Rose
Rose herbs can provide beneficial properties physically and emotionally for the heart. Today, we’ll talk a little bit about the wild rose and rosehips.
Our admiration for wild roses is greatly deserved not just for their beauty, but for their herbal contribution as well. The wild roses I’m referring to have 5 petals and multiple stamens in the center, much like the picture to the left. The use of the rose herb in tinctures can have alleviating effects related to depression, grief, and sadness, resulting in uplifting and calming mood boosts.
Rose hip powder has been known to improve blood pressure and blood plasma cholesterol. They’ve also been used to help with inflammation and decrease pain.
So, when your menstrual cycle comes a knockin’, keep rosehip in mind.
Hawthorne
Hawthorne is probably the number one go-to herb for heart health. The leaves of the hawthorn plant has been used to support cardiovascular function for centuries.
Doctors will commonly prescribe medication that will drain the body of it’s necessary nutrients (like the enzyme CQ10 and potassium) that are needed for a healthy heart.
Plenty of studies have shown the use of Hawthorne can decrease blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. It is surprising to me how much of this information isn’t known to the general population, and should be.
Tea
When it comes to tea, green and black teas are the most beneficial for heart health. When drank regularly, they’ve shown to reduce platelet activation and C-reactive proteins, both of which can put stress on the heart.
What’s platelet activation? It’s when proteins in the blood start adhering to each other, which can lead to the formation of blood clotting. What triggers this? Vascular trauma triggers platelet activation. Vascular trauma is when when a vein or artery becomes injured due to laceration, blunt force, puncture, or other types of unnatural troublesome events.
What are C-reactive proteins? (CRP) is a protein made by the liver when inflammation occurs in the body.
So, what I’m trying to tell you is your body is constantly fixing and improving itself, working overtime, and running itself ragged. So, when you can contribute the nutrients your body needs to do its job more efficiently, it will leave you feeling less fatigued and in better health.
For more great information on herbals, check out Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients into Foods and Remedies That Heal