Hawthorn's most valuable medicinal properties are its beneficial action on the heart - it has undisputed regulatory or tonic effect on the heart that provides an immense, useful and safe remedy for beginning cardio-vascular disease . 

                                       --Kat Morgenstern, sacredearth.com

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Common Name:   hawthorne berry

Botanical Name:   Crataeugus oxyacanthoides

Parts Used:            ripe and dried fruits

 

Not only is hawthorne berry a beautiful ornamental tree that you can easily grow, it is also considered an excellent cardiac tonic, normalizing the functions of the heart and circulatory system, offering relief for rapid or arrhythmic heartbeat, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris, and inflammation of the heart muscle. Using hawthorne regularly actually strengthens the heart muscle and benefits the entire circulatory system.

 

Hawthorne is well known for its effectiveness in treating both high and low blood pressure. It can be safely taken long term, and is effective at very low doses. Hawthorne berry will either stimulate or depress heart activity, depending upon the need, thereby moving the heart to normal function in a gentle way. It maybe safely used in heart failure, because in addition to helping support the heart, it is an excellent diuretic, relieving the fluid retention that contributes to heart failure. This dynamic, bright red berry has many other health benefits as well.

 

Hawthorne is also known as an astringent, antispasmodic and a sedative, and is very effective for treating anxiety. It is an excellent digestive herb that can regulate appetite either up or down as needed, as well as supporting digestion and assimilation. Hawthorne is also very effective for relieving insomnia.

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

The beautiful red hawthorn berries can be seen at the hawthorne tree at Healthy Heart. These tasty berries are harvested in September and October; and are available dried at Healthy Heart. Why not substitute them for the berries you make into jam?

Hawthorne also makes an awesome sore throat treatment, using the recipe below.

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Hawthorne Berry Syrup for Sore Throats (from Dorsey at Healthy Heart)

1 t dried hawthorne berries (crushed)

1 t dried rosehips

1 t dried elderberries

1 cup water

1/4 cup raw honey

1/2 t honey

 

First create a strong decoction by combining the herbs above to each one cup of water in a covered saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn heat down and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool till lukewarm, add honey and cinnamon. One dose is 1 teaspoon; do not take more than 2 teaspoons per day.

 

Contraindications, if any: Hawthorne berry should not be taken with blood pressure medication or cardiac rhythm regulation medication. It is possible to use hawthorne to perform these same functions without the side effects of the pharmaceutical medications, and while this can be very effective, qualified attention is essential. Consult an experienced natural health care practitioner to work with your regular physician to determine the correct dosing and course of treatment.