Hawthorn – The Medicinal Herb
October 9, 2009
Hawthorn is a native plant of the temperate regions of Europe, North America and Asia. The botanical name of hawthorn is Crataegus oxycanthus. This herb is also known as May blossom, May bush, May Tree, thorn apple, whitethorn and shan cha.
This shrub is a member of the rose family. The dried fruits, flowers and leaves of the hawthorn plant have several medicinal uses. In Europe, herbalists have been using this herb for centuries to treat heart ailments. Hawthorn is considered safe for consumption.
Benefits for the heart
Hawthorn is recommended for treating people with problems of congestive heart failure. The heart of individuals with congestive heart failure is unable to pump enough blood. Studies have found that consumption of hawthorn improves heart function. It also improves the exercising ability of people with congestive heart failure.
Hawthorn intake could also reduce fatigue and shortness of breath in people suffering from this heart condition. Hawthorn could also prevent plague formation in the coronary arteries. Plague formation or atherosclerosis narrows the arteries, reducing blood supply to the heart muscles. It causes angina and increases the risk of heart attack and heart failure.
The plant nutrients found in hawthorn could dilate the arteries and strengthens the heart muscles. Hawthorn consumption is especially effective in the early stage of heart diseases. To arrest progression of heart diseases and to reverse damages, one can drink hawthorn tea twice daily. To prepare hawthorn tea, pour a cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of hawthorn leaves or dried fruits, and allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
Hawthorn could help to normalize the blood pressure level. People suffering from hypertension could consume hawthorn tea or hawthorn supplement. Taking a quarter teaspoon of hawthorn extract everyday could help to reduce blood pressure level.
Reduces bad cholesterol
Hawthorn could reduce the level of low density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol in the blood stream.
Good for the skin
The mild astringent property of hawthorn is effective in treating acne, seborrhea, and inflammatory skin diseases.
Cures edema
Hawthorn is a natural diuretic. It can be used for treating edema and water retention caused by kidney problems.
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