Hawthorne Berry: Culinary and Medicinal Uses

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Hawthorne Berry: Culinary and Medicinal Uses

JoAnn Guest

Apr 29, 2006 20:02 PDT

 

 

 

Both ancient and modern herbalists have successfully used hawthorn

for

its food and health benefits. Modern science shows that hawthorne

contains chemical components which are sedative, anti-spasmodic and

diuretic.

http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/hawthorne.htm

 

If you intend to use it for medicinal purposes, look for C.

laevigata,

C. monogyna, or C. pinnatifida, as these hybrids are known best for

their medicinal uses. Read how to make a tincture or an infusion

using

hawthorne flowers or berries.

 

The hawthorne berry is one of the best cardiac tonics available, and

is

often used to treat high bloodpressure.

 

Hawthorne berries are used to treat childhood diabetes. .

 

Hawthorne flower tea is a safe diuretic.

 

Hawthorne berries, dried and crushed and made into a decoction,

eases

diarrhea and dysentery, kidney inflammations and disorders. See

Cautions.

 

The young hawthorne leaves can be used as a safe, and non-nicotine

tobacco substitute for those who desire to quite smoking. Enhance

the

flavor and help heal the throat by adding yarrow, mint, coltsfoot or

mullein.

 

Chewing the hawthorne leaf has been known for centuries as a safe

way to

give nourishment, revive energy, and a feeling of well-being.

 

That is why it can be used to treat those who have problems with

apprehension, insomnia and despondency.

 

Chewing hawthorne leaves takes away that `tummy grumble' when you're

hungry. That is why the hawthorne became known as the `bread and

cheese'

tree, giving as much sustenance as a plate of bread and cheese.

 

The hawthorne leaf-buds are good cooked (10 to 20 minutes) and have

a

similar taste to lima beans. They make a great addition to chilis

and

soups.

 

You can make jellies and fruit sauces from the berries, just make

sure

you strain the sauce. Hawthorne berries contain their own pectin so

the

sauce or jelly will thicken nicely.

 

Hawthorne flowers are edible and make an attractive addition to

salads

and other dishes.

 

Hawthorne seeds can be roasted and used in a manner similar to

coffee.

 

Cautions

Hawthorne is a very powerful herb and in most cases should be taken

along with other herbs rather than by itself. When dealing with

medical

conditions, I recommend consultation with a medical professional

rather

than attempting self-medication.

 

Other Uses

 

Hawthorne hedgerow is still very evident in Britain and parts of

Germany, used as a fence to keep cattle in and people out of private

properties. Hedgerow makes a great security fence.

 

 

ChamomileTimes

http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/hawthorne.htm

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets