Molybdenum: Your Liver's Unsung Detox Hero ❤️

Hello Soul family,

When we think about minerals that support our health, iron, calcium, and magnesium often steal the spotlight. But tucked quietly in the shadow of these more celebrated nutrients is a trace mineral that plays an indispensable role in your body's ability to detoxify, produce energy, and protect your cells: molybdenum.

Your body only needs this mineral in microgram quantities — yet without it, critical biochemical reactions stall. As a Registered Dietitian and holistic health practitioner, I find molybdenum to be one of the most overlooked pieces of the detoxification puzzle. Let's explore what it does, why your liver depends on it, and how to get enough from your food.

What Is Molybdenum?

Molybdenum is an essential trace mineral, meaning your body cannot manufacture it on its own — you must obtain it through diet. It functions primarily as a cofactor for a group of enzymes called molybdoenzymes. These enzymes catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions, many of which are central to how your body processes waste products, metabolizes sulphur-containing compounds, and neutralizes toxins. The four key molybdoenzymes are sulfite oxidase, xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase, and mitochondrial amidoxime reducing component (mARC). Each one performs specific and vital functions — and together, they form a biochemical team that keeps your internal environment clean and balanced.

Molybdenum & Liver Detoxification

Your liver is your body's master detoxification organ, working around the clock to filter blood, neutralize chemicals, and break down metabolic byproducts. It operates through two main pathways — Phase I and Phase II detoxification — and molybdenum plays a pivotal supporting role in both.

Sulphur Metabolism & Sulfite Oxidase

One of molybdenum's most critical jobs is activating the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which converts sulfites into sulfates. Sulfites are natural byproducts of protein metabolism and are also found in wine, dried fruits, and many processed foods. When sulfite oxidase is working optimally — which requires adequate molybdenum — these sulfites are safely converted and excreted. Without this conversion, sulfites accumulate and can trigger symptoms ranging from headaches and joint pain to brain fog and allergic reactions.

This is especially significant from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective. In TCM, the liver governs the free flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. When sulphur metabolites back up, they create internal 'stagnation' that manifests as tension, irritability, digestive disturbances, and skin conditions — all classic signs of liver Qi stagnation. Supporting sulfite oxidase through adequate molybdenum intake is a bridge between functional nutrition and TCM wisdom.

Uric Acid Production & Xanthine Oxidase

Molybdenum also activates xanthine oxidase, which is involved in the breakdown of purines (compounds found in DNA and RNA) into uric acid, which is then excreted through the kidneys. While excess uric acid is associated with gout and kidney stones, a healthy baseline level is essential — uric acid is actually a potent antioxidant in the blood. The key is balance, and molybdenum helps maintain it.

Drug & Alcohol Metabolism via Aldehyde Oxidase

Aldehyde oxidase, another molybdoenzyme, plays an important role in metabolizing aldehydes — toxic byproducts produced during the breakdown of alcohol, certain medications, and environmental pollutants. This enzyme also helps metabolize vitamin B6 into its active form, making molybdenum indirectly essential for nerve function, mood regulation, and immune health. In our modern world, where environmental toxin exposure is unavoidable, the liver's capacity to process aldehydes efficiently is more important than ever.

Signs You May Need More Molybdenum

Overt molybdenum deficiency is rare, but insufficiency — having suboptimal levels — can quietly undermine your detox capacity. Possible signs include:

• Sensitivity to sulfites (wine, dried fruit, processed foods causing headaches or flushing)
• Persistent fatigue and brain fog not explained by other causes
• Joint pain or signs of elevated uric acid
• Poor tolerance to alcohol or certain medications
• Chronic skin issues, eczema, or unexplained rashes
• History of a high refined grain diet with low legume intake
   

Food source of molybdenum

The good news? Molybdenum is found abundantly in whole foods — particularly plant-based ones. The mineral content in plant foods varies depending on soil quality, but a diet rich in legumes and whole grains generally provides sufficient amounts. The recommended adequate intake for adults is 45 micrograms per day, and the tolerable upper limit is 2,000 micrograms — so there's a very wide safety range.

