5 Herbs to Heal a Broken Heart

There are many reasons a heart can break—at the end of a relationship, or after the death of a loved one or pet. No matter if these partings are amicable, tragic, distressing, or unpleasant, they all leave the heart in a vulnerable position.

When you experience a loss, physical pain in the chest can follow. This pain, though perhaps not as dangerous, can be just as real as the pain experienced during a physical crisis of the heart and needs just as much time, energy, and healing.

Herbs can help heal the emotional heart and lift the spirit. Try the following herbs and take some time to be good to yourself—relax, breathe, and give your heart a much-needed break.

Hawthorn is an all-around heart tonic, serving to strengthen and tone the cardiovascular system. On an emotional level, the idea of a stronger, more resilient heart may allow us to spring back from heartbreak and venture forward on a new path without so much fear and heartsickness.

Typically with hawthorn preparations, we use the berries of the tree, but the flowers and leaves can be included, too. When I create blends for emotional upset, I prefer to use the flowers (something about the metaphor of the flower opening and turning to the sun), But really, any part of the herb can work.

The rose has long been identified with love and matters of the heart. Just as the red rose can be the symbol of love’s beginning, the white rose can signify the end of a life. Any flower with such range over the emotional spectrum is a necessary addition to a home heart-repair kit.

Rose petals can calm the nerves, open the heart and lift the spirit; and they can be used to overcome grief, or to ready the heart for a new beginning.

This is an excellent remedy for a racing heart caused by general emotional upset. A soothing herb for the nerves as well, motherwort can settle a racing mind and bring back the restorative balm of untroubled sleep.

Try a motherwort tincture and squeeze a half teaspoon or so into a cup of hot water or tea.

One of Ophelia’s most famous lines from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is, “There’s Rosemary. That’s for remembrance.” Traditionally, rosemary was believed (and still is!) to strengthen the memory. As such, it became a symbol of fidelity for lovers.

Even if fidelity is a painful subject at the moment, and even if your heartbreak was so painful that you welcome the idea of forgetting, it might behoove you to lean a little on this herb. Keep the memories that serve you and learn from those that don’t. Allow rosemary to sweeten your memories and guide you gently to a place of forgiveness.

Try a mild rosemary tea. Steep a few teaspoons in a cup of water for about five minutes. Add sweetener and a bit of non-dairy milk, if you like. Also try combining with rose petals for a light and complex flavor.