Heart Health: A Deep Dive into the World of Healing Herbs
- Kim Moynihan
- May 14
- 6 min read
Welcome to an exploration of nature's own medicine cabinet, where the healing power of herbs offers us a path to wellness and vitality. This comprehensive guide delves into the heart-protective qualities of Hawthorn berries, the calming presence of Motherwort, the sunny disposition of Calendula, and the ancient wisdom of Ginkgo Biloba. These herbs, along with the harmonizing Chaste Tree berries, form a symphony of natural remedies that have been revered for centuries for their ability to nurture the heart, both physically and emotionally.
Hawthorn Berries: The Heart's Natural Ally
Hawthorn berries, recognized for their cardiotonic properties, are a tonic for the entire body due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. These berries, or the leaves and flowers derived from the same plant, have a slightly sweet and sour taste, providing a cooling and moistening effect. Hawthorn Berries resonate with the heart, circulatory system, immune system, digestive system, liver, spleen, nervous system, kidneys, and respiratory system, making them a versatile remedy for various health concerns.
The leaves and flowers of Hawthorn exhibit sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors, with cooling and astringent properties. Traditionally viewed as a symbol of hope and love, Hawthorn is believed to heal the emotional heart, lifting spirits and soothing a broken heart, while encouraging an openness to love and happiness. Clinically, Hawthorn improves cardiovascular function, lowers blood pressure, enhances heart rate, increases cardiac output, and improves tolerance for moderate exercise. It is particularly effective in helping with Angina Pectoris, a condition caused by decreasing blood flow to the heart which can be a symptom of heart disease. Hawthorn dilates the blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body.
Rich in bioflavonoids like quercetin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), Hawthorn berries are potent antioxidants that play a crucial role in heart health. Quercetin reduces inflammation and protects blood vessels from damage, which can prevent plaque buildup that leads to heart disease. It also aids in improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. OPCs strengthen the walls of blood vessels, enhance circulation, and support overall cardiovascular health by preventing oxidative damage. They improve coronary artery blood flow, reduce the risk of plaque formation, neutralize harmful free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, aid digestion, and promote restful sleep.
For a heart and blood tonic, combine Hawthorn Berries with Rosehips, Rooibos, or Hibiscus. For a calming tea for the heart and nervous system, blend Hawthorn Leaf and Flower with Linden, Rose, or Motherwort. For a tea that supports the immune system and soothes the throat, mix Hawthorn Leaf and Flower with Licorice, Elder Flower, and Lemon Peel.
Motherwort: The Nurturing Nervine
Motherwort, a cardiotonic herb with leaves and flowers that have an affinity to the nervous system, brings relaxation and circulation to the reproductive organs. Its name indicates its use for women during the postpartum period. Motherwort contains phytochemicals such as leonurine and stachydrine, which are beneficial to heart health. Leonurine acts as a mild vasodilator, relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. Stachydrine supports heart function and may help reduce the risk of heart conditions associated with stress.
Motherwort balances hormones, brings a sense of calm to new mothers, and offers reassurance and peace for parents, easing worries about their children's well-being. It provides a protective effect on cardiovascular well-being, enhancing the heart's vitality and resilience. It prevents calcification of the arteries, treats high cholesterol, hypertension, and other heart conditions, and calms and soothes the heart, especially for palpitations associated with anxiety and stress. It provides a mild sedative effect, relaxes the nervous system, and brings tranquility and calm. Motherwort supports a healthy menstrual cycle and eases symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations.
Motherwort encourages self-care, compassion, and being present for loved ones. It is beneficial for women at various stages of life, from menstruation to menopause and beyond. It combines well with Red Raspberry leaves and Crampbark for menstrual disorders and with Vervain for relaxing nerves.
Calendula: The Radiant Healer
Calendula's flowers, with their bitter, pungent, slightly sweet, and salty taste, have a drying, cooling, and warming effect on the tissues. The bitterness of Calendula makes it cooling, while its resinous and pungency make the plant slightly warming. Calendula has an affinity towards the liver, heart, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys, bladder, digestive system, immune system, muscles, and cardiovascular system, making it an herbal ally for the heart and cardiovascular system.
