Healing the Heart with Hawthorn
Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna.
Hawthorn berries are ripe at the end of Summer and usually ready to harvest in September. You can identify the small fruit tree by the long thorns along it’s stems.
Hawthorn berry, like many dark red berries, are a rich source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help neutralize free radical cellular damage in the body.
It is a well-known heart tonic as it improves heart function and reduces the potential for heart-failure symptoms like shortness of breath and exhaustion. It has anti-inflammatory properties that support the whole body.
In Chinese medicine, hawthorn berry is a commonly recommended food to help treat high blood pressure. It is a vasodilator that can relax constricted blood vessels, and lower diastolic blood pressure. Hawthorn extract helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as lower liver triglyceride levels, and reduces the thickness of plaque buildup in the carotid artery.
Hawthorn berries have a tart, slightly sweet taste. Try not to eat the seeds as they contain cyanide (similar to apple seeds). Make the berries into jam, pie filling, and syrup.
The berries stimulate digestion and work well in a digestive herbal formula.
The dried berries, flowers, and leaves all make a wonderful tea. The flowers (like so many flowers) are edible. Hawthorn berries can be fermented into wine and vinegar.
Chinese Hawthorn, Crataegus pinnatifida.
Has been researched and tested for its powerful anxiolytic properties that lower anxiety levels and provide relief. Many herbalists combine hawthorn with other calming, nervine herbs like California Poppy, Valerian, and Passionflower.
Hawthorn berries are contraindicated when a person is taking heart medication, blood thinning medication, and should be avoided. If you're taking medication and you're considering using hawthorn, consult your health care provider for a safe interaction.
Hawthorn could slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using hawthorn at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Disclaimer:
Herbal supplements are not intended to prevent or cure any specific disease. Consult with your Health Care Provider, Herbalist, Nutritionist, or Registered Dietitian before taking an herbal supplement to determine the proper dosage and to clarify any contraindications for allergies, pregnancy, and/or interactions with medications.
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