October 2, 2002

HAWTHORN

Latin Name: Crataegus oxyacantha

Alternate Names: Haw, May Blossom, May Day Flower, White Thorn

Family: ROSACEAE

Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, berries (collected after first hard frost).

Properties: Astringent, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Vasodilator.

Internal Uses: Angina, Arrhythmia, Arteriosclerosis, Blood Clots, Bradycardia, Hemorrhoids, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Hypotension, Infertility, Insomnia, Loose Teeth, Obesity, Pulmonary Edema, Tachycardia, Varicose Veins

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Paste, Syrup.

It is a mild astringent. Hawthorn increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen and the heart's ability to utilize calcium. It can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure and slowly break down cholesterol and fat deposits. It strengthens the contractive force of the heart and gently dilates and relaxes the coronary blood vessels. Hawthorn can also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs. Use to help one better retain a chiropractic adjustment. In China, it is used for weight loss.

Culinary uses: Fruits can be eaten raw or made into pemmican, jam and soup. Hawthorn is so effective as a medicine in softening hard substances that the Chinese use it in cooking tough old chickens. Added to wine.

Energetics: Sour, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Vitamin C, flavonoids (quercitin, quercitrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then leaves, then berries).

Contraindications: Using Hawthorn may potentiate the effects of heart medications. Consult with a competent health professional, as the medication dosage may need to be lowered. Use with caution in cases of colitis and ulcers.

Comments: The genus name Crataegus comes from the Greek, kratos, referring to the hardness of the wood. In Celtic folklore, fairies are said to hang out in Hawthorn groves. Both Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorn with marriage and fertility.

The common name Hawthorn includes the species Craetegus douglasii, Craetegus columbiana, Craetegus cuneata, Craetegus pinnatifida, and other Craetegus species, which are used interchangeably with Craetegus oxyacantha.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), October 02, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), October 02, 2002.