Healing the Heart: Herbal Allies for Emotional Wellbeing
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In the journey of life, emotional heartache is an experience many of us face, leading us to seek solace and healing in various forms. In the realm of holistic health, plant medicine and herbal therapy, these can offer a gentle, yet powerful, avenue for nurturing our emotional wounds. Herbalism, with its deep roots in traditional wisdom, provides us with herbal allies that can support our hearts during times of sorrow and stress.
Herbal Allies for Emotional Wellbeing
Herbal remedies have long been celebrated for their ability to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit. For those navigating the turbulent waters of emotional heartache, certain herbs stand out for their profound heart-soothing properties.
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha & C. monogyna)
Regarded as the quintessential heart tonic, hawthorn is revered in herbal medicine for its capacity to heal both the physical and emotional heart.
Hawthorn contains key constituents (bioflavonoids and proanthocyanins) that are not only high in antioxidants but increase the flow of blood to aid in conditions such as congestive heart failure, angina, and high blood pressure. This is a powerful plant, so before using, as with any herb, it's best to speak with a health professional as it can interact with certain medications.
Energetically, it’s known as a symbol of hope and protector of the heart. This potent herb can ease emotional distress, fostering a path to recovery and resilience.
Rose (Rosa spp.)
The rose, universally cherished as a symbol of love, is also a powerful herbal remedy as a healer for the heart. Its tender essence comforts the emotional heart, uplifting spirits and healing emotional scars, making it a key component in herbal remedies for heartache.
The rose's thorns signifies the need for personal boundaries while flowers reminds us to be gentle with ourselves as well as reducing physical tension in the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the rose is valued as a shen tonic—a substance that nurtures the "shen" or spirit, pivotal for mental and emotional well-being. Shen tonics are employed to soothe the mind, alleviate anxiety and stress, enhance sleep quality, and cultivate a state of peace and well-being.
With its cooling properties, the rose mitigates inflammation in overheated tissues, thereby soothing an agitated heart.
Despite its protective thorns, the rose remains gentle and welcoming to those who handle it with care.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Wild and resilient to the most harsh conditions, she stands as a formidable protector, akin to the fierce and unconditional love of a mother.
This amazing plant embodies the essence of maternal care, offering solace, strength and courage to those it nurtures. Renowned for its calming effects, Motherwort is particularly valuable for individuals grappling with anxiety and grief, serving as a soothing hug for the emotional heart.
Its very name, "Motherwort," is a testament to its nurturing properties—'wort' being an old English word for plant and 'mother' signifying its role in providing care and protection.
Like a mother's embrace, Motherwort acts as a true guardian, fostering a sense of security and emotional equilibrium. Guiding us through the most trying times, encouraging emotional balance and a peaceful heart.
Motherwort's protective qualities extend beyond emotional support. As a heart tonic, it promotes overall heart health, calms palpitations caused by anxiety and stress, encourages delayed or stagnant menstruation, and promotes digestive health, just to name a few.
Through its healing embrace, Motherwort exemplifies the protective, loving nature of a mother, making it an invaluable ally in the journey towards holistic well-being.
Linden (Tilia spp.)
Linden's soft, soothing properties make it an excellent herb for relieving emotional stress and hypertension. It encourages relaxation and helps calm a troubled heart, embodying the essence of plant-based healing.
Linden is remarkably gentle nervine, so delicate that it's even used to soothe stressed infants battling the discomforts of colic. It eases tension across the body, offering relief from tension headaches linked to stress while simultaneously diminishing overall bodily stress and tension.
Additionally, Linden aids in inducing sleep, making it a superb choice for holistic healing of both body and soul.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
With its aromatic essence and delightful flavour, Lemon Balm is a brilliant holistic ally dedicated to nurturing both your physical and emotional health for both adults and children.
A beacon of tranquility and celebrated for its capacity to lift spirits, ease the mind, aid in depressive states and heartache, this plant is a friend who offers its steady hand to help pull you out of emotional and physical overwhelm.
Beyond its emotional support, Lemon Balm provides a reprieve from the grip of anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, headaches and heart palpitations caused by overwhelm. Its calming properties extend to relieving digestive issues such as cramping and bloating.
Additionally, Lemon Balm’s potency as an antiviral fortifies the body’s defence mechanisms, underscoring its role as a guardian of holistic health and an important plant you’ll want to add to your home apothecary.
Incorporating Herbs into Your Emotional Healing Journey
Embracing herbal therapy involves more than consuming teas or tinctures; it's about integrating these plants into your daily life as part of a holistic approach to wellness. Whether through aromatherapy, herbal baths, or culinary uses, these herbs provide a foundation for healing and self-care.
Below is a beautiful recipe for the emotional heart you can make at home:
Herbal Heart Tea Blend
10 gm Hawthorn Flowers (Crataegus oxyacantha FLOS)
5 gm Rose Buds/Petals (Rosa spp. FLOS)
10 gm Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca FOL)
10 gm Linden (Tilia spp. FOL)
15 gm Lemon Balm (Melissa officnalis)
50 gm Sig. (Take) 1-2 tsp in 1 cup hot water. Steep covered for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day.
*Please ensure you have evaluated that these herbs are safe for you and/or your family to take as everyone is different, has their own health history, and is within their own health story. If you are unsure, please speak with your local Herbalist, Naturopath or other trusted health professional.
Find The Herbs
You can find a wonderful Organic tea blend made by Prairie Doctor here called Inner Peace Tea Blend
You can also find some of the herbs as Organic tinctures here:
Navigating the Path to Emotional Wellbeing
Remember, while herbal remedies offer significant support, healing from emotional heartache is a multidimensional process that may also benefit from counselling, community support, and self-reflection.
Holistic health practices, including herbalism, encourage us to view healing as a journey—one that encompasses the entirety of our being. Herbal remedies are here to support you along your healing journey.
Conclusion
In the world of holistic medicine and plant therapy, herbs offer a bridge to emotional healing, guiding us back to a state of balance and peace. As we explore the healing power of herbs, we open ourselves to the wisdom of nature and the potential for profound emotional transformation. The more experiences you create with plants, the more you will know which herbal allies resonate with you for emotional wellbeing.
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With Love & Gratitude,
Ninetta M. Savino, B.A., Dip. Phyto.
Medical Herbalist & Founder of Ash + Thorn Herbals
The content here is for your education only and does not constitute as medical advice. Uses of these plants have not been regulated by the FDA. Regardless of their long term traditional uses it is important to independently research a plant you are considering using for medicinal and nutritional purposes as each individual is different. Please ensure that if you are gathering plants from the wild that you correctly identify the plant before using.
