Crataegus

It is a plant with small red fruits that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a thorny shrub, from which the leaves, flowers and fruits are used for various health purposes.

One of the most well-known properties of hawthorn is its cardioprotective action. It is often used to relieve symptoms such as palpitations, nervousness and arrhythmia. There are several indications that it can be used in cases of congestive heart failure, but also in pressure problems (hypertension, hypotension), as well as in atherosclerosis, but further research is needed. It can improve the amount of blood pumped by the heart during contractions, dilates blood vessels and increases the transmission of nerve signals.
In addition, it seems that hawthorn can help in the effort to reduce total and LDL cholesterol. Finally, there is some evidence that hawthorn can contribute to better management of mental stress and anxiety. It seems to have a mild sedative effect, which is why it is often used for insomnia.

Active ingredients
Bioflavonoids (rutin, quercetin), triterpenoids, cyanide glycosides, amines (trimethylamine-only in flowers), polyphenols, coumarins, tannins. It contains flavonoids (quercetin, vitexin), anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, which have an effect on the cardiovascular system, a strong vitamin P-type effect.
These also give the color to the fruit, from blue to red, not only to hawthorn, but also to many other fruits such as blackberry, cherry, grape. Flavonoids also have a synergistic effect with vitamin C, as they stabilize it by protecting it from oxidation, consequently increasing its intracellular levels.
What particularly characterizes hawthorn is the presence of cardiotonic amines (phenylethylamine, methoxy-phenylethylamine, tyramine and isobutylamine), choline, aceticholamine, purines (adenosine, adenine, guanine and caffeic acid), amygdalin, pectin and triterpenes.

Consumed as a drink – add 2-3 spoons of the herb to a mug of boiled water and consume up to 3 times a day.

Origin: Greece. 

Stored: In a dark and cool (5oC – 15oC) place

Warnings

The information given about the herbs and their properties has been drawn from books, botanical literature and research. They do not in any way constitute medical advice or prescription.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication or have any health problems.