“Having a change of heart,” “Dealing with a broken heart,” “Following your heart”–Just to name a few expressions we use that connect our motivations and feelings to our heart. The heart after all, is the symbol of love, right?
Why would we associate so many of our emotions with the heart? I think we’ve always intuitively known and felt the resonance of emotions with this part of our body, and that ultimately the health of our cardiovascular system is not just a physiological issue, but one of an emotional and spiritual nature as well.
One medicinal herb (actually tree) that has actions known to offer support for the heart on all of these levels is the Hawthorn.
From scientific literature we know Hawthorn to be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure, strengthening heart contractions, for arrythmias, and for the health of coronary arteries, while helping regulate blood pressure and cholesterol, among other uses.
The innate connection between our emotional health and the physiological health of the heart is well exemplified by the Hawthorn tree. From traditional herbal medicine, even more of Hawthorn’s depths are understood. The ancient Celts considered Hawthorn one of its most sacred trees, symbolizing love and protection. Medicinal essences of Hawthorn are understood to support “opening one’s heart” and supporting personal expression while at the same time helping to cultivate courage.