I would go into the general checklist of things to do this month to keep your heart healthy, but I’ve already posted it last year! Check out last year’s reminders on how to keep a healthy heart such as what labs to get, eating right and exercising to make sure you’re on the right track.

Hawthorne berry from Mountain Rose Herbs

This year, I thought I’d spotlight one of my favorite herbs, which happens to be a heart tonic. The herb is Crataegus oxycantha, or Hawthorne. These trees are all over the Pacific Northwest, and taking the herb in tea or solid extract forms have often been described as “hug in a jar.” You can feel the warmth it gives your heart immediately, and it acts to protect and support the heart and all of it’s functions.

The berries, leaves and flowers are all used medicinally, but the berries are by far the yummiest, especially in solid extract form. The tincture (where the medicinal qualities are extracted with alcohol) is actually quite tasty as well…well, as far as tinctures go!

There haven’t been any side effects reported from using Hawthorne, but you must not take it if you are taking any medications for the heart - unless you ask your naturopath first! It can actually enhance the dosage of some heart medications (i.e. digitalis or digoxin), which means it may increase the effects of those medications. This is why it’s extremely important to always consult a naturopath before taking any “natural” medicine. There are lots of interactions between medications and herbs/supplements, and naturopaths are educated in both pharmaceutical and natural therapies, therefore we know the interactions they may cause.

So come on in and see your naturopath and give your heart a hug with Hawthorne!

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