Hawthorn (Crataegus Laevigata) grows as a shrub or a tree with pink or white flowers that blossom on May and June. It produces small clusters of berries and grows in temperate regions of the the Northern hemisphere : Europe, Asia, And North America. In England it is widely grown as a hedge plant. Its trunk and stems consist of hard wood and a smooth ash grey bark. The branches as thorny and the small shiny leaves are dark green.
Benefits of Hawthorn
Herbalists regard hawthorn as one of the most important cardiovascular remedies. It is prescribed for a range of cardio vascular problems, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, angina, irregular heart beat, shortness of breath, fatigue and tiredness in those who suffer from congestive heart failure. Research shows that Hawthorn improves blood flow to the heart itself, ensuring that muscle cells are well oxygenated. Hawthorn further reduces the build up of fatty plaques in blood vessels.
Hawthorn is also beneficial as an antispasmodic, a sedative , a vasodilator (good for heart muscle weakened by age) and as anti-inflammatory.
How To Use Hawthorn
Hawthorn is available in capsules, tinctures and "Tea" but here at Ferlow Botanicals we use Hawthorn in a simple tincture and also we offer a combined Tincture with other heart boosting ingredients.
Original Article by Klaus Ferlow