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Edited 2009
CRATAEGUS LAEVIGATA - HAWTHORNHawthorn is
a thorny tree that thrives in hedgerows and fields in the
temperate regions of Europe and the British Isles. Its
name originates from the Greek word kratos meaning
strength and refers to the nature of the wood. Other
names include white thorn and hogberry. It blooms in May
producing luscious red fruits and hence receives one of
its most popular names, May-blossom.
Folklore Hawthorn
was regarded as a valuable heart remedy as far back as
the Middle Ages. The Hawthorn
was considered sacred in early times and believed to
furnish the Crown of Thorns. Legend has it that between
AD30-63 Joseph of Aramathea came to England and planted
his hawthorn staff in Glastonbury soil. This became known
as the Glastonbury Thorn and grew and
blossomed at Christmas and Easter as if in celebration of
the Christian Year. The Celts used Hawthorn
in May celebrations using it to dress maypoles and
symbolic effigies, and associated it with
fertility.
Uses of Hawthorn
Hawthorn's
therapeutic actions come from the berries, flowers and
leaves. The total complex of plant constituents is
considered valuable as a remedy for those with
circulatory and cardiac problems.
It is believed to regulate and support these systems and be
beneficial to use in the following conditions:
-
Angina - Believed to give relief from
cramp-like symptoms.
-
Mild congestive heart failure - Believed to
increase cardiac output and increase the
flow of blood through the coronary
arteries.
-
Arrhythmia (irregular heart beat) - Thought
to counteract rhythm
disturbances.
-
High blood pressure - Believed to cause
vasodilatation of peripheral blood vessels
and lower blood pressure.
-
Nervous Heart Disorders (palpitations) -
Believed to have a sedative effect on the
nervous system which may render it useful
in heart conditions where the nerves are
involved.
-
Heart Weakness - as caused by infectious
diseases e.g. pneumonia, scarlet fever and
diphtheria. Is believed to restore and
support heart function.
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It is
also believed to encourage concentration and memory
function as it improves circulation of blood and oxygen
to the brain!
Dosage of Hawthorn
Tea: It is preferable to use a mixture of
flowers and leaves. If berries are used it is better to decoct
than diffuse. Use 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of boiling water.
Infuse for 20mins. Drink 2-3 cups daily.
Tincture:
(1:5) 50-100 drops 3 x daily
Fluid
Extract: (1:1) 10-20 drops 3 x daily
Capsules:
(min 325mg) 1-2 capsules 3-6 x daily. Or follow the
instructions on any proprietary pack of Hawthorn
being used.
Cautions Hawthorn
is considered to be a non-toxic herb. It does not
accumulate in the body as Digitalis does. There are no
apparent side effects and is not believed to lead to
dependence. Due to this Hawthorn
is believed to be safe to use over long periods.
Hawthorn
is believed to possess hypotensive action and as a result
should be used with caution in low blood pressure.
Studies have shown the herb to decrease blood pressure
even further and in some instances cause fainting. Check
with your doctor before taking hawthorn if you are taking
any medication for blood pressure.
Summary Hawthorn
is considered a valuable herb for the heart and
cardiovascular system. It may combine well with Melissa
and Lavender in nervous heart conditions. In hypertension
it may combine well with Lime Blossom, Yarrow and
Mistletoe. As long as it is avoided in low blood pressure
it can be taken with benefit by anyone who wants to
support the function of the heart.
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