Hawthorn Berries

50g (1.75oz)

Medicinal Name: Crataegus oxyacantha

Properties: cardiotonic, antioxidant, reduce blood pressure, promote circulation

Treatment: angina, heart attacks, high blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heartbeat

Description:

Hawthorn is a safe, effective remedy for many circulatory problems. It is is an extremely valuable medicinal herb. It was known in the Middle Ages as a symbol of hope and taken for many ailments. Today it is used mainly for heart and circulatory disorders, in particular for angina. Western herbalists consider it literally to be a “food for the heart,” increasing blood flow to the heart muscles and restoring normal heartbeat. Recent research has confirmed the validity of these uses.

Hawthorn is used today to treat angina and coronary artery disease. It specifically improves heart function and is useful for mild congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeat. Like many herbs, hawthorn works in tune with the body’s own physiological processes and it takes time for change to occur.

Hawthorn is best thought of as a remedy that normalizes blood pressure. It clearly works to lower high blood pressure, but also appears to support blood pressure levels where these tend to be low.

Preparation:

Decoction- add 1-2 tsp of berries to 1-2 cups water and let boil for 3-5 minutes, then let simmer for 15-20 mins