May is coming, and with it the time of love . And what is connected with love? Our little heart, of course. May is the turning point of spring towards summer. What we planted in spring is in full bloom, all around us the trees are blossoming and so don't forget a kiss under the cherry tree ????
May is the month of the heart as an organ, and the heart belongs to the element of fire. When we are in love we shine, precisely because our heart is open. The heart as an organ tells us something about how we see ourselves; it speaks of feeling, of self-love and, not least, of how we forget ourselves in today's hurried pace.
It is lovely to stop now and then, to give ourselves a moment of calm and rest. The heart is the most important organ of our body, and so it is worth caring for it as well as we know how. The heart is the centre of the psyche, of emotions and of how we perceive our surroundings, and it also looks after the rhythm of life, the harmony between sleep and waking. The ability to speak with people kindly and openly, to have a joyful, positive approach to life, a good memory and contented sleep are important functions of the heart. The heart therefore works without ceasing and so it deserves our care. A balanced, healthy diet, regular movement, time in the fresh air and laughter should go without saying. Plenty of laughter.. Do laugh, for laughter is the best medicine! And finally, nature once again offers us helpers from the world of herbs, ones that accompany us through various concerns connected with the heart and its good working order.
Tiredness, a pounding heart, breathlessness, sweating even with minimal activity, restless sleep or trouble falling asleep, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, chest pain, little veins on the face, a face that is too pale or too flushed... these can be signs that the heart is asking for attention.
What can we do for our little heart?
It is lovely to give ourselves a varied menu and to eat more fruit and vegetables such as apples, raspberries, grapes, pineapple, strawberries, blueberries, peaches. Tomatoes, peppers and garlic are traditionally said to help lower cholesterol levels, and other foods that suit us are carrots, leeks, leafy greens, aubergine, avocado, broccoli, spinach and beetroot .Treat yourself to almonds, pistachios, oats, fish, buckwheat, soya, flaxseed and potatoes.
Clear, open vessels are the foundation of a good cardiovascular system. But how to keep them in perfect condition? Our circulatory system — also called the cardiovascular system or the vascular system — carries out a whole range of functions in the human body. Besides carrying oxygen to the tissues, it distributes nutrients from the digestive system through the liver to all the organs of the body, carries waste substances to the kidneys and to the skin, and guides thermoregulation .The health of our cardiovascular system depends to a large degree on how clear and open the vessels are. Deposits that build up in the vessels raise the risk of stroke and heart disease. Happily, there are ways of helping to keep clogged vessels clear.
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the vessels begin to narrow because of accumulated ballast substances. This can result in restricted blood flow and, with it, less oxygen reaching vital organs.
And now let's look together at the herbs that are traditionally reached for with concerns of the heart and the vessels.
The first we'll introduce is Mistletoe. In folk tradition it has long been used as support for the heart and is said to calm the heartbeat. It is traditionally associated with helping keep blood pressure in balance, which herbalists have long attributed to its softening of mineral deposits in the vascular system.
You can find Mistletoe in our e-shop.
Another wonderful herb is Hawthorn. It is something of a universal herb for the heart. It is traditionally said to open the vessels for better circulation through the whole body, and it has long been reached for with a pounding heart or arrhythmia; herbalists say it supports the strength of the heart's pump without affecting the pulse rate. Its lovely effects, however, show only after weeks of taking the herb.
You can find Hawthorn in our e-shop.
Ginkgo biloba is traditionally used to support the whole circulation; it is said to open both the large vessels and the small capillaries
You can find Ginkgo in our e-shop.
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Motherwort is very telling in its very name — in Slovak it is named after the heart itself. It is traditionally described as a cardiotonic — a support for the contractions of the heart muscle. It is said to stimulate and harmonise the working of the heart. It has a calming effect on the cardiovascular muscles. It is traditionally reached for when the heart feels weary.
You can find Motherwort in our e-shop.
Field horsetail belongs, precisely because of its water-balancing qualities, among the traditional companions of care for the heart and vessels.
You can find Horsetail in our e-shop.
Nor should we forget Dandelion, as it is traditionally said to balance water in the body, support circulation and help keep blood pressure in balance.
You can find Dandelion in our e-shop.
Also beloved is Wild garlic, traditionally reached for with concerns of the heart and vessels; it is said to help keep blood pressure in balance and to help keep the vessels clear.
You can find Wild garlic in our e-shop.
Red clover - a seemingly unremarkable little plant. Don't let it mislead you, though: clover is traditionally said to be kind to the working of the heart and to support the elasticity and firmness of the vessels and the capillary walls.
You can find the Clover tincture in our e-shop.
Horse chestnut is traditionally used to support the peripheral circulation and is said to be kind to the body when swelling appears. It has the ability to tighten the vessels.
You can find the Horse chestnut tincture in our e-shop.
As for herbs, with long-term use do consult your doctor if you have a serious heart condition!
And let's not forget that spices, too, can be kind to good blood circulation and the working of the heart. Turmeric is traditionally said to support good circulation. Cinnamon, in turn, is said to help keep the blood at an optimal thickness and to be kind to the heart overall. And basil will season your food beautifully while being lovely for the heart at the same time.
And what shall we say to close? Adjust your daily habits a little, keep to your drinking regime, relax and go to gather energy wherever your heart asks you to, whether that is the murmur of the sea or the scent of the forest.. Enjoy the moments with your loved ones, delight in little things and don't forget what power laughter can hold — and even a hug.