Herbs & Heart: Caring for Your Physical and Emotional Heart
BY AMY LUPTON
Most of us hear heart health and think cholesterol numbers, blood pressure cuffs, and step counts, but the heart is also where we carry grief, joy, and connection. When the physical heart is cared for and the emotional heart is listened to we feel more energy, more calm, and more capacity to love ourselves and others. That makes Valentine’s weekend a perfect time to choose a different kind of romance… one where you commit to nourishing your heart from the inside out.
Herbs can become great allies in the physical and emotional areas of our heart space. They work with our bodies to bring us into balance, and many of these herbs can also help you rest in your nervous system and body.
Herbs for a happy, healthy heart
Physical heart allies
Hawthorn: A classic cardio‑tonic herb used to support healthy blood pressure, coronary blood flow, and the strength of the heart muscle. Hawthorn is rich in antioxidant flavonoids and is often used long‑term for gentle, steady support of heart function.
Garlic: Studies associate garlic with helping to regulate cholesterol, support healthy blood pressure, and protect blood vessels from oxidative stress. It’s easy to fold into daily cooking, which makes it a simple, delicious heart ally.
Turmeric & Ginger: Turmeric’s curcumin and ginger’s compounds both help modulate inflammation and support healthy circulation, which are key for long‑term cardiovascular health. They also bring warmth and movement, which you can talk about energetically as “bringing life back” into cold, stagnant places.
Emotional heart allies
Rose: Rose petals are famous for soothing a tender, overworked heart, helping to release grief and soften self‑criticism. Herbalists often reach for rose when emotional stress is tied to relationships and self‑worth.
Lemon balm: Traditionally used to “gladden” the heart, lemon balm eases nervous tension, worry, and the kind of stomach upset that comes with emotional overload. It’s uplifting, light, and beautiful as a tea.
Tulsi (holy basil): Tulsi is an adaptogen that supports the body’s stress response and is associated with feelings of peace, spiritual connection, and emotional resilience. It’s often connected with the heart and throat, helping us feel what we feel and speak what needs to be said.
Heart‑Gladdening Tea
This tea supports heart health and nervous system calm, making it a wonderful tea for your heart center.
Ingredients (1 big mug or 2 small)
1 tsp dried hawthorn berries or leaf/flower – for toning and nourishing the physical heart.
1 tsp dried lemon balm – to uplift mood and ease tension.
1 tsp dried tulsi (holy basil) – for stress support and emotional steadiness.
1 tsp dried rose petals – to soften and open the emotional heart.
½ tsp dried hibiscus (optional) – for a ruby color and extra heart‑loving antioxidants.
Honey to taste (you can infuse honey with rose if you like).
Directions
Add all herbs to a teapot or heat‑proof jar.
Pour 12–16 oz just‑off‑boiling water over the blend.
Cover and steep 10–15 minutes so the hawthorn and hibiscus have time to release their goodness.
Strain into your favorite mug and sweeten to taste.
Before your first sip, place a hand over your heart and silently name one thing your heart needs from you this season (rest, boundaries, play, forgiveness).
Garlicky Turmeric Love‑Your‑Heart Veggies
Garlic, turmeric, and ginger align beautifully with heart‑supportive, eating patterns. Think of this recipe as a love letter in food form to your future heart.
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
2–3 cups chopped vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, any combo you like)
2–3 tbsp oil or fat of choice (we love ghee, tallow, olive oil, or avocado)
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp ground ginger (or 1–2 tsp grated fresh ginger)
Sea salt and black pepper
Juice of ½ lemon
Small handful fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional but yummy)
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chopped vegetables with oil, garlic, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper.
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until tender and golden at the edges.
Remove from the oven, squeeze lemon juice over the top, and shower with chopped herbs before serving.
You can note that garlic, turmeric, ginger, and olive oil align beautifully with heart‑supportive, Mediterranean‑style eating patterns.
Heart‑Loving Herbal Hot Cocoa
This recipe leans on cacao’s flavanols (for cardiovascular support) along with warming, circulation supportive herbs and gentle heart soothers like cinnamon and a touch of rose.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
2 cups milk of choice
2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
1–2 tsp honey or maple syrup, to taste
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground ginger (or a few thin slices fresh)
Small pinch ground turmeric
Small pinch sea salt
1–2 tsp dried rose petals, lightly crumbled (culinary/herbal grade)
Optional add‑ins (choose 1–2):
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp finely ground hawthorn berry powder (for extra heart support, if you use it in your products)
Tiny pinch cayenne for warmth and circulation
Directions
In a small saucepan, whisk together cacao, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and any powdered herbs you’re using with a few tablespoons of your milk to make a smooth paste.
Add the rest of the milk and the rose petals. Warm gently over medium‑low heat, whisking often, until hot but not boiling.
Turn off the heat, cover, and let it stand 5 minutes so the rose and spices can infuse.
Strain into your favorite mug (or leave the petals in if you like a more rustic feel).
Sweeten with honey or maple, add vanilla if using, and taste. Adjust spices as desired.