Top Food Sources

• Legumes (highest sources): lentils, black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, soybeans — just ½ cup of cooked lentils can provide more than the daily requirement
• Whole grains: oats, buckwheat, barley, quinoa, brown rice
• Leafy greens: spinach, Swiss chard, kale — also rich in sulphur compounds that work synergistically with molybdenum
• Nuts and seeds: sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts
• Animal foods: beef liver (an exceptional source), eggs, dairy
• Vegetables: peas, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower
• Herbs: fresh parsley and coriander offer modest amounts and support liver function holistically

 
Note that soil molybdenum levels vary significantly across regions. If you live in an area with mineral-depleted soils — common in parts of North America — buying organically grown legumes and vegetables from regeneratively managed farms can help ensure higher mineral content in your food.

A Holistic Perspective: Nourishing the Liver Through Food

From both a functional nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine standpoint, the liver thrives when it is nourished with whole, mineral-rich foods and supported in its detoxification work. Molybdenum-rich foods are naturally aligned with TCM liver-supportive eating: legumes build the Spleen (the digestive foundation in TCM), dark leafy greens clear Heat and support Blood, and sulphur-containing vegetables like broccoli promote the liver's Phase II detox pathways.

Simple practices to boost your molybdenum intake naturally: add ½ cup of lentils or beans to soups, stews, and salads daily; make a grain bowl with buckwheat or rice as a base; include sautéed leafy greens with garlic (another sulphur-rich food) at dinner; and swap processed snacks for a small handful of sunflower seeds or almonds. These small, consistent shifts add up to meaningful long-term detox support.

 

The body is exquisitely designed to heal and detoxify — it simply needs the right building blocks. Molybdenum may be tiny in quantity, but its impact on your liver, your energy, and your well-being is anything but small. Start with your plate, choose whole foods generously, and trust that nature has provided everything you need.

Look for clean and plant-based nutritional supplements that help detoxify nanoparticles and toxic heavy metals. I recommend Folim pX products; they also have new products for diabetes and autism based on cutting-edge science. Here are the core features of Folium products: 

1. Potent Plant-Based Formulation: Crafted using concentrated herbs, pine bark, grape seed, and wild berries rich in natural antioxidants.
2. High ORAC Value: Specifically formulated to deliver superior Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity to fight oxidative stress and cellular fatigue.
3. Purity & Integrity: A trusted nutraceutical capsule line designed to help clear free radicals and support natural wellness.

You can shop for Folium products here.

I hope you enjoy the information and have a wonderful weekend!

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The Seed of Purpose ❤️

Dear soul family,

On November 9, the Sun and Moon unite in sidereal Libra, the dark moon that opens the Diwali season of lights. It is a fitting symbol: the darkest night of the lunar month becomes the moment we light a lamp of intention. This new moon arrives in a sky full of pauses and reversals, with three planets retrograde and a powerful Mars–Jupiter union building in Leo. The message is clear: slow down, look within, and plant your seeds with patience. The harvest is coming.

Vishakha: The Star of Purpose

This new moon forms in Vishakha nakshatra (20° Libra to 3°20′ Scorpio), symbolized by a triumphal arch decorated with leaves, or a potter’s wheel. Vishakha is ruled by Jupiter and guided by the twin deities Indra and Agni, the forces of power and sacred fire. It is known as the “star of purpose,” carrying single-minded determination toward a meaningful goal.

Vishakha teaches that real achievement comes from steady devotion rather than haste. With the Moon in its first pada, the energy is ambitious and outward-looking, yet the retrogrades around it ask us to refine our goals before we chase them. Ask yourself: What do I truly want to grow over the next six months, and is it aligned with my soul’s purpose? Write it down tonight, light a candle, and offer it to the inner fire.

