Page 241 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Hawthorn works best for people who do mild aerobic
exercise (always talk to a doctor first.)

Irregular Heart Rhythms: People who take
hawthorn for heart related problems report a signifi-
cant decline in heart palpitations.

Atherosclerosis: Hawthorn helps open up the
blood vessels and increase blood flow, which relieves
or reduces the symptoms of atherosclerosis.

High Blood Pressure: Hawthorn berries, flowers,
and leaves are all effective at reducing diastolic blood
pressure. Hawthorn must be used regularly over a
number of weeks to see results.
High Cholesterol: People who take hawthorn ber-

EugeneZelenko, CC by SA 3.0 ries have a reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol and
as a jam or jelly. They can be dried and ground for add- overall cholesterol levels. It also has a beneficial effect
ing to breads. Young shoots are good eaten raw. The on triglycerides, liver cholesterol, and loss of body fat.
dried leaves make a pleasant tea and the seeds can be Overall Health Tonic: Hawthorn berries are anti-
roasted and used as a coffee substitute. Use the flowers inflammatory and contain powerful antioxidants that
as flavoring for syrups and puddings. remove free radicals that cause damage in the body.
Medicinal Use: Hawthorn has many medicinal These two properties are extremely beneficial in main-
uses, but its value for heart patients is its most signifi- taining health and preventing chronic disease in the
cant. For heart patients, it is usually taken daily as a tea body. Hawthorn berry protects the body from oxida-
or tincture and is considered a very safe herb. Long tive stress, kills off many strains of bacteria, and pro-
term, consistent use is necessary to get the benefits. tects the organs.
People who do not like the tea or tincture can use haw- Immune System: The antioxidants in hawthorn
thorn powder in a capsule. The berries, flowers, and help boost the immune system and eliminate toxins
leaves are all used medicinally. from the body. Additionally, hawthorn contains high

Hawthorn for Your Heart. Heart Failure: amounts of vitamin C, which improves the ability of
Hawthorn is a common herbal go to for heart ailments. your white blood cells to fight infections.
People who follow a daily regimen of hawthorn along Improved Digestion, Intestinal Infections:
with moderate exercise and a good diet do very well. Hawthorn tea improves the digestive process. It helps
Editor’s Note: Heart failure is a serious condition and reduce constipation, bloating, and cramping along
should not be self-treated. Please see your doctor and with treating intestinal infections and parasites such as
follow his or her advice. tapeworms.

Heart Disease: Hawthorn has many beneficial ef- Skin Conditions: Hawthorn berries can be used
fects for the heart and treats multiple causes and symp- topically to relieve skin conditions like eczema and
toms, including: lowering blood pressure, improving psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory properties help re-
heart rate, cardiac output, and tolerance for moderate lieve swelling, rashes, itching, and help wounds heal.
exercise.
Malaria and Other Fevers: The bark of the haw-
Angina Pectoris: Angina is caused by decreased thorn tree is an astringent and provokes sweating. This
blood flow to the heart and can be a symptom of heart property makes it useful in treating fevers from ma-
disease. Treatment with hawthorn is effective in pre- laria and other causes.
venting and treating the underlying causes and the
symptoms. It dilates the blood vessels, improving Harvesting: Collect flowers and leaves when availa-
blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body. ble and dry in a dehydrator on low or hang to dry. Col-
lect fruit when ripe for drying. Fruit needs to be pierced
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