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HEART HEALTH WEEKEND
HOLISTIC HEALING FOR THE HEART:
DIET
LIFESTYLE
EXERCISE
EMOTIONAL NOURISHMENT
SPIRIT
HERBAL MEDICINE
DIET ~ The foods, beverages, and herbs that we take in play a major role in the
nourishment of the heart. As usual, wholesome, seasonal ingredients are superior
to those things that are overly processed, contain chemical additives or residue of
agricultural chemicals, and contain excess amounts of fat and are devoid of trace
minerals and healthy fats.
LIFESTYLE ~ A lifestyle that includes sufficient rest (but not excess), outdoor
hobbies, and quality time for meals, family, friends, and spiritual work helps to
nourish the heart and avoid stress induced illness.
EXERCISE ~ A key part of balancing a healthy lifestyle is exercise. The human body
is made to move – walk, work, crouch, stretch, and otherwise move around. Excess
sitting harms circulation. Movement of the body moves blood, which is good for the
heart. Vigorous and more relaxed exercise both have benefits. In fact, there are
many different forms of exercise and activity each with different benefits.
EMOTIONAL NOURISHMENT ~ Emotions are widely associated with the heart.
Relationships can be more-or-less emotionally nourishing – those that are more
emotionally nourishing are more nourishing and opening for the heart. Doing
things that bring you joy are good for the heart.
SPIRIT ~ In Traditional Chinese Medicine the spirit is believed to be housed by the
heart. Theories of holistic health relate emotional health with being “opened in the
heart center (chakra)” or “centered in the heart”. Being centered in the heart refers
to balancing feeling and thinking (many people are centered in the head), which
promotes spiritual wholeness. According to these ideas, the heart is a microcosm
that reflects and manifests imbalances in other parts of the body, emotional being,
mind, and spirit.
HERBAL MEDICINE ~ Along with the considerations discussed above, a holistic
approach to heart health may include the use of medicinal herbs. Herbs are used to
nourish the heart and to correct various imbalances. Some are quite safe and are
used freely by many, while some are very strong and potentially toxic. Safe herbs
that are nourishing and normalizing are preferred in holistic protocols.
HAWTHORN
This common tonic for the heart is a gentle, nutritive
remedy used to normalize heart function, reduce the
effects of stress, and address cholesterol and
circulation. It is best as decoction.
ROSE
Rose petals benefit the heart and nervous system.
Rose hips nourish the blood and vessels. Use either part as “tea” (infusion).
MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort moves blood, reduces tension and stress, and
addresses a wide variety of cardiovascular concerns. It is
best as tincture made from the fresh flowering herb.
RED SAGE ROOT (Dan Shen / Salvia miltiorrhiza)
This top herb in Chinese medicine for most cardiovascular
problems is used to move blood and nourish the heart.
REISHI (Ling Zhi / Ganoderma)
This highly revered, whole-body tonic is used to normalize the heart.
WOOD EAR
This edible mushroom is used to promote circulation.
SHIITAKE
A delicious edible is used for heart health and reduce cholesterol.
OYSTER MUSHROOM
This wild and cultivated edible benefits cholesterol.
DANDELION
This herb is used to reduce inflammation and cholesterol. For its bitter properties it
is best to use the tincture of fresh root. Leaf infusion is used as a diuretic.
HOPS
This aromatic bitter benefits digestion, the liver, and reduces stress.
LICORICE
This medicinal root is used for low blood pressure.
KUDZU
This root can be prepared as “tea” or its starch used in cooking. It has many health
benefits, including cardiovascular.
Medicinal Herbs Made Into Pharmaceuticals
Foxglove / Digoxin
Digitalis lanata / Lanoxin, Digitek, Lanoxicaps
Source of cardiac glycosides used for atrial fibrillation and flutter, and congestive
heart failure.
Deadly Nightshade, Jimson Weed / Atropine
Atropa belladonna, Datura spp. / Atrisolon, Atroren, Dexapin
This important medicine is on the WHO’s Essential drug list and is included in
TCM’s 50 Essential Herbs. It is also used in Homeopathy. Used for bradycaria.
Willow, Meadowsweet / Acetylsalicylic Acid
Salix spp., Filipendula ulmaria / Aspirin
Used to thin blood.
False Hellebore
Veratrum spp.
Used for hypertension but discontinued because of the narrow therapeutic index.
Poppy / Morphine, Papaverine
Papaver somniferum / Verapamil
Another well-known and essential medicine that also has well-known side effects,
this herb is used for pain and has been used to create several medications.
The Heart Chakra
The heart is universally associated with the emotion of love. Likewise, feelings of
love, affection, and endearment are associated with the chest area. When we are
happy to see someone we enjoy and care about it is common to greet them with a
hug, which is a heart-opening and heart-connecting embrace. (Contrast this to the
arms-folded posture used when we are feeling “closed” mental or emotionally.)
When the heart center (chakra) is open, it allows vital energy to flow, which
nourishes, regulates, and heals the heart. When the heart center is closed it restricts
the movement of vital energy. Often healing requires that one opens and heals the
heart chakra, with its associated emotional and mental dynamics. Affirmations of
love, postural alignment, and deep breathing all benefit the heart center.
Recommended Reading List:
FOOD & DIET:
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
Chinese System of Food Cures by Henry C. Lu
The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar and U. Desai
Zen Macrobiotics: The Art of Rejuvenation and Longevity by George Ohsawa
The Hip Chick’s Guide to Macrobiotics by Jessica Porter
Nutrition & Physical Degeneration by Weston Price, DDS
The Forager’s Harvest by Samuel Thayer
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell
Diet for a Strong Heart by Michio Kushi
HERBS:
The Way of Herbs & Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra
Healing with the Herbs of Life by Lesly Tierra
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook by Alan Keith Tillotson
The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
Adaptogens: Herbs for Stregth, Stamina, and Stress Relief by David Winston
Healthy Heart: Strengthen Your Cardiovascular System Naturally by David Hoffman
The Herbal Handbook by David Hoffman
TAI CHI CHUAN, CHI GONG, ETC.
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi: 12 Weeks to a Healthy Body, Strong Heart,
and Sharp Mind by Peter Wayne
Master Cheng’s Thirteen Chapters on Tai Chi Chuan by Cheng Man-Ching
A Study of Taijiquan by Sun Lutang
Tai Chi Secrets of the Wu Style: Chinese Classics, Translations, Commentary
by Yang Jwing-Ming
Opening the Energy Gates of the Body: Qigong for Lifelong Health
by B. K. Frantzis
The Do-In Way by Michio Kushi
Karate-Do: My Way of Life by Gichin Funakoshi
The Xingyi Boxing Manual by Jin Yunting and John Groschwitz
Website Resources:
Herbalist & Alchemist:
www.herbalist-alchemist.com
Raven Crest Botanicals:
www.ravencrest.myshopify.com
Catskill Mountain Herbals:
www.catskillmountainherbals.com
Woodland Essence:
www.woodlandessence.com
Mountain Rose Herbs:
www.mountainroseherbs.com
Fungi Perfecti: www.fungi.com
Mushroom Harvest:
www.mushroomharvest.com
Seaweed:
www.ryandrum.com
&
www.ironboundisland.com
Acupoint Database:
www.yinyanghouse.com
American Organization of Bodywork Therapies of Asia:
www.aobta.org
Acumagnets:
www.bluepoppy.com
&
www.lhasaoms.com