PLANT LORE STUDY GROUP: FEBRUARY 2025: CARDIOVASCULAR BOTANICALS: HEART-OPENING HERBS: PART II

HEART OPENING HERBS & THEIR BENEFITS:

Hawthorn: Berry, Flower, & Leaf (Crataegus monogyna): has an uplifting and strengthening effect on the heart, protects against heart disease, and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Lemon Balm: Leaf (Melissa officinalis): protects the heart muscle from damage, regulates heart rhythms, and helps lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Linden: Bract, Flower, Leaf, & Twig (Tilia americana): nourishes and supports the heart and lowers blood pressure.

Motherwort: Aerial Parts (Leonurus cardiaca): regulates heart beat and rhythm, reduces blood pressure, eases heart palpitations, and is an excellent remedy for cardiac anxiety. Unlike other herbs in the mint family, motherwort has a strong and bitter taste and should be prepared as a honey, glycerite, or tincture.

Rose: Hips & Fruit (Rosa rugosa): contain high levels of vitamin C which protects the vascular structure of the heart, improves cardiovascular pathways, and reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Tulsi: Aerial Parts (Ocimum tenuiflorum): counters metabolic stress through the balancing of blood sugar and blood pressure, and by reducing cholesterol levels.

Vervain: Blue (Verbena hastata): is a nervine herb that can be used to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, relieve stress, and promote a healthy nervous system. Do not use this herb during pregnancy, lactation, and in those taking blood thinning medications.