Herbs and the Heart: Connecting with Rose and Hawthorn

Our hearts carry so much more than blood. They hold our joys, our losses, and the quiet strength that helps us move through life. In many traditions, plants have been seen as companions for the heart, offering both physical and emotional support. Two that stand out are rose and hawthorn.

Rose – soft strength and comfort

The rose has long been a symbol of love, but its medicine runs deeper than romance. Gentle yet resilient, rose reminds us to soften where we’ve become guarded and to open to the possibility of love in its many forms – love for others, love for nature, and love for ourselves. A simple rose tea can soothe the nervous system and bring a sense of calm when emotions feel tender.

Hawthorn – steady protection

Where rose speaks of softness, hawthorn brings strength. Often called the “protector of the heart,” hawthorn supports circulation and has been used for centuries to promote cardiovascular health. Spiritually, it carries a sense of steadiness, helping us feel rooted when life feels uncertain. Spending time near a hawthorn tree - or sipping a warm cup of hawthorn berry tea - can remind us of the strength we already carry within.

Bringing them together

Used side by side, rose and hawthorn create a beautiful balance: softening what feels hard, strengthening what feels fragile. Together, they offer both compassion and resilience, guiding us to tend to our hearts in a way that feels both gentle and strong.

✨ Reflection for the week
Take a quiet moment to check in with your own heart. Do you need more softness or more strength? Perhaps a cup of rose or hawthorn tea could accompany your reflection. As you sip, notice what your heart is asking for today.

✨ Final thought
When we care for our hearts - physically and emotionally - we nurture the centre of our being. Plants like roses and hawthorns remind us that nature has always been there to support us in this tender work.