Hawthorn

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Hawthorn is a European shrub with thorny branches of which herbalist use the flowers, fruit, and leaves.

Identified by its crimson berries and blue-green leaves, the herb is also called the Mayflower, because of its beautiful white flowers that primarily bloom in May.

The herb is prescribed as a mild heart tonic. The berries act in a normalizing way upon the heart by either stimulating or depressing its activity depending upon the need. The berries will move the heart to normal function in a gentle way and for long-term treatment they may safely be used in heart failure or weakness.

It is believed to increase the pumping force of the heart muscle and to eliminate arrhythmias. Some practitioners think that hawthorn may have a calming effect on the nervous system, and sometimes recommend it as a remedy for insomnia.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally in conjunction with conventional medical treatment for:

* high blood pressure, clogged arteries, heart palpitations, angina, inflammation of the heart muscle

Take internally for:

* insomnia and nervous conditions

Use a gargle for:

* sore throat

PREPARATIONS:

Hawthorn is available as a fluid extract, dried berries and leaves, and in capsules.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion:

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 teaspoons of the berries and leaves to infuse for 20 minutes. This should be drunk 3 times a day over a long period.

Tincture:

Take 2-4 ml of the tincture 3 times a day.

Part Used: Ripe fruits

Collection: The berries are collected in early fall and mid-fall.

Constituents: Saponins, glycosides, flavonoids, acids including ascorbic acid, tannin

Actions: Cardiac tonic, hypotensive, diuretic

SIDE EFFECTS:

Taking large amounts of may result in a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which could possibly cause you to faint.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* WARNING: Use this herb as a heart tonic only if you have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, angina, and ONLY in consultation with a physician. Please do not practice self-diagnosis.

* Pregnant or nursing women and children should use this herb only under the direction of a medical herbalist or a licensed health care professional.

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