Crataegus laevigata/Crataegus monogyna
GENERAL OVERVIEW:
With over 200 species of Hawthorn, chances are that you have seen it and didn’t know what you were looking at because it is widely used as a small flowering landscape shrub or tree. But Hawthorne is MUCH more than a pretty face! When you think Hawthorn think Heart.
In my opinion, this is the most important herb there is because it addresses two of the issues that most people have which are heart issues and cholesterol. Since cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the single most significant cause of premature death, it is wise to explore a plant that is believed to help with ANY heart problem. That is a heavy statement but read on and it will be justified.
Hawthorn strengthens heart and cardiac muscles so it is classified as a TONIC herb. Tonic herbs:
- alleviate conditions of weakness within the body,
- Can be taken every day usually with no side effects, and
- Usually support a single system.
Hawthorn herbal preparations have been used by many cultures to not only treat patients with heart disease but to prevent angina and congestive heart failure
The fruits and flowers in the treatment of weak heart combined with high blood pressure, to treat a heart muscle weakened by age, for inflammation of the heart muscle, arteriosclerosis and for nervous heart problems.
Hawthorn should be considered when attempting any weight loss endeavor. Hawthorn has antioxidant properties that help protect against the formation of plaques and may help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In other words…hawthorn melts fat!
As mentioned above, Hawthorn is widely used as a decorative hedge plant, it is very tolerant of neglect and interesting to note that drought and cold stress treatments caused increases in levels of (-)-epicatechin and hyperoside. That simply means that exposure to both high and low temperatures increased the antioxidant capacity of the extracts…they became more effective! So when temperatures fluctuate in your garden landscape, it can be beneficial as long as the plant itself survives. That being said, a position in full sun is best when plants are being grown for their fruit but being a true woodland species, it grows well in quite dense shade
While Western herbalists consider it a ‘food for the heart’ – the raw fruit (about 1cm in diameter) is not very appetizing when eaten raw and is frequently made into jams and preserves. Likewise, young leaves and young shoots can be eaten raw and, if grown organically, can be a nice addition to a salad. Leaves can also be used to make tea and the roasted seed, a coffee substitute. The wood makes an excellent fuel, giving out more heat than oak.
Hardy to zone 4 to 8
WARNINGS/PRECAUTIONS:
Adverse reactions relating to the use of hawthorn preparations are infrequent and mild, even at higher dosage ranges. HOWEVER (and as always) these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements may enhance or weaken prescribed medications that you are currently taking. As such, you should consult a licensed health care professional before starting any supplement, dietary, or exercise program — especially if you are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, or have any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.
FUN FACT or OPINION: According to Christian tradition, the Crown of Thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ was made of Hawthorn
Hawthorn can be found in these products that we offer:
OTHER NAMES AND ALTERNATE SPELLINGS:
Hawthorne, midland hawthorn, English hawthorn, woodland hawthorn, mayflower.
The species name is sometimes spelt C. levigata, but the original orthography is C. lævigata
DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus_laevigata
Kirakosyan A, Seymour E, Kaufman PB, Warber S, Bolling S, Chang SC. Antioxidant capacity of polyphenolic extracts from leaves of Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) subjected to drought and cold stress. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jul 2;51(14):3973-6. doi: 10.1021/jf030096r. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12822932/
https://www.une.edu/sites/default/files/adaptogens.pdf
http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productid=108&pid=33&gid=000016
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/english-hawthorn
https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Crataegus+laevigata
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