Medicine for the Heart - February Newsletter

Welcome to the Sundial Herb Garden newsletter!

Here, I will be sharing pearls about herbs and nutrition, a little astrology, a little herb gardening, recipes, and updates from my 13 year old (!) apothecary and clinic.

My desire for writing, cultivating community and sharing sparks of inspiration has been clashing with my resistance to participating in Instagram. The mass exodus of Meta excites me as a necessary step, and has ultimately been the final nudge for starting this newsletter, which has long been on my mind. My goal is to share longer form practical knowledge and keep you all in the loop of magical plant wisdom and apothecary goings-on.

MEDICINE FOR THE HEART
Heartache is in the air. People are losing sleep. We are global witnesses to war and inhumanity, and our sense of security for ourselves and our loved ones is being threatened on many fronts. I like to set an intention to care for myself first, so I can be the strongest mother and ally moving forward.

In herbal medicine, there is a theme with heart tonics – the thorn. Hawthorn, rose, and motherwort demonstrate to us the need to respect, to protect. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this correlates with the energy of the Pericardium, which surrounds the heart. A strong Pericardium allows the heart to breathe freely, to experience all that is present, and have the strength to incorporate it. This is where the hard things can lend us strength. When we can fully accept and incorporate them, we won’t waste energy resisting them. Thorns are our boundaries, protecting our energy from getting drained. When I make the medicines of plants that have thorns, I am sure to add a little of that thorn into the mix.

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is a classic and effective heart tonic. Toning and strengthening heart muscle and vasculature, it supports the whole cardiovascular system. Because it calms Shen, or heart spirit, it also supports focus, mental clarity, and good sleep.

Rose (Rosa spp.) is another herb classically associated with the heart. With rose, we receive a sense of delicate tenderness, a soothing balm for physical and emotional aches. The astringent action is more pronounced than with hawthorn, although both lend a powerful strengthening to the tissues, decreasing inflammation.

Mimosa (Albizzia julibrissin) is one of the most uplifting herbs I use. A truly heady lightening of spirit. The tree sprouts generous flowers beloved by hummingbirds. They continually bloom for months in the summer, quickly replenishing any picked or aged by the scorching sun. The flowers are often used, although I appreciate the grounding cord that is offered when the bark is mixed in.

Finally, let’s talk about motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). She who grows thorns as she ages. The primary indication that I use motherwort for is a noticeable heartbeat – one that races or thumps or keeps you up at night. As the name suggests, it is the balm of mothers, and is indicated for any mothering themes: strained relationships, missing a mother, becoming a mother, or generally needing mothering energy. I can’t help but imagine the iconic Leo energy with that Latin name – Lion Heart. A fiercely loving and loyal ally who really knows when to rest hard, and give herself some credit! Chinese motherwort, Leonurus japonica, is a giant and beautiful addition to the garden, and can be used more or less interchangeably with western Leonurus cardiaca.

IF YOU NEED…
We have the tinctures of these and other heart-loving herbs available at the apothecary, if you’d like to explore them singularly.
They are also featured in some of our tincture formulas: Hawthorn Compound, Shen Tonic, Sunshine Tonic, and Heart Heal.
In tea blends, we have delicious Lion Heart – featuring rosehips, linden, hawthorn and motherwort among others.
(Email us for tincture orders if you’d like them shipped! sundialmedicinals@gmail.com)

AT THE APOTHECARY
We have new hours starting in March. We will be open Tuesday – Friday from 10-2.
New online scheduling for clinic appointments. Remote sessions welcome!
Go to www.sundialmedicinals.com/services for the scheduling link.

UPCOMING CLASS - Optimizing Digestion with Herbs and Nutrition
Wednesday, March 5, 5:30p at the Moab Arts and Rec Center. Free!
More info: www.sundialmedicinals.com/services