Hawthorn (Crategus oxyacantha)

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Hawthorn (Crategus oxyacantha)

May 16, 2006 17:52 PDT

 

 

http://indianspringherbs.com/Hawthorn.htm

 

There are a number of different species of Hawthorn growing in the

United States. The one shown here is English Hawthorn.

 

This species is most often listed as a medicinal plant in

herbals of European and American tradition, though many species are

used interchangeably for medicinal purposes.

 

 

Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

Other Names: Haw, May Bush, May Tree, May Blossom, Mayflower,

Quickset, Thorn-Apple Tree, Whitethorn, Hawthorne, English Hawthorn

Flowers: Spring through early summer.

Parts Used: Berries & Flowers

 

Constituents: Flavonoid glycosides, saponins, procyanidines,

trimethylamine, condensed tannins.

 

History: A number of Hawthorns were used as medicine by American

Indians. The Potawatomi used Hawthorn to treat stomachache. The

Ojibwa

used a root decoction of one Hawthorn to treat diarrhea and

dysentery.

The Chippewa used a root decoction as a tonic and strengthener for

female ailments. The Meskwaki also used Hawthorn fruits for bladder

ailments. They used it as a general tonic, astringent, and a cardiac

strengthener. The Omaha-Ponco and Winnebagos ate the mealy Hawthorn

fruits as food during times of famine. The Cherokee ate the somewhat

bitter fruits as an appetite stimulant, as well as to improve

circulation and relieve cramps. The Kwakiutl chewed the leaves and

used

them as a poultice for wounds and sores.

 

Medicinal Properties:

Properties: Antispasmodic, Astringent, Cardiac, Diuretic, Sedative,

Tonic, Vasodilator.

 

Main Uses: Angina, irregular heartbeat, blood pressure disorders,

congestive heart failure, hypertension, coronary artery disease,

high

cholesterol, nervous disorders, insomnia, Reynaud's syndrome

(hardening

of the arteries), and sore throat.

 

Studies have shown that Hawthorn extracts are effective at reducing

angina and of lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol.

 

Hawthorn improves the blood and oxygen supply to the heart by

dilating

the coronary vessels while improving the metabolic process of the

heart.

Flavonoids within the Hawthorn inhibit constriction of the vessels

in a

manner similar to the calcium-channel blockers.

 

Hawthorn also increases energy production within the heart by

utilizing

the oxygen produced by the presence of the flavonoids.

 

In the case of cholesterol reduction, Hawthorn contains procyanidins

which have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and size of

cholesterol containing plaques in the arteries.

 

The lowered blood pressure effects dilates the larger blood vessels

and

also inhibits angiotensen-converting enzyme. This process is mildly

diuretic in nature and increases the functional capacity of the

heart.

The effects generally are not seen until after two weeks of

treatment.

There are no known side effects and the body tolerates Hawthorn well.

 

Hawthorn has also been used in treating arthritis and rheumatism and

for

emotional stress and nervous conditions.

 

Safety: Safe for long term use. There are no known interactions with

prescription cardiac medications or other drugs. There are no known

contraindications to its use during pregnancy or lactation. Large

amounts of Hawthorn may cause sedation and/or a significant drop in

blood pressure, possibly resulting in faintness. If this happens,

reduce

the dosage.

 

Preparation And Dosages: Harvest the red berries in the fall.

Tincture: [Fresh berries, 1:2; Dry berries, 1:5; 60% alcohol] 10 to

30

drops, up to 3 times a day.

 

Infusion: Use 2 teaspoons of crushed berries per cup of boiling

water.

Steep 20 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups per day.

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets