Hawthorn: the flower of the heart
The floral blooming of the Hawthorn bush in May is usually a sign that Spring is turning to Summer. The days are longer and brighter encouraging us outdoors to work, play and relax. Seasonally, it’s a time to be more active and social. Energetically, Hawthorn is associated with laughter, growth, fire, heat, the colour red, the heart and small intestines. So, if you have physical or emotional heart issues that will limit your ability to be active and / or social then a Hawthorn remedy could be for you.
Herbal remedy: Crataegus spp.
The leaves, flowers, and fruit can all be used and it is often combined with other herbs such as Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) for anxiety-related heart issues and Linden or Lime flowers (Tilia spp) for a heart general tonic.
Conditions it can benefit
Results recorded from clinical trials, confirm it is beneficial in the treatment of Cardiovascular Disease. It may assist with:
Decreasing blood pressure (BP) - regular hawthorn tea can be used safely and effectively along-side most blood pressure medicines if your BP if mild to moderately high.
Mild angina (chest pain)
Palpitations and intermittent episodes of tachycardia (fast heartbeat) and benign arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Reducing mild anxiety
Reducing cholesterol
Improving cardiac blood flow
Maintaining healthy peripheral circulation
Maintaining healthy arterial and vascular health
Maintaining healthy heart muscle function
Improving physical stamina and alleviating fatigue
Chemical constituents
Oligomeric procyanidins – as astringents, these precipitate proteins which provide a protective barrier in exposed mucus membranes. They improve blood flow and vein function to ease swelling and lower blood pressure.
Flavonoids including quercetin glycosides (hyperoside, rutin) and flavone-C-glycosides (vitexin). These have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive effect (in healthy individuals). They help reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and improve endothelial dysfunction.
Terpenoids, sesquiterpenes and triterpenes - these have antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antimalarial effects.
Homeopathic remedy: Crataegus
Used as a heart tonic for: chronic heart disease with weakness; heart failure; pain in the heart area; high blood pressure; and arteriosclerosis.
A homeopath may also use this remedy if you feel irritable, cross, melancholy, hurried and flurried and if you get a rush of blood to the head with confused feeling, followed by a feeling of quiet and calmness mentally.
Hawthorn Flower essence remedy
Used to work on the heart chakra to open it up and enhance feelings of giving and receiving love.
It is given to help heal broken hearts and to deal better with disappointments, anger and bitterness. By easing these negative emotions, it can help avoid the physical illnesses which could result such as heart disease.
Always seek qualified practitioners and always check with your doctor before undertaking new therapies.
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