2005. Awaiting revision 2007
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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