Note that in Libra the Sun is debilitated, so vitality and confidence may feel lower than usual. Be gentle with yourself. Libra seeks balance; this is a new moon for restoring harmony between giving and receiving, work and rest, self and others.

Venus and Mercury Retrograde: The Great Review

Two personal planets are retrograde at this new moon. Venus has been retrograde since October 3 and now moves backward through Virgo, its sign of debilitation, before turning direct around November 13–14. Venus is the ruler of Libra, so the lord of this new moon is both weakened and reversed. Relationships, values, self-worth, and finances may surface for review. Old connections can return, and unspoken feelings may rise to the surface.

Mercury turned retrograde on October 24 and sits close to the Sun in Libra in Swati nakshatra, turning direct around November 13. Expect delays in communication, technology, and travel. This is wonderful timing for re-reading, re-thinking, re-connecting, and finishing what you have started, rather than signing new contracts or making large purchases.

Together, these retrogrades suggest that this new moon is better suited for setting inner intentions than launching outer projects. Plant the seed now; take bold action after mid-November, once both planets move forward again.

Saturn Retrograde in Pisces: Karmic Clean-Up

Saturn continues its retrograde in Pisces, in Uttara Bhadrapada nakshatra, until around mid-December. Saturn here invites us to examine our boundaries, our spiritual discipline, and the patterns we have quietly carried for years. Pisces dissolves; Saturn structures. Together they ask: Where am I leaking energy? What old fears or obligations am I ready to release?

This is a supportive time for meditation, rest, forgiveness practices, and slowly rebuilding healthy routines. Saturn rewards consistency, so small daily rituals matter more than dramatic changes.

Mars and Jupiter Unite in Leo: Courage Meets Wisdom

On the day of the new moon, Mars is still in Cancer, where it is debilitated, and emotions may feel heavy or reactive. Jupiter entered sidereal Leo on October 31, joining Ketu in Magha nakshatra. Then on November 12, Mars enters Leo, and the two planets meet in an exact conjunction around November 15–16. This energy combines Mars’ courage with Jupiter’s wisdom and generosity.

Leo is the sign of the heart, leadership, and creative self-expression. With Ketu present, this conjunction carries a spiritual tone: action guided by faith and higher purpose rather than ego. The days just after Venus and Mercury go direct (from about November 14 onward) may be an excellent window to begin the intentions you plant at this new moon.

Health Suggestions for This Lunar Cycle

Libra governs the kidneys, lower back, and skin, and Leo governs the heart and circulation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, late autumn is the season of the Lungs, while preparing the Kidneys for the deep rest of winter. Studies suggest that gentle, consistent habits may support resilience through seasonal transitions. Here are a few suggestions for this cycle:

•      Nourish the kidneys: stay well hydrated with warm water and herbal teas, and enjoy warming foods such as black beans, walnuts, black sesame, bone broth, and root vegetables.

•      Support the lungs: add pears, white radish (daikon), lotus root, and a little fresh ginger to soups. Practice slow, deep belly breathing each morning.

•      Calm the nervous system: with Mercury retrograde, reduce screen time in the evening and try magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and almonds.

•      Care for the heart: as Mars and Jupiter energize Leo, balance activity with rest. Brisk walks in nature, omega-3 rich foods, and moments of joy and laughter may support heart health.

•      Ease inflammation: Mars in Cancer and then Leo can bring heat. Favor cooling, anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, leafy greens, berries, and cucumber, and avoid excess alcohol and fried food.

•      Rest your lower back: gentle stretching, yoga, or a warm Epsom salt bath can help release tension stored in the Libra-ruled areas of the body.

A New Moon Ritual

On the evening of the new moon, sit quietly by a candle. Take seven slow breaths, placing one hand on your heart and one on your lower belly. Ask Vishakha’s sacred fire to burn away what no longer serves you. Write three intentions: one for your health, one for your relationships, and one for your soul’s purpose. Read them again when Venus and Mercury turn direct, and take your first step during the Mars–Jupiter conjunction.

