Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) 

“The more we question our conclusions, the more the doorway opens for us to have a wider and wider vision. The deeper we see into the reality of things, the more our heart opens to include everything, because if we’re really feeling into our deepest reality and truth, the heart isn’t something that would want to escape from what is here and now; rather, our hearts are already embracing everything. We can allow our hearts to be big enough to be broken.

My teacher called this world ‘the great heartbreak.’ When we really begin to wake up to our true nature, we become more conscious of the suffering around us. We feel the people and the events of our lives more profoundly, not less profoundly. We become more present here and now.” -Adyashanti, The Great Heartbreak. 

Opening up to loss can feel like an overwhelming task. Luckily there are plant allies and self care practices that can help us. Last week we touched on loss and its affect on our lungs; this week we will focus on another organ greatly impacted by loss, our heart. Our hearts help to regulate the blood, pulse, vitality, and our spirit. The heart can feel like it is breaking when we experience great loss, often feeling pains in our chest. When the heart is imbalanced one can suffer from insomnia, heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, poor long-term memory, despair, and depression. 

Hawthorn is a premier herb for helping treat a wide range of heart conditions like heart attack, irregular heart beat, and high blood pressure. This herb works on an energetic level to support and protect the heart. It is important to note that Hawthorn should only be used under the care of an herbalist if you have any heart conditions or take heart medication. 

There are many ways to incorporate the support ofHawthorn, such as an herbal bath, which feels like a giant cup of tea. This is a great way to incorporate the energetic value of an herb as well as Epsom salt to soothe your muscles and your emotions. 

Herbal Bath For Heart Break (makes enough for 8 baths)

  • 1 cup dried hawthorn leaves & flowers 
  • 1 cup dried rose petals 
  • 2 cups Epsom Salt 
  • Muslin bag or tea infuser
  1. In a large bowl, combine the hawthorn, rose and Epsom salt.
  2. Transfer the blend to an airtight container, label and include the date.
  3. To use, place ½ cup of blend in a muslin bag or tea infuser.
  4. Place the blend in a mug, pour hot water over the bag, letting it steep while drawing the bath.
  5. Pour the tea blend into the bath and get in.
  6. Soak 15-20 minutes.