Calendula offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, promotes skin health, wound healing, and supports the immune system. It is considered anti-cancer as it activates the lymphatic system against cancer and helps kill off cancer cells. Calendula salve is an effective treatment for radiation burns, making it a thoughtful gift for anyone undergoing cancer radiation treatments. It soothes the digestive system and reduces inflammation.
Calendula's vibrant, sun-like flowers are not only beautiful but also full of healing compounds like carotenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. These constituents reduce inflammation, protect blood vessels from oxidative damage, and support heart health. Carotenoids act as powerful antioxidants, fending off cellular damage and reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. Triterpenoids nourish the tissues and provide a soothing effect that extends beyond physical well-being, promoting a sense of self-love and emotional healing.
Calendula assists in reducing lymphatic congestion and supports natural detoxification processes. Incorporating Calendula into your self-care routine can be a nurturing act of self-love, associated with joy, positivity, and renewal. For digestive issues, combine Calendula with Marshmallow, Slippery Elm, or Meadowsweet. For bladder support, mix Calendula with Corn Silk, Hydrangea, or Dandelion Leaf. For the lymphatic system, blend it with Cleaver, Red Clover, or Chickweed. Use Calendula-infused oil to massage into your skin, fostering a connection with your body and honoring its needs.
Ginkgo Biloba: The Ancient Energizer
Ginkgo Biloba, the oldest living tree species on the planet today, has been used medicinally in China since the 1500s for overall cognitive health, maintaining healthy circulation, and treating brain disorders, circulatory disorders, and respiratory diseases. The energetics and taste of Ginkgo are bland, slightly sweet, bitter, stimulating, cooling, and drying. Ginkgo has an affinity towards the kidneys, liver, brain, lungs, circulatory system, heart, spleen, eyes, and musculoskeletal system.
Ginkgo enhances cognitive function and increases energy levels. It improves circulation and cardiovascular health and supports memory retention and combats cognitive decline. The phytochemicals in Ginkgo Biloba, namely flavonoids and terpenoids, are the stars behind its heart health benefits. Flavonoids bolster the cardiovascular system by warding off oxidative stress and improving blood circulation, while terpenoids amplify this effect by dilating blood vessels and reducing platelet aggregation.
Integrating Ginkgo Biloba with Hawthorn, Chaste Tree, Motherwort, and Calendula creates a comprehensive herbal approach to heart health, hormonal balance, emotional well-being, enhanced energy, and circulation. For a circulatory blend, combine Ginkgo with Hawthorn, Gotu Kola, or Ginger.
For a lung formula, mix Ginkgo with Mullein Leaf, Eucalyptus Leaf, or Wild Cherry Bark. For brain and cognitive support, blend Ginkgo with Bacopa, Lion’s Mane, or Ashwagandha.
Chaste Tree Berries: The Harmonizer
Chaste Tree berries, also known as Vitex, are a cornerstone in women's herbal medicine. They promote inner peace, harmony, and emotional well-being. Chaste Tree influences the pituitary gland to regulate the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which helps balance estrogen and progesterone levels, maintaining a regular menstrual cycle and easing premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Chaste Tree can alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, and may contribute to fertility and address hormonal imbalances.
The active compounds in Chaste Tree berries, including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and terpenoids, have been studied for their effectiveness. Flavonoids protect cardiac tissue against oxidative stress and enhance circulation, while terpenoids promote vasodilation, easing the heart's workload. Iridoid glycosides exert a calming influence on the body, which can help to moderate blood pressure levels. Chaste Tree has a notable impact on sexual health and libido by fostering hormonal balance, particularly by regulating prolactin levels, enhancing sexual drive, and contributing to a more predictable pattern of sexual desire aligned with natural hormonal rhythms.
Embracing these herbs in your daily wellness regimen can lead to a heart that is not only physically robust but also emotionally fulfilled. The path to true wellness intertwines the physical with the spiritual, and each of these herbs offers a gateway to a healthier, more harmonious life. As you incorporate these herbal allies into your life, may you find peace, balance, and vitality in every cup and every breath.
I've put together some delicious tea recipes for you, making it simple to incorporate these heart healthy herbs into your everyday routine.
With love and herbs,
Kim
P.S. As a reminder, I am a Clinical Herbalist -- not a medical professional. All of the information I am providing is based on my own personal experiences and should only be used for educational purposes. Never try any herbs or herbal remedies without first consulting your doctor.
Comments