May the light of this Diwali new moon illuminate your path with balance, clarity, and joy.

With love and light,

Lucy

Lucy Liu, RD, TCM Practitioner, Healer, Vedic Astrologer

Curious how this new moon touches your personal chart?

                                                           Learn more and book a session

The Music Within You ❤️

Hello Beautiful Soul,

Have you ever noticed how one song can lift your mood in seconds, while traffic noise leaves you frazzled? Sound is not just something we hear. It is vibration, and our bodies are wonderfully responsive to it. Ancient healers knew this long before physics did. In India, sages chanted sacred syllables to awaken the body’s energy centres. Tibetan monks played singing bowls, and Taoist masters used six healing sounds to balance the organs. Today, sound healing is enjoying a beautiful revival, and one of its most popular tools is a set of tones called the Solfeggio frequencies. So pour a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s take a musical journey up the seven chakras, from the roots to the crown.

First, a Quick Word on Frequencies

A frequency is simply how many times a sound wave vibrates each second, measured in hertz (Hz). The Solfeggio tones were popularized in the 1970s and 1990s, and in modern sound healing each one is paired with a chakra. Their link to ancient Gregorian chant is a lovely story, though historians still debate it, and some healers use other systems, such as tuning forks based on the musical scale. What matters most is how the sound feels in your body.

● Root Chakra (Muladhara): 396 Hz

Colour: red  ·  Mantra: LAM  ·  Theme: safety and grounding
Muladhara sits at the base of your spine and is your energetic foundation, like the roots of a great tree. When it is balanced, you feel safe, steady and at home in your body. When it wobbles, you may feel anxious, scattered or stuck in survival mode. 396 Hz is known as the tone of liberation, traditionally used to release fear and guilt. As you listen, picture roots growing from your feet deep into the warm earth.

Healing benefits: grounding, calm and a deep sense of security.

● Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): 417 Hz

Colour: orange  ·  Mantra: VAM  ·  Theme: creativity and emotional flow
Just below the navel lives Svadhisthana, the chakra of water, pleasure and creativity. It governs how freely our emotions flow. 417 Hz is called the tone of change, and sound healers use it to help clear old patterns and support us through life transitions. If you feel creatively blocked or emotionally frozen, this is your tone.

Healing benefits: creativity, emotional release, and joy in life’s simple pleasures.

● Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): 528 Hz

Colour: golden yellow  ·  Mantra: RAM  ·  Theme: confidence and digestive fire
Readers of my gut health series will recognize this one! Manipura, the city of jewels, is home to agni, your digestive fire, and to your willpower and self-esteem. 528 Hz is the celebrity of the Solfeggio family, nicknamed the love frequency or miracle tone. A small 2018 study in Japan found that music tuned to 528 Hz appeared to lower stress markers in volunteers. Promising, though more research is needed.

Healing benefits: confidence, motivation, healthy boundaries and happier digestion.

● Heart Chakra (Anahata): 639 Hz

Colour: green  ·  Mantra: YAM  ·  Theme: love and connection
Anahata means unstruck, a poetic name for the place where love flows freely. Sitting in the centre of the chest, it bridges the three earthly chakras below with the three spiritual chakras above. 639 Hz is traditionally used to harmonize relationships and encourage forgiveness, both towards others and towards ourselves.

Healing benefits: compassion, emotional healing and warmer connections.

● Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): 741 Hz

Colour: sky blue  ·  Mantra: HAM  ·  Theme: truth and self-expression
Ever had a lump in your throat when you could not say what you felt? That is Vishuddha asking for attention. This chakra governs communication and authentic self-expression. 741 Hz is associated with cleansing and with expressing your truth clearly. Many people also hold tension in the jaw, neck and shoulders, which makes this a lovely tone to pair with a gentle neck stretch.

