February is often thought of as the month of love, but there’s another reason why it’s linked with the heart. In Canada, February marks Heart and Stroke Awareness Month. With nine out of ten Canadians having at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke, it's important to adopt heart-healthy habits. Adding herbs like cacao and functional mushrooms to your wellness routine is a great way to support a healthy heart, as they not only boost cardiovascular wellness but can promote an emotionally centered and grounded state of being.
Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.
Heart-Healthy Herbal Allies
Cacao
Rich in flavonoids and theobromine, cacao opens the heart and the blood vessels by reducing blood pressure and relieving stress. As a circulatory stimulant, this sacred superfood helps to quicken the flow of blood and oxygen to the organs and tissues and accelerates the absorption of nutrients (1). Spiritually, cacao supports a tender heart space and boosts emotional well-being.
Reishi
Known as the “Mushroom of Immortality”, reishi has long been used to support the cardiovascular and circulatory systems. Believed to help support overall longevity, this potent adaptogen strengthens the physical and emotional heart, and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (2). Reishi works effortlessly to calm the spirit, promote a grounded state, and restore balance.
Chaga
Prized as one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods on the planet, chaga is packed with heart-supportive vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. Traditionally, chaga has been used to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and bad cholesterol. Current studies show that it combats oxidation and can lower blood pressure levels (3). Energetically, chaga boosts vitality and invigorates the body from feelings of fatigue.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps is prized for its ability to support optimal organ function, including the lungs, liver, and kidneys. This functional mushroom can also lend a helping hand to the heart. Studies have shown that cordyceps can prevent – or in some cases cure – hypertension, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and arrhythmia. By mitigating these conditions, cordyceps can prevent ischemia (reduced blood flow and oxygen) within the heart (4).
Enhance Your Wellness Routine
Incorporate these herbal allies into your routine with our 5 Mushroom Cacao Herbal Latte. This delicious blend is packed with cacao alongside the world’s top 5 functional mushrooms: reishi, chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and turkey tail.
Our Herbal Lattes feature earth-friendly, compostable packaging that can go right into your home or municipal compost. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we donate 1% of every Herbal Latte purchase to value-aligned organizations that care as much as we do about the health of our planet. Learn more about our earthy initiatives here.