supporting overall health and wellbeing with an affinity for the cardiovascular system
Hawthorne Crataegus monogyna – Heart strengthener, blood builder, calming to the nervous system, reduces high blood pressure, high in antioxidants, cardio tonic. I use the leaves and flowers in the spring to dry for tea and make fresh tincture. In the fall I use the berries for tincture and then once it is ready, combine with the leaf & flower tincture. The small trees are found near edges of fields and have thorns on the branches. The berries are often turned into jellies and jams.
Linden Tilia americana – calms the nervous system, anti-anxiety, eases digestion specific to trouble digesting foods due to excitement or stress, dilates blood vessels, relieves headaches, stimulates circulatory system and removes excess heat from body. There are stories of grieving women climbing into the trees because the sweet smell of a flowering linden is very soothing.
Motherwort Leonurus caridiaca - Excellent connector herb between nervous system, heart, and reproductive system. Anti-anxiety, calmative. Resolves stress. Relives liver constraint. Regulates tachycardia (uneven heart-beats). Vasodilator and antispasmodic for smooth muscles such as the heart. Relieves PMS, emmenagogue. She takes over gardens by spreading seeds in the wind so you may find her pop up in new places each spring. In the mint family, motherwort is cooling and bitter, which delivers us out of our minds and into our hearts. Bitter is grounding: the hearts needs bitter. Do not take when pregnant.
“She is a plant that says, "here ya go, here's what you need TO DO THE WORK." To show up to what ails you, what task you have ahead, be it pushing another human being through your pelvis into the world, facing the fears that grip your heart, integrating the pain of loss, addressing systemic imbalances causing thyroid or cardiovascular dysfunction, riding the wild changes of menopause or allowing yourself to calm the heck down. DO THE WORK, she says, kindly, you've got this.” – The Crazy Herbalist
Reishi Mushroom – modulates immune system, adaptogenic, goes after free radicals, heart-spirit strengthener. This polypore grows on decomposing hemlock trees; red varnish on top with yellow turning to white tip and white underside. Ready to harvest mid to late spring. Chop into inch size pieces and dry or tincture fresh. Requires a double extraction tincture.
Rose rosa rugosa – soothes the emotional heart, mood lifter, warming, relieves pelvic congestion, PMS, irregular menses, lifts the spirit, protects the liver, relieves heartburn, blood purifier. Beach roses grow near the ocean and can be planted in gardens. The smell is intoxicating; I immediately feel relaxed when I breathe in the divine fragrance. I always add rosewater to my creams because it clears acne and cools hot skin conditions. Do not take internally when pregnant.
Cayenne- hot spicy energetics of this pepper stimulate blood circulation to the extremities. I always add a few peppers to Fire Cider for its antimicrobial and circulatory stimulating effects.
Ginger - warming the digestive system, anti-inflammatory, moves Qi and stuck blood. Delicious as tea with a little honey and lemon to ward off colds and flus. Caution in large quantities when pregnant.
Tulsi ocimum sanctum – Heart gladdening adaptogen, harmonizer, balancing “elixir of life” promotes longevity according to Ayurveda. If you are a gardener and have space, I strongly suggest growing Tulsi. She attracts bees, pollinators, and smells so sweet. Even keeping a pot on your porch is worth the effort. Tulsi tea takes the edge off immediately. I add it to my heart-spirit formulas and we grow loads of it at the farm. This March I am going on a journey to India where Amma, “the hugging guru,” grows gardens of Tulsi. I hope to return with some seeds to start a small section of Amma’s Tulsi at the farm. Blends well with motherwort, linden, and rose for kicking the winter blues.
Dark Chocolate: naturally bitter, cooling and detoxifying to the liver. It is used in many ceremonies for opening the heart, moving circulation, and increasing mental clarity. Darker chocolate is more nutritious, so choose low sugar or no sugar sources.
Powerful antioxidant to enhance immune system
Lowers risk of heart disease
Lowers bad cholesterol & high blood pressure
Contains vitamins & minerals such as magnesium, vitamin C, natural sulfur, B-complex vitamins and iron
Increases vitality, focus & sensitivity
Excellent for use in Inner Work, such as meditation, yoga, therapy and group-work
Heart Spirit Support Recipes
Tulsi Chai Tea
Ingredients:
1 oz. Tulsi holy basil (dried) or 3 oz. (fresh)
1 tsp. cinnamon chunks
1 tsp. cardamom pods
1 T. star anise
1 tsp. anise seed
2 T. thinly sliced ginger root
½ tsp. fennel seed
½ tsp. black pepper
2 quarts water
To make: Combine all the spices, except the tulsi in a pan with water and bring to boil. Keep covered and reduce heat. Let simmer 30-60 minutes. Turn off heat, then add the tulsi for 10 minutes, covered to steep. Strain tea and add a little maple syrup and milk to taste, enjoy!