Healing benefits: clear communication, creativity and release of throat and jaw tension.

● Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): 852 Hz

Colour: indigo  ·  Mantra: OM  ·  Theme: intuition and insight
Between your eyebrows lies Ajna, the seat of intuition. In yogic tradition, it is where the two great energy channels, Ida and Pingala, finally meet. As a Vedic astrologer, I love this chakra: it is the inner eye that sees beyond the surface of things. 852 Hz is used to awaken intuition and quiet the busy, overthinking mind.

Healing benefits: intuition, mental clarity, focus and deeper meditation.

● Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): 963 Hz

Colour: violet or white  ·  Mantra: silence or OM  ·  Theme: spiritual connection
At the very top of the head blooms Sahasrara, the thousand-petalled lotus. It is our connection to something greater than ourselves, whatever we call it: the divine, the universe or pure consciousness. 963 Hz, sometimes called the frequency of the gods, is used for deep meditation and a sense of oneness.

Healing benefits: inner peace, spiritual connection and a feeling of wholeness.

Your Chakra Frequency Cheat Sheet

Chakra	Frequency	Colour	Mantra	Healing focus
Root	396 Hz	Red	LAM	Safety, grounding
Sacral	417 Hz	Orange	VAM	Creativity, emotions
Solar Plexus	528 Hz	Yellow	RAM	Confidence, digestion
Heart	639 Hz	Green	YAM	Love, forgiveness
Throat	741 Hz	Blue	HAM	Expression, truth
Third Eye	852 Hz	Indigo	OM	Intuition, clarity
Crown	963 Hz	Violet	Silence	Peace, connection

 

Try It: A 15-Minute Chakra Sound Bath

• Set the scene. Find a quiet spot, use headphones, and keep the volume soft and comfortable.
• Start at the root. Spend about two minutes with each frequency, moving upward from 396 Hz to 963 Hz.
• Breathe in colour. Visualize each chakra’s colour glowing brighter with every breath.
• Hum along. Softly chant each chakra’s mantra and feel where it vibrates in your body.
• Linger where you need it. Feeling unsettled? Stay longer at the root. Heartbroken? Rest at the heart.
• Close in silence. Sit quietly for a minute, sip some water, and jot down anything you noticed.

Caution: Keep volumes low, and avoid listening while driving. If you have epilepsy, tinnitus or another sound-sensitive condition, check with your healthcare provider first. Sound healing is a lovely companion to, but not a replacement for, medical or mental health care.

You Are a Living Instrument

Like a beautiful instrument, you sometimes drift a little out of tune. Stress, grief, busy schedules and changing seasons all leave their mark. The good news is that you can always return to harmony, one breath, one tone and one gentle moment at a time. Try the sound bath this week and notice which chakra sings the loudest for you. Your body may have something wonderful to tell you.

By the way, I will be at the Lady's Night in Port Alberni on Oct.24th. I will be offering palm reading, medical face/tongue reading, Sidereal astrology chart reading, especially related to past lives and chronic health challenges, tarot card reading combined with Sidereal astrology for one-year predictions and predictions for specific events in your life, ancient 1 Ching, and much more. I am looking forward to meeting you there. Please check my poster below for more details.

I hope you enjoy the information and have a wonderful week ahead!

• To schedule a healing session, please click here.
• To schedule a reading session, please click here.
• To schedule a TCM treatment, please click here.
• To schedule a group session on various topics, please click here. 

The Healer’s Moon ❤️

Dear friends,

As autumn deepens and the leaves let go, the sky offers a rare, beautiful gift: the brightest full moon of the Vedic year, rising in fiery Aries within Ashwini, the nakshatra of the divine physicians. This moon brings healing, renewal, and courageous new beginnings. In this content, I’ll share what this full moon means, the planetary alignment behind it, the ancient healing gift of the medicine horse, a look at the sky this coming Thursday, and simple mind-body practices to help you receive its medicine.

