Abstract: The present invention provides an herbal pharmaceutical compositions comprising the root of scutellaria, the rhizome of coptis, the root and rhizome of rhubarb, and the dry powders of the root of ginseng (or American ginseng) or the rhizome of ginger. The herbal pharmaceutical compositions are effective in preventing patients from developing or treating patients with cardiovascular diseases, which include, but are not limited to, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. The present invention also provides methods for preparing and using the herbal pharmaceutical compositions.