JOY and LOVE are emotions that come from the heart. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the energy of the heart is connected to the sun and fire. The Fire Element, which governs the heart and small intestines, is an energy of warmth and vitality. The heart—seen as our center of consciousness—has to do with our ability to rule, to understand and see clearly, and to serve compassionately; and its function in the body is to also give warmth to others. 

EMBRACING JOY RELATES TO THE ENERGY OF  CREATIVITY, INTUITION and MOTION.

Sometimes we have difficulty finding or embracing love and joy. When our heart energy is balanced, we embrace lots of sun and fun, vigorous exercise, swimming and eating light. When not in balance, a person tends to retreat within, become overly serious, and feel afraid to play and connect. On the other hand, excessive joy or laughter, especially as inappropriate responses, are considered abnormal emotions, and these, as well as sadness, can create—or result from—an imbalance in the heart energy.

One of the best herbs for a healthy heart is hawthorn berries. Melissa essential oil is a powerful plant medicine to ease an aching or grieving heart.

Plant medicines that quicken circulation and break up obstructions in the body are “herbal stimulants,” which warm and stimulate the functional activity and energy in the body.

Blood cleansers also impact the efficiency of the circulatory system. A few of the great blood cleansing herbs are red clover, burdock root, chaparral, poke root and sorrel. 

Taking cayenne can immediately increase circulation. Taken regularly (working up to a teaspoon three times a day), increases the power of the heart and corrects circulation problems. Heart valves can be toned up with the use of cayenne and heart tonics. 

Conscious Living Solutions: There is an intricate relationship between our living habits and our body’s condition.  Avoid mucus-forming foods and use herbs that act as a solvent by liquifying impurities—such as cayenne, garlic or sassafras. Limit the use of liquor and tobacco, avoid late hours and reduce fatigue and worry. 

Zakiyyah Madyun, C.H., teaches virtual herbal education classes twice monthly. For more information, visit her blog: HerbsAreNaturesMedicine.blogspot.com; for a consultation call 347-407-4312 or email [email protected].