Written By Celine Cuevas 

The physical heart is an organ that our life quite literally depends on. It pumps blood throughout the body bringing oxygen to the cells in all our organs. It is also  helping to remove metabolic waste from our bodies. Our blood and how it circulates is a vital sign that can be a lens into our overall health. However, the heart is more than just an isolated organ in the body. 

The heart is also a very significant symbol for our emotional well-being. It has been the subject of inspiration since the beginning of human thought. Common colloquial idioms refer to the heart:  "I wear my heart on my sleeve”, “I’m holding you in my heart”, "I'm heart broken”, “my heart skips a beat”. The list goes on. It is evident that the heart is pivotal to the human experience.

Connecting the Physical & the Emotional Heart

Modern science is now able to confirm this embodied knowledge that the experience of our emotional heart is very much connected to our physical experience. The limbic system in our brain is responsible for processing emotions. These signals are sent to our autonomic nervous system which creates physical changes in the body such as racing heart in fear, sweating palms in anxiety, or calm when feeling safe. 

Additionally, the vagus nerve, one of the largest nerves in the body, innervates all major organs including the brain and the heart. It plays a direct role in helping to regulate the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system which is responsible for promoting calm or the “rest and digest” mode. 

From this, we can see the direct connection between our emotions, how they influence our nervous system and how our bodies express these changes in a physical state. Clearly, the heart plays a vital role both physically and emotionally, illustrating how crucial its vitality is to our overall health and well-being as humans.

The Facts About Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading health issue in Canada, being the second-largest cause of death after cancer. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for CVD, stroke and ischaemic heart disease and is therefore one of the most important preventable causes of premature morbidity and mortality. Surveys continue to show that hypertension remains underdiagnosed, under treated, and poorly controlled in the west. About 30% of people aged 45-54 and about 70% of people aged 75 and older have blood pressure greater than or equal to 140/90. 

Stress is considered a major risk factor for high blood pressure. It triggers temporary blood pressure spikes via stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) that constrict vessels. AS illustrated above, chronic stress can lead to sustained high blood pressure (hypertension) by causing repeated elevations, damaging arteries, and promoting unhealthy coping behaviors like poor diet or alcohol use, increasing risk for heart attack and stroke. Managing stress is key, as stress reduction techniques can lower blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. 

The Herbal Approach & Preventative Medicine

In Western Herbalism we often speak of preventative medicine. Supporting our bodies before we are experiencing more serious health concerns can really set the foundation for a stronger system.

As we age our cells tend to regenerate at a slower rate and organ function becomes less optimal. If we can set the stage for that transition with proper nutrition, adequate movement/exercise, and beneficial herbs we can really maintain a great quality of life. We created a tea at Gaia Garden to really support this process. Learn more about heart health promoting herbs below. 

Tea of the Month: Valentine’s Tea

Our Tea of the Month is all about the heart !

The herbs in this tea have been used in Traditional Herbalism to support the strength and integrity of blood vessels, relax blood vessels, regulate cardiac output, reduce blood volume & relax the nervous system to reduce stress hormones. These herbs are also wonderful to connect us to our emotional heart center, opening us to what may be present beneath the surface. 

This tea is designed for anyone, whether you have concerns about your cardiovascular health or simply want to enjoy a lovely herbal tea to protect and open your heart or to calm your nervous system.

Herbs in Our Valentine’s Tea :

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycanthus):

Maximizes coronary artery flow and increases efficiency of heart muscle cells. Studies have shown significant decrease in blood pressure with the use of both Hawthorn leaf/flower and Hawthorn berry. It is also high in antioxidants, protecting blood vessels. Hawthorne helps to increase heart rate variability (HRV). Low HRV is found in chronic heart disease, diabetes, and elderly. Hawthorne is also gently sedative and calming to the nervous system.

Black Haw  (Viburnum prunifolium):

Helps to dilate blood vessels both centrally in the body and peripherally increasing blood flow throughout. A.W and L.R. Priest, renowned British Herbalists tell us that Viburnum species also help restore balance between the sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) systems. Viburnum is also said to be a heart tonic

Honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia):

The cardiovascular benefits of Honeybush are mainly linked to their high concentration of polyphenols. Regular consumption of this herbal tea has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, improve blood circulation, decreased oxidative stress, and the prevention of plaque build up in the arteries. 

Dandelion Leaf (Taraxacum officinale):

One of our most effective herbal diuretics which can effectively lower blood pressure as it helps in reducing the volume of fluid in the blood. It is also high in potassium so it results in a net gain of the mineral rather than a loss as with pharmaceutical diuretics

Linden (Tilia europaea):

When taken over time, Linden is reputed in the prophylactic treatment of hardening and stiffening of the arteries and high blood pressure due to its anti-inflammatory and astringent actions. It also supports the nervous system

Motherwort (Leonorus cardiaca):

Research has shown that Motherwort is able to calm palpitations, tachycardia, and irregular heart beats especially when associated with anxiety & nervous tension. Animal studies suggest the alkaloid leonurine reduces central nervous system activity & has blood pressure reducing effects

Cleavers (Gallium aparine):

The main action of Cleavers in the support of cardiovascular health is its role as a diuretic and lymphatic herb. It helps to reduce volume of fluid in the blood and helps cleanse the blood by removing toxic waste via the lymph. 

Prickly Ash (Zanthoxylem americanum):

A great circulatory stimulant herb that has been shown to improve venous circulation which supports conditions such as high blood pressure, Raynaud’s disease, hemorrhoids and varicose veins

Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis):

Clinical trials indicate that regular consumption of hibiscus tea can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with effects comparable to some medications. It also improves blood fat. Studies suggest it helps lower total cholesterol and LDL(bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

Rose Petals (Rosa ssp):

A renowned herb connected to the heart for centuries. Components in rose have been shown to strengthen blood vessel tone as well as helping to relax blood vessels  helping to improve circulation. The aromatics of rose have also been shown to help reduce systolic blood pressure and decrease heart rate.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium):

Has a strong affinity for the blood and cardiovascular system and has been used in traditional herbal medicine to reduce blood pressure and other conditions specifically indicated where clotting is problematic. One study showed isolated constituents and the whole herb decreased clotting time in vivo. It has also been researched that the flavonoids in Yarrow and other herbs may assist in decreasing the fragility of capillaries.

 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is meant for educational purposes only. It is not meant to treat or diagnose. Some of these herbs may interact with medications. If you would like to work with herbs to support your health please consult your healthcare provider.