Brookfield Herbal

16/06/2026

Leonurus cardiaca.

If you know any Latin at all, you can read this plant's job description right in its name.

Leonurus means "lion's tail." Cardiaca means "of the heart."

Lion. Heart. That's the plant.

In health astrology, Leo rules the heart, the spine, and the vital force. Kira Sutherland, who has been practicing as a naturopath and herbalist for 30 years, lists Motherwort as one of the key herbs for supporting Leo constitutions. Not because it's a cardiac drug, but because it calms the kind of heart distress that comes from emotional overwhelm: the palpitations, the racing, the chest-tightening anxiety that has nothing to do with your arteries and everything to do with your nervous system.

Traditionally, Motherwort was given to new mothers whose hearts were full of worry. The name says it all twice: once for the lion, once for the heart.

This Thursday, Kira teaches Herbs for the Heart: Leo, Jupiter and the Eclipses, live at MWIH. $15. Open to everyone. Comment HEART and we'll send you the free Health Astrology Field Guide plus a link to register.

12/06/2026

🌿 Deep Dive: Goldenrod and Its Surprising Support for Heart Health ❤️✨

Most people know Goldenrod as that bright yellow wildflower lighting up fields and roadsides in late summer. But behind those golden blooms is a plant with a much deeper story—one that reaches all the way into cardiovascular support.

In our newest infographic, Goldenrod for Heart Health Benefits, we take a closer look at the fascinating research showing how Solidago virgaurea may help protect the heart under stress and support a healthier circulatory system.

🛡️ Helping Protect Heart Tissue
When the heart is under intense stress, the tissue can become damaged and vulnerable. Research suggests that Goldenrod extract may help protect the myocardium, the muscular tissue of the heart, by reducing damage and helping stabilize the cells under strain. In simple terms, this means Goldenrod may help the heart hold up better during periods of oxidative and metabolic stress.

🩸 Support for Healthy Blood Pressure
One of the most interesting findings from this research is Goldenrod’s potential effect on ACE activity, which plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Thanks in part to its rich flavonoid content, Goldenrod appears to show natural ACE-inhibiting activity, suggesting this wildflower may offer gentle support for maintaining healthy vascular tone and circulation.

📉 A Promising Herb for Lipid Balance
Goldenrod also appears to support healthier blood lipid levels. In the study, the extract showed beneficial effects on markers like total cholesterol, triglycerides, and free fatty acids, pointing to another way this plant may help protect cardiovascular health over time.

✨ Strong Antioxidant Protection
As with so many medicinal herbs, a big part of Goldenrod’s power comes back to its antioxidant chemistry. The plant appears to help lower oxidative stress while supporting the body’s own protective defenses. That matters because oxidative damage is one of the major forces behind wear and tear in the cardiovascular system.

🌱 More Than a Urinary Herb
Here at Grow, Gather, Heal, we love seeing a plant break out of the box people put it in. Goldenrod may be famous for the kidneys and urinary tract, but this research reminds us that many herbs have far broader actions than their most popular use suggests.

Did you know a wildflower like Goldenrod might have this much to offer the heart? Tell us in the comments! 👇

27/05/2026

23/05/2026

14/05/2026

FOCUS TINCTURE RECIPE 🌿

It’s exam time at Betonica this weekend, and we’re wishing all our students the very best of luck 💚

It’s also exam season for lots of people, so here’s a great focus tincture recipe by Kim Walker to help lessen stress, increase focus and improve memory and blood flow to the brain. You can take it when studying, or anytime you’re feeling a bit mentally tired or overwhelmed.

All of these tinctures can be made at home or bought from a good herbal supplier.

INGREDIENTS
* 20ml (4 teaspoons) schisandra tincture
* 20ml (4 teaspoons) gotu kola tincture
* 20ml (4 teaspoons) lemon balm tincture
* 20ml (4 teaspoons) rosemary tincture
* 20ml (4 teaspoons) ginseng tincture

METHOD�Mix all the tinctures together in a dark glass bottle, label and date.

TO USE�Shake before use. Take 5ml (1 teaspoon) of this tincture up to 3 times a day in a little water or juice.

SHELF LIFE�Up to 2 years in a cool, dark place.

⚠️PLEASE REMEMBER⚠️ �
➡️ Do not use any herbal remedies on children under the age of two years without first checking with a qualified medical herbalist.
➡️ If you have any pre-existing conditions, are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding, are on any medication including, but not limited to, the contraceptive pill, painkillers and antidepressants, seek advice from a qualified medical professional and herbalist before you try herbal remedies.

12/05/2026

At last !! PCOS HAS A NEW NAME.. Recognising the metabolic nature of PCOS The new name Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome or PMOS, highlights that this condition isn’t just hormonal — it’s deeply connected to metabolic health.

Supporting insulin sensitivity, microbiome balance and reducing inflammation can make a real difference.

Herbs such as cCnnamon, Spearmint, Liquorice, Paeony, Barberry, and Gymnema have been shown to help balance blood sugar, support ovarian function, and ease the metabolic load that drives symptoms.

I have supported women for over 15 years with PMOS and published research in the International journal of herbal medicine in 2013 on the metabolic nature and how herbal medicine can help. Get in touch to book in a consultation for some targeted support for this complex condition, link in bio.

Addressed as early as possible in a women's life, herbs, lifestyle medicine and nutrition can make a huge difference to women's symptom and help manage the condition, support fertility and metabolic and cadiovascular health.

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