HAWTHORNE: Herb Of The Month
Botanical name: Crateagus oxycantha
Constituents: flavonoid glycosides, oxycanthin, saponins, quercetin, pectins, calcium, vitamin C
Energetic qualities: sweet, sour, astringent, cool, dry, nourishing, restoring, calming, softening
Organ affinities: heart, arteries, blood, and nerves
Description: Hawthorne is a spiny tree or shrub that is native to Europe. It may reach a height of 30 feet. The fruit and blossoms are used medicinally.
Folk use: Historically the Hawthorne flowers and berries have been used primarily as heart tonics and mild diuretics in organic and functional heart disorders including the congestive heart failure, angina and high blood pressure.
Functions:
- Flavonoids stabilize Vitamin C and decrease capillary permeability
- Collagen stabilizing action
- Prevents free radical damage
- Decreases inflammation
- Improves blood supply to heart
- Improves heart strength and contraction
- Dilate blood vessels increasing oxygen and nutrients to the heart
- Improves energy production of the heart
- Decreases lactic acid in the heart muscle
Clinical applications:
- Atherosclerosis
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Angina
- Low Blood Pressure
- Arrhythmias
- Periodontal disease
- Poor circulation
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Hot flashes
Dosage:
The dosage depends on the preparation type and source material.
Hawthorne berries or flowers (tea): 1 tsp of flowers or berries /cup hot water
Hawthorne tincture (1:5): 1 dropper / 3 times per day
Hawthorne solid extract (1:1): 1-2 teaspoons per day
Hawthorne standardized extract (20% procyanidins): 100-250 mg per day
