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| Common Names : Mayblossom, whitethorn, Red Haw; Mayflower |
| Sexual Tonic Actions: Heart Tonic *Cholesterol Control * Hypertension HBP * |
| Common Uses: |
| Parts Used: Flowers, leaves, berries |
| Constituents:tannins, flavonoids, essential oil, triterpene-carbonic acids and purine derivatives |
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Hawthorn berries have been used as a heart tonics for thousands of years, the hawthorn tree was once regarded as sacred, probably from a tradition that it furnished the Crown of Thorns. Hawthorn berry extracts and supplements remain one of our most valued herbal heart tonics. A great deal of scientific study has validated hawthorn's benefits to the cardiovascular system.
(1) Hawthorn works by dilating coronary arteries, and improving oxygenation and energy metabolism in the heart. Treament with hawthorn has also shown decreases lactic acid, the waste product of exertion that causes heart muscle pain. Hawthorn has the ability to normalize blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure and restoring low blood pressure to normal, making hawthorn berry one of the supreme herbal heart tonics. Both hawthorn flowers and berries are used in herbal medicine, but the berries are considered stronger.
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Preparation Methods :Fresh or dried berries may be taken as a tincture or as a decoction from the dried berries, or the delicious fresh berries may be eaten in season to fortify the heart, possibly the mildest way to use the herb. Hawthorn is also sold in capsule form and is often combined with other herbs in herbal formulas.
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| Side Effects: |
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| None. Hawthorn is safe, and can be considered a medicinal food. |
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- James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)
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