​As part of traditional Chinese medicine practice, Qigong refers to the mind-body exercises that integrate breathing, mind, and body adjustments into one[1].   Although not all Qigong forms were created for healing purposes, there are many documented health benefits from different Qigong practices, and heart health is one of the well-studied areas.  In this short blog, I would like to summarize the known benefits of Qigong practice for heart health based on scientific literature.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• Handful of hawthorn berries, briefly heated in a splash of water or honey
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• Roughly 1 tbsp. water

 
Directions:

1. Pit the hawthorn berries with your fingers. Throw away the pits (or, use them to grow your own hawthorn trees!) and reserve the hawthorn fruit pieces.
2. Mix all of your ingredients together. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Enjoy!

 
Store in the refrigerator and use within one week. 

Ingredients:
 

• 1 part Rooibos
• 1 part Cacao nibs
• 2 parts Hibiscus (substitute Cardamom pods if you don’t like slight tart flavor in your tea. Yum!)
• 3 parts Linden leaf and flower (substitute passionflower if you prefer)
• 3 parts Hawthorn berries
• Water

 
Tools needed:

1. Pot
2. Mesh strainer/colander

 
Directions:

1. Mix ingredients together in a bowl.
2. Add  1 tsp. - 1 tbsp. of total herb per cup of water in a pot. Bring to a boil.
3. Turn heat down to simmer, stir, and cover with a lid for 10-20 minutes.
4. Strain and enjoy!

 
Feel free to drink chilled, and use within 2 days.

Affecting more than one in three U.S. adults(1), almost all of us have a friend or loved one who has faced the prospect of troubling and potentially life-threatening heart issues. When it comes to heart health, consistent efforts in prevention may go a long way. Clearly, a healthy lifestyle including exercise and a Mind-Body balance are beneficial for preventing and often treating a variety of chronic conditions, and a recent review of twelve studies found that adding a Mind-body component reduced the occurrence of cardiac events, atherosclerosis, and lowered systolic blood pressure(2). Additionally, consumption of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pigments (such as resveratrol, anthocyanins, and pigment precursors part of broad classes of flavonols and flavonoids) found in red-blue-purple foods likely prevent heart disease and other, related chronic conditions(3-5); colorful fruits and vegetables(6), as well as the DASH(7) and Mediterranean(8 9) diets, could potentially maintain heart health over time. However, existing research on phytonutrient-dense foods, including herbs, remains relatively sparse.