When to Watch

Location	Exact Full Moon
Pacific (Nanaimo, Vancouver)	Sunday, Oct 25 · 9:12 PM PDT
Universal Time (UTC)	Monday, Oct 26 · 04:12
India (IST)	Monday, Oct 26 · 9:42 AM

Here on the West Coast, the moon culminates on Sunday evening, so the night of October 25 is our night to celebrate.

Ashwini: The Nakshatra of Divine Physicians

Ashwini is the first of the 27 nakshatras, spanning 0°–13°20′ of Aries. Its symbol is the horse’s head, and its deities are the Ashwini Kumaras, celestial twin healers who, in Vedic lore, restored sight, youth, and vitality to those they touched. Ruled by Ketu, Ashwini carries swift, intuitive, almost miraculous healing energy — the kind that arrives quickly once we are ready to receive it.

With the Moon at 8°32′ Aries, this full moon sits in the heart of Ashwini. It invites us to ask: What in my body, mind, or spirit is ready to be restored? Where am I ready to begin again? Aries is the sign of the first spark, so this is a wonderful moment to set health intentions with courage rather than hesitation.

Medicine Horses: Our Four-Legged Healers

Ashwini means “she who is born of a horse.” In Vedic myth, the Ashwini Kumaras were born to Surya, the Sun, who had taken the form of a mare, and the twins are often pictured with horses’ heads. Seven horses draw the Sun’s chariot across the sky, carrying light and prana to all living beings. And 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese calendar, which makes this Ashwini full moon a doubly horse-blessed moon.

Across many Indigenous traditions of Turtle Island, the horse is honoured as a medicine relative, a teacher of freedom, strength, and the bond between earth and spirit. The Lakota name for the horse, Šúŋkawakȟáŋ, is often translated as “sacred” or “mysterious dog.” Here in Canada, residential school survivor Patrick Buffalo of Maskwacis, Alberta, developed the Kisikaw (Day) Method of horse therapy. “They are healers,” he says. “The horses are non-judgmental.” His aim is “to move that person from the head back to the heart.”

Why do horses heal? As prey animals, horses are exquisitely attuned to body language, breath, and emotional state. They respond to what we truly feel, not what we pretend to feel, so they act as a kind of living biofeedback. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies found that equine-assisted services may reduce PTSD symptoms in the short term, although the studies were small and more research is needed. Researchers are also exploring whether heart-rate rhythms of horse, client, and therapist begin to synchronize during sessions.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Horse (午, Wu) governs 11 AM to 1 PM, the peak hour of the Heart meridian in the body clock. The Heart houses the Shen, our spirit. Perhaps this is why time with horses so often feels like coming home to the heart.

Ways to receive horse medicine this full moon:

✦    Visit a stable or sanctuary: stand quietly near a horse, soften your gaze, and let your breath slow to match theirs.

✦    Try equine-assisted learning: look for a certified equine-assisted practitioner, many of whom offer gentle ground-based sessions with no riding required.

✦    White horse meditation: close your eyes and picture a luminous white horse of Ashwini carrying you through moonlit fields, leaving behind what no longer serves you.

✦    Journal: Where in my life am I longing to run free? Where am I being asked to slow down and trust?

Planetary Alignment at the Full Moon

✦    Moon in Aries (Ashwini) opposite Sun in Libra: the Moon’s fire meets the Sun’s airy search for balance. The Sun is debilitated in Libra, so our outer energy may feel softer — honour the need for rest.

✦    Venus retrograde in Libra (own sign): since October 3, Venus has been asking us to review relationships, self-worth, and how we nourish ourselves.

✦    Mercury retrograde in Libra: Mercury turned retrograde on October 24, so revisit, reflect, and double-check before signing or sending.

✦    Mars and Jupiter together in Cancer: Mars, ruler of Aries, travels with Jupiter in its final degree before Jupiter enters Leo on October 31. Mars casts its aspect onto Libra, energizing the Sun, Venus, and Mercury — a push to act on what we have been reconsidering.

