Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxyacantha)

Hawthorn is a thorny shrub with small red fruits that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It was known in the Middle Ages as a symbol of hope and was administered for many diseases. Today it is mainly used for heart and circulatory disorders and especially for angina pectoris.

Properties:

• It is used to relieve symptoms such as palpitations, nervousness and arrhythmia.
• Effective against congestive heart failure, pressure problems (hypertension, hypotension), as well as atherosclerosis.
• It improves the amount of blood pumped by the heart during contractions, dilates blood vessels and increases the transmission of nerve signals.
• It can help in the effort to lower total and LDL cholesterol.
• It contributes to the better management of mental stress and anxiety. It seems to have a mild sedative effect, which is why it is often used for insomnia.
• It is also used to treat tapeworm and other intestinal infections.
• It is a good diuretic, and provides a solution to menstrual problems.

How to use: Put 1 teaspoon in a mug of hot water for 6-8 minutes. Strain and add, if desired, sugar, honey or any sweetener of your choice.

Caution! Do not consume during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Although hawthorn is considered safe for most adults to take short-term (up to 16 weeks), it may cause some people to feel sick, dizzy, tired, upset stomach, insomnia, increased heart rate, headache, sweating, or other problems. It is also possible can interact with many cardiovascular drugs, so you need to be very careful and consult with your doctor.