Heart Opening Herbs

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” —

Maya Angelou

The root word for courage is cor, a Latin word that means “heart.” According to Brené Brown, the word in its earliest form meant “to speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” It is essential to live life courageously through the heart. How can we receive what we desire unless we go after it fearlessly and unapologetically? Let’s dive into the floral realms to understand which herbs can help us show up bravely and allow ourselves to be seen.

Rose- ain’t she beautiful? She nourishes the liver, feeds and nourishes the heart. She eases the menstrual cycle, promotes a healthy metabolism, and helps us to process and release emotions. She calls for us to be open and resilient. Rose gently opens our hearts to be courageous when making decisions towards our goals and to move forward with bravery and fortitude.

Jasmine- the Cape Jasmine shrub, better known as Zhi Zhi or the Happiness Fruit, is known for its bitter taste and cold property that helps drive out excessive heat in the body particularly in the heart, lungs, stomach, and san jiao channels. Heat in the body can emerge from our heart being overwhelmed with emotions & can present as irritability and eczema. This herb can help stop nosebleeds, high blood pressure, and help treat insomnia. Jasmine helps the heart cool down by encouraging smooth circulation.

Lavender- a member of the mint family of plants with 47 known species! It works wonders with cases of known chronic excess conditions requiring dispersing, relaxing, and cooling. The name “lavender” derives from the Latin word “lavare” meaning “to wash.” It has been used to purify the body and spirit. It is often used in aromatherapy and massage to soothe and calm a person. In TCM its used to help treat infertility, anxiety, and anger. It travels through the heart, pericardium, lungs, and kidney meridians.

Hibiscus

Hibiscus-has a long history use in Egypt, Sudan, Iran, and North Africa for treating respiratory function and improving heart health. When we get angry, at times we can feel ourselves shake and our body temperatures rise. The Ancient Egyptians used hibiscus to lower body temperature and treat central nervous system disorders.

Motherwort- the plant best known for treating female disorders, hence its name “motherwort.” Its Chinese name, yi mu cao, translates as “benefits the mother herb.” Motherwort treats conditions from pregnancy, menses, to menopause. However, it is known as a cardiovascular herb in both the East and Western perspectives; lowering blood pressure, alleviating chest tightness, and helping heal the emotionally wounded heart.

Join us for our Community Sessions every Sunday morning starting 11/6! These group sessions consist of qi gong, auricular acupuncture, and a tea ceremony. Relieve stress, strengthen your heart, raise your vibrations, and open your channels to receive. Book now by clicking the pictures or at mad-vitality.com .