Fortify Your Heart — Herbs for the Solar Eclipse in Leo

Introduction to the Leo Solar Eclipse and Herbal Support

leo

This window introduces the first episode of a new series on the Nightlight Astrology podcast, "Rooted in the Stars," hosted by Ashley Marie Ellenbost. She sets the stage by connecting astrology and plant medicine, emphasizing the interplay between celestial movements and earth-based healing. The episode centers on the upcoming solar eclipse in Leo, framing it as an opportunity to reset and reorient the heart. Ashley outlines her approach to using herbs both symbolically and physiologically, highlighting the importance of botanical names to avoid confusion. She introduces the concept of working with herbs energetically through small doses or vibrational methods, as well as therapeutically for deeper physiological shifts.

• This is the first episode of a new series called "Rooted in the Stars," blending astrology and plant medicine.
• The episode focuses on the upcoming solar eclipse in Leo on August 12th and its symbolic significance for emotional and identity transformation.
• Ashley emphasizes the importance of using botanical (Latin) names for herbs to ensure accuracy across regions.
• She introduces multiple ways to work with herbs—growing them, using essential oils, flower essences, or internal tinctures—without pressure to take them all.
• The concept of “fortifying the heart” during times of release and transformation is central to the episode’s theme.
• The episode references Adam’s prior talk on “A Leo Solar Eclipse Comes Next: Healing Diseases of the Heart” and invites listeners to explore it for deeper context.

Hawthorne: The Heart's Ancient Fortifier and Its Role in Eclipse Preparation

This window explores Hawthorne as a powerful, time-honored herb for heart health, deeply connected to the upcoming eclipse and spiritual preparation. The speaker describes Hawthorne’s physical and symbolic attributes—its thorns, red berries, and expansive roots—as metaphors for resilience and heart-centered healing. It is presented as a long-term, restorative tonic for the heart muscle (via leaves and flowers) and blood vessels (via berries), with clinical evidence supporting its use in heart failure, circulation, and blood pressure regulation. The discussion emphasizes that Hawthorne works gradually, aligning with the slow, deep unfolding of the eclipse’s energy over the next 18 months.

• Hawthorne is an ancient, leonic herb revered for over 2,000 years as a primary heart fortifier and tonic.
• The berries are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, offering antioxidant protection against oxidative damage and supporting arterial and venous repair.
• Red blood cells are jagged and can cause micro-tears in blood vessels; Hawthorne’s antioxidants help prevent and repair such damage.
• The berries specifically support blood vessels and circulation, while the leaves and flowers target the heart muscle’s contractility.
• Clinical trials show Hawthorne improves symptoms of congestive heart failure, increases exercise tolerance, and lowers blood pressure over time.
• Hawthorne is not a quick fix but a slow, cumulative herb that supports long-term heart health and spiritual alignment with the eclipse’s energy.

Hawthorne and Mother Wart: Emotional and Physical Heart Support in Herbal Practice

leo

This window explores the use of Hawthorne (Crataegus monogyna) and Mother Wart (Leonurus cardiaca) as herbal remedies for both physical and emotional heart health. The speaker shares a case study of a man grieving the loss of his wife, struggling with depression, low energy, and elevated blood pressure and LDL levels. After starting a herbal protocol centered on Hawthorne—used as a tincture, tea, or jam—he experienced significant improvements in energy, mood, posture, and lab results. The speaker emphasizes Hawthorne’s dual action on physical circulation and emotional resilience, highlighting how the herb supported both heart muscle function and the courage to re-engage with life, including dating and joining a cycling club. The narrative also introduces Mother Wart, noting its upright, thorn-protected flowers and its connection to emotional strength and protection, with a nod to its Latin name, Leonurus cardiaca, linking it to Leo’s lion-like qualities.

• Hawthorne is used to support both physical heart health (lowering blood pressure and LDL) and emotional well-being, particularly in cases of grief and low motivation.
• The case study shows a patient’s transformation in posture, energy, and emotional state after three weeks of Hawthorne use, with normalized lab results and increased social engagement.
• Hawthorne can be taken as a tincture (3 drops 3x daily), tea (2 tbsp leaves/flowers per 2 cups hot water, steeped 15–20 min), or berry jam/concentrate (½ to 1 tsp twice daily).
• Hawthorne may lower blood pressure, so caution is advised for those with hypotension or on blood pressure medication.
• The herb may help prevent or mitigate heart inflammation, including post-COVID cardiac effects, by supporting the pericardium (heart protector).
• Mother Wart (Leonurus cardiaca) is introduced with its tall, upright stem and thorn-protected delicate flowers, symbolizing emotional strength and protection.
• The name Leonurus cardiaca reflects its leonine (lion-like) and heart-supporting properties.

