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FEATURED HERB:
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a good example of an herb from folk and botanical medicine whose benefits to the heart and circulatory system have been confirmed by modern research. It's great advantage as a first line of defense against these conditions are due to it's very non-toxic, nutritional healing properties.
Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub found in many parts of the U.S., Europe and Asia, with many varieties known. It is often planted as an ornamental for its profuse and beautiful white to pink-shaded flowers. The medicinal properties are found in the ripe berries and young leaves and flowers. To make a fresh-herb extract I gather the flowers and young, light-green leaves, which come on at the same time. In the late summer/early fall I gather the ripe berries. A very good extract is made by combining all three, for the widest variety of beneficial constituents. The liquid extract and decoction are the best forms to use it in.
Hawthorn has been shown to provide nutrition to the heart muscle itself by its many flavanoids. Here is an example of the amazing way in which the body's own intelligence can direct nutritional substances to where they are needed in the body. These flavanoids also provide anti-oxidant and other effects that aid in arterial health. Hawthorn also has anti-spasmodic, nerve sedative, anti-coagulant, and anti-hypertensive properties.
Hawthorn, as stated, is used in many heart and circulatory conditions; especially as a preventative. It dilates the arteries feeding the heart, increasing blood flow without raising pressure. It lessens inflammation in the arteries, while aiding in dissolving plaque and reducing harmful cholestero (athero- and aretriosclerosis). Used for peripheral arterial insufficiency and essential hypertension. Thrombosis.
Hawthorn has nerve sedative properties, and is useful where stress and nervous response affects the heart: angina pains, irregular and racing heartbeat, with symptoms of fear/anxiety, insomnia; possible dizziness and/or vertigo. Heart problems with anxiety/hot flashes in menopause.
The Hawthorn is used for effects of inflammatory and infectious diseases on the heart: rheumatic heart; myo/endo/peri-carditis. An aid in valvular problems. Cardiac edema and dropsy.
Hawthorn is not necessarily a cure, but can have many beneficial effects in a wide-range of degenerative heart problems: heart weakness, fatty degeneration, enlarged heart.
For degenerative problems Hawthorn can and should be used over several months or longer.
Due to its strengthening effects on the heart, and its aid in blood-flow, it is also used by athletes and those who do strenuous exercize.
Combinations could include 2 parts hawthorn, 1 part Lily of the Valley for cardiac edema (incl. as aid in congestive heart failure). With Motherwort for nervous heart conditions. With Mistletoe for hypertension/high blood pressure. With Cayenne and/or Prickly Ash as circulatory stimulant. With Fenugreek, Dandelion for cholesterol.
Hawthorn is thought to have a potentizing effect on digitalis-derived drugs (like digoxin, lenoxin), so care is to be taken, although it may also indicate one could lessen the dose of the drug. Anecdotal evidence suggest it can be used with beta-blockers.
In any case of heart disease, or use with any other medications it is advised to start with a smaller dose and work your way up; as it is something to be used over a period of time anyway, and its effects are cumulative.
The dosage of the liquid extract (1:2) is 10 to 30 drops 2 to 3 x a day.
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