Crataegus Spp or Hawthorne is a powerful ally for the heart. It is often thought of as just a cardiovascular herb, but she is so much more than that. Hawthorne is available in multiple forms, tea from the leaves and flowers, tinctures, and extracts. The berries when eaten whole are a tangy-sweet snack. The berries and flowers provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and improve cross-linkage in the connective tissue of the blood vessels.

Another member of the mint family, Lemon Balm acts as an antiviral, sedative, carminative, hypotensive, uplifting agent, and antispasmodic. It can be used in a variety of ways. I love placing a few leaves in my water when I need a pick me up. Its lemony scent is enriching. It combines well with St. John’s Wort to treat viral infections topically. A bath with Lemon Balm and Rosemary can be helpful for low mood and motivation.