HERBS FOR A HEALTHY HEART



HEART HEALTH WEEKEND

HOLISTIC HEALING FOR THE HEART:

DIET

LIFESTYLE

EXERCISE

EMOTIONAL NOURISHMENT

SPIRIT

HERBAL MEDICINE

DIET ~ The foods, beverages, and herbs that we take in play a major role in the nourishment of the heart. As usual, wholesome, seasonal ingredients are superior to those things that are overly processed, contain chemical additives or residue of agricultural chemicals, and contain excess amounts of fat and are devoid of trace minerals and healthy fats.

LIFESTYLE ~ A lifestyle that includes sufficient rest (but not excess), outdoor hobbies, and quality time for meals, family, friends, and spiritual work helps to nourish the heart and avoid stress induced illness.

EXERCISE ~ A key part of balancing a healthy lifestyle is exercise. The human body is made to move – walk, work, crouch, stretch, and otherwise move around. Excess sitting harms circulation. Movement of the body moves blood, which is good for the heart. Vigorous and more relaxed exercise both have benefits. In fact, there are many different forms of exercise and activity each with different benefits.

EMOTIONAL NOURISHMENT ~ Emotions are widely associated with the heart. Relationships can be more-or-less emotionally nourishing – those that are more emotionally nourishing are more nourishing and opening for the heart. Doing things that bring you joy are good for the heart.

SPIRIT ~ In Traditional Chinese Medicine the spirit is believed to be housed by the heart. Theories of holistic health relate emotional health with being “opened in the heart center (chakra)” or “centered in the heart”. Being centered in the heart refers to balancing feeling and thinking (many people are centered in the head), which promotes spiritual wholeness. According to these ideas, the heart is a microcosm that reflects and manifests imbalances in other parts of the body, emotional being, mind, and spirit.

HERBAL MEDICINE ~ Along with the considerations discussed above, a holistic approach to heart health may include the use of medicinal herbs. Herbs are used to nourish the heart and to correct various imbalances. Some are quite safe and are used freely by many, while some are very strong and potentially toxic. Safe herbs that are nourishing and normalizing are preferred in holistic protocols.

HAWTHORN

This common tonic for the heart is a gentle, nutritive remedy used to normalize heart function, reduce the effects of stress, and address cholesterol and circulation. It is best as decoction.

ROSE

Rose petals benefit the heart and nervous system. Rose hips nourish the blood and vessels. Use either part as “tea” (infusion).

MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort moves blood, reduces tension and stress, and addresses a wide variety of cardiovascular concerns. It is best as tincture made from the fresh flowering herb.

RED SAGE ROOT (Dan Shen / Salvia miltiorrhiza)

This top herb in Chinese medicine for most cardiovascular problems is used to move blood and nourish the heart.

REISHI (Ling Zhi / Ganoderma)

This highly revered, whole-body tonic is used to normalize the heart.

WOOD EAR

This edible mushroom is used to promote circulation.

SHIITAKE

A delicious edible is used for heart health and reduce cholesterol.

OYSTER MUSHROOM

This wild and cultivated edible benefits cholesterol.

DANDELION

This herb is used to reduce inflammation and cholesterol. For its bitter properties it is best to use the tincture of fresh root. Leaf infusion is used as a diuretic.

HOPS

This aromatic bitter benefits digestion, the liver, and reduces stress.

LICORICE

This medicinal root is used for low blood pressure.

KUDZU

This root can be prepared as “tea” or its starch used in cooking. It has many health benefits, including cardiovascular.

Medicinal Herbs Made Into Pharmaceuticals

Foxglove / Digoxin

Digitalis lanata / Lanoxin, Digitek, Lanoxicaps

Source of cardiac glycosides used for atrial fibrillation and flutter, and congestive heart failure.

Deadly Nightshade, Jimson Weed / Atropine

Atropa belladonna, Datura spp. / Atrisolon, Atroren, Dexapin

This important medicine is on the WHO’s Essential drug list and is included in TCM’s 50 Essential Herbs. It is also used in Homeopathy. Used for bradycaria.

Willow, Meadowsweet / Acetylsalicylic Acid

Salix spp., Filipendula ulmaria / Aspirin

Used to thin blood.

False Hellebore

Veratrum spp.

Used for hypertension but discontinued because of the narrow therapeutic index.

Poppy / Morphine, Papaverine

Papaver somniferum / Verapamil

Another well-known and essential medicine that also has well-known side effects, this herb is used for pain and has been used to create several medications.

The Heart Chakra

The heart is universally associated with the emotion of love. Likewise, feelings of love, affection, and endearment are associated with the chest area. When we are happy to see someone we enjoy and care about it is common to greet them with a hug, which is a heart-opening and heart-connecting embrace. (Contrast this to the arms-folded posture used when we are feeling “closed” mental or emotionally.)

When the heart center (chakra) is open, it allows vital energy to flow, which nourishes, regulates, and heals the heart. When the heart center is closed it restricts the movement of vital energy. Often healing requires that one opens and heals the heart chakra, with its associated emotional and mental dynamics. Affirmations of love, postural alignment, and deep breathing all benefit the heart center.

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Recommended Reading List:

FOOD & DIET:

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford

Chinese System of Food Cures by Henry C. Lu

The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar and U. Desai

Zen Macrobiotics: The Art of Rejuvenation and Longevity by George Ohsawa

The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics by Jessica Porter

Nutrition & Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, DDS

The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell

Diet for a Strong Heart by Michio Kushi

HERBS:

The Way of Herbs & Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra

Healing with the Herbs of Life by Lesly Tierra

The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook by Alan Keith Tillotson

The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

Adaptogens: Herbs for Stregth, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston

Healthy Heart: Strengthen Your Cardiovascular System Naturally by David Hoffman

The Herbal Handbook by David Hoffman

TAI CHI CHUAN, CHI GONG, ETC.

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart,

and Sharp Mind by Peter Wayne

Master Cheng’s Thirteen Chapters on Tai Chi Chuan by Cheng Man-Ching

A Study of Taijiquan by Sun Lutang

Tai Chi Secrets of the Wu Style: Chinese Classics, Translations, Commentary

by Yang Jwing-Ming

Opening the Energy Gates of the Body: Qigong for Lifelong Health by B. K. Frantzis

The Do-In Way by Michio Kushi

Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi

The Xingyi Boxing Manual by Jin Yunting and John Groschwitz

Website Resources:

Herbalist & Alchemist:   herbalist-

Raven Crest Botanicals: ravencrest.

Catskill Mountain Herbals:

Woodland Essence:

Mountain Rose Herbs:

Fungi Perfecti:

Mushroom Harvest:

Seaweed: &

Acupoint Database:

American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia:  

Acumagnets: &

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