Hawthorne is known as an herb that is beneficial for the heart. The berries, flowers, and leaves are used to nourish and fortify the heart and its arteries. As a result, the heart muscle may be able to work more effect or begin to heal itself.
Personal Story
While I have not ever used Hawthorn personally, I consider it a front-line herb choice if I ever have need of its calming effects for cardiac symptoms of anxiety like increased blood pressure or palpitations.
Uses for Hawthorn
The primary applications for hawthorn are:
- Angina
- Arrhythmia
- Arteriosclerosis
- Blood pressure, high/low
- Heart conditions
- Heart palpitations
- Hypoglycemia
Secondary applications include:
- Arthritis
- Blood clots
- Edema
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Liver disorders
- Rheumatism
- Sleeplessness
- Stress
Hawthorn in Combination with Other Herbs
For anti-anxiety, hawthorn is combined with other nutrients and nervine herbs such as magnesium and California poppy. Or it can be combined with passionflower and white willow.
Safety
Hawthorn is Class 1, which means it is an herb that a person can safely consume with appropriate use. People who are taking digitalis should be informed that hawthorn can have a potentiating effect if it is combined with the medicine.
Infusion
Here are instructions on how to make a hot infusion of Hawthorn leaf, flower or berry.
Ingredients:
1 part coarsely ground herb (or 2 parts fresh, un-dried herb)
20 parts boiling water for herb (or 2 cups for fresh herb)
Directions:
- Place herb into a warmed lidded container.
- Pour boiling water over herb.
- Stir well.
- Cover container tightly.
- Let stand 20 -30 minutes in a warm place.
A half cup of hawthorn infusion can be taken first thing every morning and the last thing before bed at night. Regular use is recommended. For the first three months, a third dose may be added mid-day. Susan Weed states that “Traditional European herbalists always add a big spoon of honey to hawthorn tea or infusion. They believe that sweetness heals the heart.”
Other Hawthorne Herbal Medicines
Hawthorn is also well-suited to be made into glycerite or tincture medicines. These can be purchased or made at home.
Action Step
Learning how to care for yourself or family members using herbal medicines is not hard. It is worth your time, and I would be glad to help.
May God bless your healthful endeavors!
Joni
P.S. How have your used herbal medicines like hawthorn?
Resources:
Naturally Healthy Herbs, by Shonda Parker
Today’s Herbal Health, by Louise Tenney, M.H.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/November08/healingwise.htm
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