Herbs for Heart Health
As Valentine’s day approaches we wanted to share some herbs to help with heart health. Being kind to your own heart helps you to open your heart to others. Continue reading to learn more about the yummy herbs that strengthen this vital organ. Remember to always talk to your doctor before starting any new herbal protocols.
Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn is one of our most powerful heart allies. It has flavonoids which help with any issue the heart may be having. It is a beautiful bush with lovely flowers in spring and bright red berries in fall/winter. It not only strengthens the heart but it builds the heart muscle. It can regulate blood pressure, whether yours is too high or too low. It is considered very safe, even when you are taking medications but check in with your doctor because you may not need to take as much of your heart medications when taking this amazing plant. It is a natural diuretic, helps to lower inflammation in the blood vessels and lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) in turn helping reduce plaque build up. This is so important to help avoid serious issues such as heart attacks and pericardium swelling. If there was only one thing you could take for your heart, many herbalists would agree this is THE go to. Thanks to its antioxidant content it is also incredible for gout, arthritis and tendonitis. Use it to help you relax, sleep and even to alleviate night sweats and hot flashes due to menopause. I could go on and on about this magical ally but suffice it to say, it’s worth a try. It is most effective taken in capsule form.
Motherworth - Leonurus cardiaca
Another essential ally in my apothecary. Motherwort is a said to ease the heart during heartbreak, whether from a failed relationship or the death of a loved one. The plant can “mother” your heart and help you heal emotionally. Physically, this plant can help with heart palpitations, irregular heart rates and the acidity of heartburn. If you are having these issues it can quickly dissipate the discomfort, whether they are caused by menopause or Lyme’s Disease. As with Hawthorn, it can lower blood pressure, strengthen the heart muscle and blood vessels, which is a wonderful help as we age and lose some of the elasticity in our vessels. These two plants play well together and can be taken at the same time to boost heart health. Along with the heart benefits, it is also a wonderful bitter which helps with digestion. Drink as a tea or take as a tincture.
Siberian Ginseng - Eleutherococcus senticosus
Many of us have heard of ginseng, but Siberian ginseng is an entirely different plant but no less incredible. Commonly called Eleuthero by herbalists, it is an excellent heart and circulatory tonic. It is highly protective against the negative impacts of stress on the body and can help in the recovery of adverse conditions including chemotherapy and radiation. It helps to reduce LDL cholesterol and can be used to relieve pain from congestive heart failure. It helps the arteries to relax and reduce blood pressure when it spikes due to stress, such as when you visit the doctor! It has such a profound effect on circulation that it can actually normalize blood temperature and is excellent when an individual is suffering from hypothermia. Eleuthero is also quite safe but shouldn’t be taken with Digox or other medications containing digoxin.
While there are many more plants that are fantastic herbs for the heart including lemon balm, linden, rose and reishi mushroom, these are my three favorites that have personally helped me time and time again. Hawthorn has helped me heal my heart from damage from Lyme disease while motherwort has stopped my heart palpitations in their tracks. Eleuthero has helped me recover my energy when I was overworked and calmed my heart in times of high stress. These personal experiences inspire me to share these plants with you in hopes they can help you or someone you love to have a stronger, healthier heart. Our heart is an incredible, energetically powered muscle where we experience life’s joys and sorrows. Our shared experiences through our hearts is one of the many beautiful things that make us human. Please share your experiences of these plants and any others that have helped your heart.