✦    Saturn retrograde in Pisces; Rahu in Aquarius, Ketu in Leo: Ketu, Ashwini’s ruler, sits in fire-sign Leo, forming a supportive fire trine with the Moon — spiritual insight flows easily.

Health & Healing Suggestions

✦    Cool the head: Aries governs the head and eyes. Research suggests that screen breaks and regular hydration may help ease tension headaches and eye strain.

✦    Support the Lungs: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, autumn belongs to the Metal element and the Lungs, which hold grief. Pears, daikon, almonds, and white fungus may support moisture as the air turns dry.

✦    Nourish the Kidneys: Libra rules the kidneys and lower back. With the Sun weakened there, warm soups, black sesame, walnuts, and early nights may help conserve vital energy.

✦    Breathe with the moon: sit outside for ten minutes of slow belly breathing. Studies suggest slow breathing calms the nervous system and supports restful sleep.

A Simple Full Moon Ritual

✦    Light a candle and place a bowl of water beneath the moonlight.

✦    Write down one thing you are ready to heal and one new beginning you welcome.

✦    Offer gratitude to your ancestors, your body, the Ashwini twins, and the medicine horses who carry healing to us.

✦    Rest early and let the moon’s medicine work while you sleep.

Work With Me

If you would like to understand how this full moon touches your own birth chart, or receive personal guidance on healing your body naturally, I would be honoured to support you.

✦ Book an Intuitive Reading Session

✦ Book a Healing Coaching Session

The future of medicine is frequency healing. What about frequencies associated with each organ? I will dive into the specific healing tones for each organ in my upcoming workshop: "Mastering the Cosmic Elixir – Breathwork". These powerful healing tone sequences are paired with breathwork and unique body postures to activate energy flow in your body; you basically speak to your organ directly. Please check more details for this workshop here, and space is limited.

With light and gratitude,

Lucy, RD, Vedic Astrologer, TCM Practitioner, Energy Healer

Nature's Gift to Your Heart ❤️

The Heart’s Guardian Tree

Deep in the forests of the Indian subcontinent grows a majestic tree with a name that carries the weight of ancient legend — Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Named after the heroic warrior of the Mahabharata, this tree has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years as one of the most powerful cardiac tonics known to traditional healers. The bark of the Arjuna tree holds the key to its remarkable healing properties, and modern science is now catching up with what Ayurvedic physicians have long known: Arjuna is a true ally for the heart. 

As someone who integrates the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine, functional nutrition, and holistic healing into my practice, I find Arjuna to be one of the most elegant examples of how nature provides precisely what our modern, stress-laden hearts need. In this newsletter, I want to share the science, the tradition, and the practical wisdom behind this extraordinary herb. 

What Makes Arjuna So Powerful?

The medicinal bark of Terminalia arjuna is a treasure trove of bioactive compounds that work synergistically to support cardiovascular health:

•       Glycosides (arjunetin, arjunine): strengthen and tone heart muscle, improving contractility

•       Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol): potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and reduce arterial inflammation

•       Tannins and terpenes: support healthy blood pressure and lipid metabolism

•       Calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper: essential minerals that regulate heart rhythm and vascular tone

•       Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid: plant triterpenes that protect the heart lining and support cholesterol balance

 

Together, these compounds give Arjuna a multi-dimensional action on the cardiovascular system — something no single pharmaceutical can fully replicate.

How Arjuna Supports Your Heart 

1. Strengthens Heart Muscle Function

Clinical research has shown that Arjuna bark extract enhances the strength of myocardial contractions, effectively acting as a natural cardiotonic. Studies published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India found significant improvements in heart function among patients with congestive heart failure who supplemented with Arjuna. The glycosides in the bark are thought to work in a manner similar to cardiac glycosides, but with far fewer side effects.

