5 Herbs to Heal a Broken Heart
There
are many reasons a heart can break. It could be a literal break, as in a
heart attack or a cardiovascular illness. Or, it could be a
metaphorical break—at the end of a relationship,
or after the death of a loved one or pet. No matter if these partings
are amicable, tragic, distressing, or unpleasant, they all leave the
heart in a vulnerable position.
When
you experience a loss, physical pain in the chest can follow. This
pain, though perhaps not as dangerous, is just as real as the pain
experienced during a physical crisis of the heart and needs just as much
time, energy, and healing.
Herbs can help
heal the heart and lift the spirit; depression, anger, loss, and
loneliness can result from emotional or physical heartbreak. Try the
following herbs and take some time to be good to yourself—relax, breathe, and give your heart a much-needed break.
Note:
if you take any medications for cardiovascular health, please consult
your physician before taking any alternative remedies.
1. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.):
Hawthorn is an all-around heart tonic, serving to strengthen and tone the cardiovascular system, lower cholesterol
levels, and manage blood pressure. On an emotional level, the idea of a
stronger, more resilient heart may allow us to spring back from
heartbreak and venture forward on a new path without so much fear and
heartsickness.
Typically with hawthorn
preparations, we use the berries of the tree, but the flowers and
leaves can be included, too. When I create blends for emotional upset, I
prefer to use the flowers (something about the metaphor of the flower
opening and turning to the sun) and save the berries for physical
disruptions. But really, any part of the herb can work.
Try a hawthorn tincture and drop a dose into warm water or tea. Warm
beverages are especially soothing for nervous complaints. Or, if you
can find dried berries, steep a half teaspoon of crushed berries in a
cup of hot water. Wait 10 minutes, sweeten, and sip quietly.
2. Rose Petals (Rosa rugosa):
The
rose has long been identified with love and matters of the heart. Just
as the red rose can be the symbol of love’s beginning, the white rose
can signify the end of a life. Any flower with such range over the
emotional spectrum is a necessary addition to a home heart-repair kit.
Rose petals can calm the nerves, relieve insomnia and mild depression,
drive away mental and physical fatigue, and soothe feelings of anger or
resentment. Roses can open the heart and lift the spirit; they can be
used to overcome grief, or to ready the heart for a new beginning.
Try rose petal tea. Steep
a tablespoon of rose petals in a cup of water for five minutes. Add a
light-flavored honey, so as not to mask the delicate flavor of the rose.
3. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis):
Lemon
balm is a wonderful herb for treating insomnia that stems from worry
and heartbreak, nervous tension, stomach upset due to stress, and even
skin outbreaks (including rashes) resulting from stress and tension.
Try lemon balm tea. Steep
two teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of water. Add sweetener and a
splash of lemon juice for flavor. You can also try combining lemon balm
and rose petals for a warm and sweet tea with a bit of lemony zing.
4. Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca):
This is an excellent remedy for a racing heart caused by stress,
tension, and general emotional upset. A soothing herb for the nerves as
well, motherwort can settle a racing mind and bring back the
restorative balm of untroubled sleep.
Try a motherwort tincture and squeeze a half teaspoon or so into a cup of hot water or tea.
Important note: Avoid motherwort while pregnant.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):
One of Ophelia’s most famous lines from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is, “There’s Rosemary. That’s for remembrance.”
Traditionally,
rosemary was believed (and still is!) to strengthen the memory. As
such, it became a symbol of fidelity for lovers.
Even
if fidelity is a painful subject at the moment, and even if your
heartbreak was so painful that you welcome the idea of forgetting, it
might behoove you to lean a little on this herb.
Keep
the memories that serve you and learn from those that don’t. Memories
are long and potent and can poison over time. Allow rosemary to sweeten
your memories and guide you gently to a place of forgiveness.
Physically,
rosemary strengthens the circulatory system, inviting us to warm up and
get up. Its woodsy scent reminds us that there is life beyond our
pajamas. Rosemary inspires action and motion—perfect therapies for a
broken heart.
Try a mild rosemary tea. Steep
a few teaspoons in a cup of water for about five minutes. Add sweetener
and a bit of non-dairy milk, if you like. Also try combining with rose
petals for a light and complex flavor.
***
No
matter what makes your heartache, just taking time for yourself,
holding onto a warm cup of tea, and either sitting quietly or feeding
your soul with nurturing company—be it in the form of books, friends, or
films, are the first steps toward healing your heart center.
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