Heart Disease is the Number 1 Cause of Death in America
Anxiety is also a very common complaint in our modern society, and the two are often intimately linked. Hypertension and coronary disease creates a stiff cardiovascular system which can add to a perpetuation of hormones which stimulate anxiety. But more than physically. the heart is often the source of anxiety, as our ability to love and support ourselves is overshadowed with obligations, expectations, shame, guilt and judgement. Its often not just the physical aspect of the heart which is damaged, but our energetic heart. Below are three soothing heart tonics which may help ease anxiety through their ability to tonify the heart and cardiovascular system.
Hawthorne Tea
Hawthorne is a fantastic cardiotonifying herb, and tastes delicious. It also is said to serve as an energetic herb for accessing deeper aspects of the heart. The berries make a wonderful tea, but the flowers also can be used, and have a much lighter more delicate taste. Make with honey or lemon, this herb has been known to lower blood pressure, and prevent coronary heart disease.
Beet Juice
Beets are amazing vegetables. Their brilliant bright red color alone should serve as a hint of their action on the heart. Beets are nutrient dense tons of antioxidants, and polyphenols. They have been studied to be great at lowering blood pressure, as well as tonifying and detoxifying the blood. They are also a rich source of betaine, which is cellular protective. They are a very anti-inflammatory food, and may help improve athletic stamina.
Angelica with Honey
Angelica is a very popular herb in China, and is used in many foods, broths, and herbal supplements. It is often used daily as a tonic, and is well known for its use in gynecological conditions. Its also a great heart tonic. It tonifies the blood and helps with circulation. Its very bitter, so honey is a must when making it into a drink.
Node Smith, associate editor for NDNR, is a fifth year naturopathic medical student at NUNM, where he has been instrumental in maintaining a firm connection to the philosophy and heritage of naturopathic medicine amongst the next generation of docs. He helped found the first multi-generational experiential retreat, which brings elders, alumni, and students together for a weekend campout where naturopathic medicine and medical philosophy are experienced in nature. Three years ago he helped found the non-profit, Association for Naturopathic ReVitalization (ANR), for which he serves as the board chairman. ANR has a mission to inspire health practitioners to embody the naturopathic principles through experiential education. Node also has a firm belief that the next era of naturopathic medicine will see a resurgence of in-patient facilities which use fasting, earthing, hydrotherapy and homeopathy to bring people back from chronic diseases of modern living; he is involved in numerous conversations and projects to bring about this vision.