2. Supports Healthy Blood Pressure

Arjuna has demonstrated vasodilatory properties, meaning it helps relax and widen blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart. Its natural diuretic effect also helps the body eliminate excess sodium and fluid, contributing to lower blood pressure over time. For women navigating hormonal transitions — whether perimenopause or beyond — blood pressure can creep up silently. Arjuna offers gentle, natural support.

3. Balances Cholesterol and Lipid Levels

Multiple studies have documented Arjuna’s ability to reduce total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides while simultaneously raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. This lipid-balancing effect is particularly meaningful for long-term cardiovascular protection, as oxidized LDL cholesterol is a key driver of arterial plaque formation.

4. Powerful Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Action

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are now recognized as the root causes of most cardiovascular disease. Arjuna’s rich flavonoid content delivers exceptional antioxidant protection to arterial walls, reducing inflammation and protecting endothelial cells from damage. This is where Arjuna beautifully bridges the gap between Ayurvedic tradition and modern functional medicine.

5. Reduces Angina and Supports Ischemic Heart Conditions

Landmark research from the Kasturba Medical College in India demonstrated that Arjuna bark significantly reduced the frequency of angina attacks in patients with stable angina when compared to placebo. Its ability to improve oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, reduce ischemic episodes, and enhance exercise tolerance makes it valuable for anyone dealing with heart-related fatigue or chest discomfort.

 

“Arjuna is one of the few herbs backed by both millennia of clinical use and modern peer-reviewed research for cardiovascular support. It is my first recommendation when a client needs to nurture and protect their heart naturally.” — Lucy Liu, RD, Holistic Health Practitioner

How to Use Arjuna 

Arjuna is most commonly available as:

•       Standardized bark extract capsules (500–750 mg, twice daily with meals)

•       Arjuna churna (powder): ½–1 tsp in warm milk or water, morning and evening

•       Arjuna tea: simmer 1 tsp bark powder in 2 cups of water for 10–15 minutes

 

Traditional Ayurveda recommends taking Arjuna with warm milk (or a dairy-free alternative) as the milk acts as an anupana — a carrier that enhances absorption and delivery of the herb’s active constituents to the heart tissue.

Always choose a high-quality, organically sourced product, ideally standardized for arjunic acid content. As with any therapeutic herb, I recommend working with a qualified practitioner to individualize the dose to your unique constitution and health needs.

Safety & Considerations

Arjuna is considered very safe for long-term use. However, please note:

•       Consult your healthcare provider if you are taking blood pressure medications or anticoagulants, as Arjuna may have additive effects

•       Not recommended during pregnancy without professional guidance

•       Those with kidney disease should use under supervision due to its mild diuretic properties

•       Inform your cardiologist if you are incorporating Arjuna alongside conventional cardiac medications

Heart Health: The Holistic Picture

True heart health is never just about one herb or supplement. Arjuna works best as part of a broader heart-centered lifestyle. From my integrative practice, I recommend pairing Arjuna with:

•       A whole-food, plant-rich diet abundant in omega-3s, fiber, and polyphenols

•       Daily movement: even 30 minutes of gentle walking significantly reduces cardiovascular risk

•       Stress reduction practices: meditation, breathwork (pranayama), and time in nature are powerful heart medicines

•       Adequate sleep: the heart does its most important repair work during deep sleep

•       Emotional healing: in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart is the seat of the Shen (spirit). Unresolved grief and chronic stress are energetically taxing to the heart. Energy healing and mindfulness support heart coherence at a deeper level

     The heart, energetically, is a toroidal field that has the largest electromagnetic field in your body; it is the resting place of your soul. There is a connection between your heart and your breath. Let's dive into the ancient wisdom of breathwork and why it will transform your life from the inside out. Please check out more details here.  

 

Ready to Give Your Heart the Support It Deserves?

Book a personalized healing and nutrition consultation with Lucy Liu, RD, Holistic Health Practitioner.

Together, we’ll create a heart-centred wellness plan rooted in nature, science, and spirit.