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The heart is more than a pump — it is the centre of life itself, and in many traditional healing cultures, it was understood to be the seat of vitality. In western herbal medicine, supporting the heart has always been a priority, and we are fortunate to have some exceptionally well-researched herbs to draw upon. Hawthorn, in particular, has been studied extensively and found to strengthen cardiac muscle, improve coronary blood flow, and support healthy blood pressure. The articles you will find here explore the herbs, the science, and the practical wisdom that can help you support your most vital organ — always as a complement to, never a replacement for, professional medical care.
ASOHM News
10 January 2017
Mistletoe is a herbal medicine ingredient used to aid blood pressure and heart complaints. Learn about all its benefits and how to make mistletoe tea.
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4 January 2017
Each year millions of men and women worldwide have heart attacks. Many survive with few after-effects. Others do not survive. The heart is a muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. To stay healthy, the heart needs oxygen and other nutrients that are carried by the blood. It gets these by way of the coronary […]
Read article →Heart health is a topic where I urge particular care. The herbs discussed in these articles have genuine merit and a long history of use, but the heart is an organ where professional oversight is essential. Please read these articles as educational resources, and always work with your doctor before making changes to any treatment.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna and related species) is without question the standout cardiac herb in the western herbal tradition. It has been the subject of dozens of clinical trials showing improvements in heart muscle function, reduction in symptoms of mild heart failure, and positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol. I consider it one of the most important herbs in the entire western materia medica.
Some herbs do interact with cardiovascular drugs — hawthorn, for instance, can enhance the effects of digoxin and should only be used alongside it under medical supervision. This is precisely why a good herbal education matters: you need to know not just what herbs do, but when and for whom they are appropriate. Our course covers herb-drug interactions as part of a responsible herbal education.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has a long traditional use for palpitations associated with anxiety and nervous tension, and it is gently antispasmodic for the heart muscle. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) are also used where palpitations have a stress-related component. Please note that persistent palpitations should always be investigated medically.
Enormous. No herb can compensate for a sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in processed foods, or chronic unmanaged stress. I always say that herbs work best as partners to good living — they support and enhance what a healthy lifestyle is already doing, rather than substituting for it.
Hawthorn grows well in many parts of Australia and can be cultivated as a hedging plant. Lemon balm is easily grown in pots or garden beds. Motherwort is a hardy herb that prefers partial shade. Growing your own herbs connects you to the medicine in a way that buying supplements simply does not.
Elevated LDL cholesterol contributes to the build-up of plaque in arterial walls, increasing cardiovascular risk. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been shown in multiple studies to modestly reduce total cholesterol and LDL. Artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus) and red yeast rice are also studied for lipid management, though the latter contains naturally occurring statins and should only be used under professional guidance.
Hawthorn is generally considered safe for long-term use in appropriate doses and is often recommended as a sustained heart tonic rather than an acute treatment. However, as with any supplement used over an extended period, periodic review with a health professional is wise.
Lesson 6 explores the entire cardiovascular system — from the anatomy and physiology of the heart through to the major herbs used to support cardiac function, circulation, and lymphatic health. It is one of the most richly detailed lessons in our course.
Understanding the heart through the lens of herbal medicine requires both anatomical knowledge and a thorough grounding in the relevant plants. Our course provides both. Whether you are caring for a loved one, managing your own health, or simply passionate about natural medicine, our flexible online lessons are designed for you. Explore our lesson packages and enrol today.