Hawthorn berries Herbal Information
NAME
Hawthorn
LATIN NAME
Crataegus laevigata
ALSO KNOWN AS
Hawthorne, Haw, May, Mayblossom, and Mayflower.
ORIGIN
England and continental Europe.
PARTS USED
Flowers, leaves, and fruits.
TRADITIONAL HERBAL USES AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Hawthorn berries offer a natural Heart remedy for conditions such as heart disease, arrhythmia (uneven heart beat), and angina. They are known to dilate the coronary arteries and blood vessels, and improve blood supply and circulation, as well as improve the blood pumping force, reduce cholestral and normalise blood pressure.
Hawthorn has also been acknowledged to speed recovery in heart attack patients.
It is also known as a heart tonic for those with a healthy heart, to boost circulation and promote well being. it has also been used to mend heart break and open a heart that is shut down emotionally.
FOLKLORE AND HISTORY
To the ancient Greeks and Romans hawthorn is rich in symbolism, linked to hope, marriage, and fertility. Greek bridesmaids wore fragrant blossoms and brides carried a Hawthorn bough. The Romans used it to ward off evil spirits. In Christianity the crown of thorns worn by Christ was thought to be Hawthorn. He 17th centuary herbalist Nicholas Culpepper praised it as a remedy for kidney stones and dropsy.
CONSTITUENTS
Contains bioflavonoids, vitexin, quercetin, and hyperoside, crataegin, carotene, flavonoids and sugars.
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS AND
SUGGESTED DOSAGE
Hawthorn Berries
1-2 teasp per cup boiling water up to 3 times a day
Herbal Tincture
Extraction Ratio 1:3
Alcohol Vol. 45%
2-4ml tincture up to 3 times a day
Or as recommended by a herbal practitioner.
PRECAUTIONS
No contraindications known with prescriptive cardiac medications or other drugs. Suitable for long term use. Large amounts of Hawthorn can cause sedation.
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