Uses: Tulsi is an aromatic herb in the mint family used to aid digestion, calm the nervous system, and soothe the heart. Everything's better when Tulsi is involved! Chai spices are carminatives- aiding in the absorption of nutrients and warming the digestive fire. Tusli Chai is wonderful to drink after a meal or a long day.
Lavender Rose Honey
Ingredients:
3 T lavender buds (organic)
3 T red rose petals (organic)
1 pint Local Raw Honey
To Make: Fill a pint jar loosely with the lavender and rose- do not pack them in tight. Pour honey over the herbs to cover entirely- it’s fine if some plant material floats to the top, just make sure they are coated in honey. Let the mixture sit for 2 weeks minimum out of direct sunlight. Strain by gently warming the honey until it is viscous enough to strain, but do not boil it! An herbal honey lasts at least 2 years, or longer if kept in the fridge. Spread on toast, apples, or in your tea for a calming addition!
Uses: Roses lift the spirit and bring tranquility. Lavender calms the mind and is a digestive aid Raw honey is naturally antimicrobial and prevents seasonal allergies. I recommend adding the herbal honey to your bedtime tea or anytime you need a lift to your spirit!
Other herbs commonly infused in honey include: Sage, Tulsi Holy Basil, Thyme, Bee Balm, and Rosemary.
Spicy Hot Cocoa
1 C water
1 T powdered cacao (I use Equal Exchange or Heart-Blood Cacao)
sprinkle of cayenne and cinnamon powder
Bring the water and cayenne to almost boil, add the cacao and whisk to dissolve. Add milk, maple, or other spices. Sometimes I like to add cardamom and ginger, too. Pour into a warm mug and enjoy! You may get a little buzz of energy and feel warmer due to the cayenne. Focus can be easier and there may be a feeling of heart expansion, which makes cacao an aphrodisiac. Make sure to drink lots of water after this beverage. You can also melt down raw unsweetened cacao instead of powder.
Tulsi Rose Elixir for Soothing a Heavy Heart
Ingredients:
Tulsi Holy Basil (leaf & flower)
Wild Rose (flowers)
Raw Honey
Apple Cider Vinegar or Brandy
To make: Harvest your herbs on a sunny day and do not wash. We want to limit the amount of moisture going into the preparation. If using dried herbs, only fill the jar 1/4 of the way.
Chop up the fresh herb and fill your jar loosely to the top, do not pack it. Cover the herbs half in Apple Cider Vinegar or Brandy and ½ raw honey so that it is a 50:50 mixture. Place the lid on with wax paper in between the jar and lid. Shake well to fully immerse the herbs. Label with date, name, and location. Let the elixir sit for 2-4 weeks minimum out of sunlight, shaking it once/ week. When it’s ready, strain the herbs out through a sieve or cheesecloth. Enjoy!
Uses: Take 1 tablespoon of Tulsi Rose Elixir up to 3 X/day when you feel like relaxing or if you’re coming down with a cold. Tulsi and Rose calm the nervous system, open the heart, and support the immune system.
Heart-Spirit Syrup
Ingredients:
Hawthorn Berries (4 oz. dried)
Rose Hips (1 oz. dried)
Linden Leaf & Flower (1 oz. dried)
Rose Petals (1 oz. dried)
Cinnamon (4 sticks)
Ginger (2 inch root fresh)
Raw honey 2 Cups
2 Quarts of Spring or Well Water (non chlorinated)
Apple Cider Vinegar or Brandy (optional) for preservation 1 Cup
Kitchen Equipment: 2 pots, strainer, pitcher and funnel. Labels and ribbon to decorate your jars. 12 bottles
Makes roughly (12) 4 oz. bottles
To make: Combine all spices and herbs into water in a saucepan and bring to a boil with the lid on, then remove the lid, reduce heat, simmer on low for about 30-45 minutes until some of the water has evaporated. Strain the berries and herbs through a fine mesh sieve into another pot. Let cool below 140 degrees and add honey, to avoid killing any of the natural enzymes. Stir well. If you prefer sweeter, add more honey. Add brandy or apple cider vinegar to preserve the syrup for up to 3 months (optional). Without a preservative it will last about one month in the fridge. Bottle the syrup and decorate with ribbons and handmade labels if you’re giving them away as gifts (which is so fun!).
Uses: Take 2-3 per day mixed in water, tea, or by the spoonful. I like adding it into warm water and sipping it when my heart feels heavy. Or in the summer add to seltzer for making mocktails.
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