believe it worked for me and how it supported my heart health
Here are some thoughts on how these herbal remedies might have contributed to my improved condition:
Improved vascular/heart‑tonic support
Since anise contains flavonoids, which have been shown to support cardiovascular function (including effects on endothelial cells, blood pressure, smooth‑muscle relaxation) this may have contributed to more stable heart circulation.
Better respiratory clearance and reduced breathlessness
The walnut‑shell tincture helped with cough and breathing, which reduced the burden on my heart. When you can breathe better, the heart has less strain.
Reduced stress, improved overall health
Engaging in a regular routine of herbal infusions can improve one’s sense of control, reduce anxiety, and encourage other positive health behaviours (better diet, rest, moderate exercise) which all support heart health.
Holistic wellness via folk tradition
In Georgian ethnopharmacology tradition, plants such as anise and ascil are used for more than one symptom: digestion, circulation, respiratory function, overall tonic effect. This holistic support may have helped me feel better overall, thereby alleviating the chronic strain on my cardiovascular system.
Consistency over years
A key factor is that I used these remedies consistently over a long time (one year intensive, then maintenance). Chronic conditions often need sustained care; short bursts usually don’t achieve long‑term change.
My advice for anyone thinking of following similar folk‑recipes
Consult your cardiologist or primary doctor before changing or stopping any prescribed medication.
Use herbal remedies in addition to — not instead of — your conventional treatment (unless your doctor advises otherwise).
Be consistent: many people try a herbal remedy once or twice and expect miracles. In my case the year‑long use plus daily infusion ma
