Elephant’s Continually-updating Coronavirus Diary. ~ Waylon

*Editor’s Note: Elephant is not your doctor or hospital. Our lawyers would say “this web site is not designed to, and should not be construed to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, or treatment to you or any other individual, and is not intended as a substitute for medical or professional care and treatment. Always consult a health professional before trying out new home therapies or changing your diet.” But we can’t afford lawyers, and you knew all that. 

During this time of COVID-19, we are witnessing rebirth, injustice, grief, and societal change—we need to make sure we are gardening for our hearts. 

Whether our heart is thriving or heartbroken, we should always tend to its needs.

I’m thrilled to see so many people turning their lawns into gardens. While we are at it, how can we cultivate our internal gardens? 

I would also like to say that I am saddened and aware that many cannot afford these tips below. So, if there’s a need for free holistic support, I strongly encourage breathing meditations, the HeartMath Institute, and yoga. There are also many resources on YouTube. 

Honestly, those things might be the number one remedy for anyone—making sure we are breathing, and moving our bodies through yoga, dance, and beyond. 

But, every little thing helps, so below I have made a few simple suggestions of what to garden for our hearts:

Herbs for the heart:

>> Rose 

Rose opens as well as mends the heart. Rose is also an astringent and can be used on wounds to pull the tissue back together. It can support us in bringing the pieces of our hearts back together.

>> Hawthorn berries

These are used to open the heart and help us create healthy boundaries. A high concentrate of hawthorn berries can help stabilize the heartbeat after palpitations, reduce chest pain, anxiety, and risk of heart disease.

>> Reishi Mushroom

The tea or tincture helps the cardiovascular system and prevents conditions like coronary heart disease. May normalize blood pressure. Supports the emotional and energetic heart while being grounding.

>> Cayenne

Cayenne has high levels of antioxidants, making it a great addition in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and many cancers. It also helps with improving blood flow and detoxifying the bloodstream.

>> Garlic

Garlic strengthens the heart and immune system. It lowers the risk of bacterial heart disease and can lower blood pressure. (It also supports keeping others six feet away!) I have even met humans that consider garlic an aphrodisiac.

>> Motherwort

This is an excellent herb for supporting cardiac function, circulation, and preventing blood clots.

Vegetables for the Heart:

>> Leafy green vegetables

Many greens like kale, spinach, parsley, and broccoli have Vitamin K, which supports heart health by protecting our arteries.

>> Berries

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all jam-packed with essential nutrients that play a central role in heart health. Berries are rich in antioxidants that protect against stress and inflammation. 

>> Beans

These babies also lower the risk of heart disease

>> Tomato

Our red friend supports heart health with powerful antioxidants, potassium, and lycopene.

Flower essences for heart health:

>> Bleeding Heart

This offers unconditional love to the wounded healer in all of us. It helps with healing from heartbreak whether it’s the loss of a loved one, pet, or relationship.

>> Blackberry flower

This helps release sadness from the heart and encourages personal willpower.

>> Rose

Promotes self-love, and boundaries with an open heart.

>> Violet Flower

This is for sensitive and highly perceptive people who isolate themselves from others because they fear being misunderstood.

Crystals for the heart:

>> Rose quartz

If you’re looking for romance, wish to ease heartache, grow closer to family members, or develop true self-love meditating with rose crystals can help.

>> Emerald

It is heart-opening and promotes successful love.

>> Rhodonite

Promotes self-love, encourages forgiveness, and it’s a bringer of joy.

>> Green Jade

Jade increases love, protection, and fosters friendships.

Lastly, I suggest making an altar specifically for the heart. It can be focused on healing our own heart, as well as our family and beyond. On this altar, we should add whatever lights us up. We can make a painting for it, add specific crystals to it, add heart-shaped rocks, chocolate, pictures of people, animals, and places we love. And of course, candles.

Let’s choose to open our hearts to life, and may our hearts thrive. 

~