Matters of the Heart: A Valentine's Day Reflection

Valentine's Day Tea

This Valentine’s season has me thinking about the heart in a very literal way.

Recently, I went with my father to an ultrasound appointment. Sitting in that quiet room, watching the screen flicker to life, I saw his heart — beating, pumping, working steadily away. For something we rarely see, it was astonishing. Valves opening and closing like doors, chambers filling and emptying in perfect rhythm. It felt almost sacred to witness.

The human heart is a marvel. Roughly the size of a fist, it beats about 100,000 times a day, moving nearly 2,000 gallons of blood through the body. Four chambers work together — two atria receiving blood and two ventricles pushing it forward — while valves ensure everything flows in the right direction. It never clocks out, as long as we are living it keeps on beating.

And yet, as strong as the heart is, it’s also deeply affected by how we live.

How Time and Choices Shape the Heart

As we age, the heart muscle can stiffen, blood vessels lose elasticity, and plaque can build up along artery walls. Diets heavy in greasy, processed foods can increase inflammation and cholesterol, making the heart work harder than it should. Stress, lack of movement, poor sleep — all of these quietly add up.

None of us wants to imagine heart failure or disease, yet heart health isn’t built in a single moment. It’s shaped in daily habits — the small, repeated choices that either support or strain this incredible organ.

The good news? Some of those choices are not only easy… they’re enjoyable.

Tea: A Small Ritual with Big Heart Benefits

Tea has long been associated with calm, comfort, and connection — but it’s also a powerful ally for heart health. Studies have shown that regular tea consumption may help support healthy blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and protect blood vessels thanks to naturally occurring antioxidants like flavonoids and catechins.

Green tea, black tea, and herbal blends all bring their own benefits, whether it’s circulation support, stress reduction, or helping replace sugary or greasy habits with something gentler on the body.

A cup of tea won’t fix everything — but as part of a heart-conscious lifestyle, it becomes a meaningful ritual. A pause. A breath. A moment to care for yourself.

A Story Close to Our Heart

At IV Tea, heart health isn’t just a concept — it’s personal.

Our founder, Michael Hearn, experienced a heart attack at a young age. It was a moment that changed everything. Through his recovery, Michael began turning toward tea — not as a cure-all, but as a daily companion in restoring his health, supporting his heart, and reshaping his habits.

That journey became the foundation of IV Tea. What started as a personal path toward healing grew into a mission: to create teas that support wellness, invite mindfulness, and help others care for their hearts — one cup at a time.

A Valentine’s Message from the Heart

This Valentine’s Day, love doesn’t have to mean indulgence alone. It can also mean intention. Caring. Choosing rituals that support the people we love — including ourselves.

So whether you’re sharing tea with someone special, gifting a blend chosen just for them, or simply taking a quiet moment to sip and reflect, know that you’re doing something kind for your heart.

From all of us at IV Tea — thank you for being part of our story, our mission, and our community. Here’s to strong hearts, warm cups, and love that lasts well beyond February 14th. 💗☕