Motherwort: Heart Rhythm, Emotional Resilience, and the Medicine of the Lion Heart

leo

This window focuses on the herbal medicine motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), exploring its deep connection to the heart—both anatomically and emotionally. The speaker describes motherwort as a plant of "lionhearted courage," linking it to Leo’s strength, centeredness, and vitality. It is presented as a powerful remedy for heart arrhythmia, particularly when caused by emotional stress, anxiety, or disrupted rhythm. The speaker shares a personal story of using motherwort during their mother’s cardiac episode, illustrating its symbolic and therapeutic role in emotional and physical heart support. The window also covers practical uses—tinctures, teas, and eating fresh leaves—and cautions about contraindications, including pregnancy and interactions with heart medications. The discussion transitions to mimosa (Albizia julibrin), introduced as a gladdening, uplifting herb for emotional heaviness and heartbreak.

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is associated with the heart’s physical and emotional rhythm, especially in relation to Leo’s qualities of courage and centeredness.
• It is effective for heart arrhythmia, palpitations, and anxiety-related cardiac symptoms, particularly when stress or emotional overwhelm disrupts natural rhythm.
• The speaker shares a personal experience using motherwort during their mother’s heart health crisis, highlighting its symbolic and medicinal presence.
• Motherwort can be taken as a tincture (15–30 drops, 3x daily), dried tea (1–2 tsp per 2 cups water), or eaten fresh, though it is intensely bitter.
• Contraindications include pregnancy, low blood pressure, and use with sedatives, anticoagulants, or heart medications; use with caution and lower dosing.
• The herb is also linked to healing wounds around mothering, offering emotional nourishment for those grieving or lacking maternal support.
• The window transitions to mimosa (Albizia julibrin), a tree known as the silk tree or tree of happiness, whose flowers are gladdening and whose bark supports spiritual stability.
• Mimosa is used to lift heaviness in the heart, support joy, and aid in healing from grief or “broken heart syndrome.”

Herbal Remedies for Heart and Spirit: Mimosa, Berries, and Tulsi

This window explores three powerful plant remedies for emotional and physical heart health: mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), rose family berries, and tulsi (holy basil). The speaker describes mimosa’s role in restoring spirit after trauma, its use in Chinese medicine for emotional stagnation, and its preparation as a tincture with dosage recommendations and safety notes. Rose family berries—such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries—are highlighted for their heart-protective compounds like flavonoids, vitamin C, and fiber, with cultural symbolism linking strawberries to openness and vulnerability. Tulsi is presented as an adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory herb that supports emotional balance, stress resilience, and cardiovascular health, with versatile uses including tea, culinary garnish, and tincture.

• Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin) nourishes the spirit after grief, trauma, or emotional stagnation; used in Chinese medicine to relieve depression, calm the mind, and reduce chi stagnation.
• The herb is sweet and earthy, with a neutral nature; recommended as a tincture (3 drops twice daily, up to 2–4 mL twice daily).
• Avoid during pregnancy, with caution when taking sedatives or before surgery due to sedative effects.
• Rose family berries (strawberries, blackberries, raspberries) are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting heart and immune health.
• Strawberry is symbolically called the "heart berry" in Ashenabi tradition, representing openness and vulnerability; a metaphor for staying connected during inner work.
• Berries can be easily incorporated into daily meals (yogurt, oatmeal, salads); mindful of sugar content for blood sugar management.
• Tulsi (holy basil), especially Osmum sanctum, is a rasayana used in Ayurveda for devotion, stress adaptation, and heart protection.
• Tulsi is adaptogenic, helps balance cortisol, reduces inflammation, and has cardioprotective effects; essential oil shows hypotensive and antiplatelet effects.
• Use as tea (2 tsp–1 tbsp dried leaves steeped 10 mins), fresh garnish, or tincture (3 drops to 2–5 mL twice daily); best taken in morning/afternoon.

Closing Reflections: Herbs, Rituals, and Heart-Centered Preparation for the Eclipse

leo

This final window reflects on the integration of herbal wisdom, personal rituals, and emotional resilience as tools for navigating the upcoming solar eclipse. The creator emphasizes using herbs like Tulsi, chamomile, and rose not only as physical remedies but also as spiritual allies in heart-centered work. They encourage viewers to establish daily practices—such as tea rituals, candle meditations, or reconnecting with friends—to stay grounded during intense astrological shifts. The episode closes with a call to deepen relationships and self-awareness, framing these actions as acts of devotion and self-care.

• Tulsi tea can help regulate blood sugar but should be used cautiously if you have low blood sugar.
• Tulsi is traditionally used in India to support insulin resistance and blood sugar balance.
• Chamomile is recommended for strengthening the spirit while relaxing the outer self.
• Rose is highlighted as a powerful heart medicine and emotional healer.
• The August 12th solar eclipse may prompt deep inner questions and the need to release old patterns or performances.
• Herbs can be used as tools for presence—through holding, smelling, or consuming.
• Daily rituals (tea, candle lighting, meditation) are encouraged to stay grounded during eclipse season.
• Reaching out to friends and asking meaningful questions can strengthen emotional and spiritual connections.
• The creator invites viewers to explore a year-long apprenticeship course focused on building intentional relationships with 22 plants.