Hawthorn is a wild medicinal and edible plant used since the Middle Ages to treat cardiovascular problems. It lowers blood pressure while strengthening the heart muscle. In symbolic phytotherapy, it also accompanies the emotional sphere. Discover how hawthorn works, in which cases and how to use it.
L'aubépine : présentation botanique
Hawthorn, crataegus laevigata by its botanical name, is a thorny shrub of the Rosaceae family that commonly grows in our hedgerows and forests. In therapy, we use the flowering tops harvested in late spring. Hawthorn is hardy and can live for centuries!
Usage traditionnel de l'aubépine
As stated in the introduction, Hawthorn is a remedy that was already used in the Middle Ages. It was recommended to relieve the problems of gout, pleurisy and leucorrhoea. In the 17th century, it was used to treat blood pressure. It was not until the 19th century that a country doctor, Dr. Bonnejoy recognized the antispasmodic effects of the plant.
Principaux composants de l'aubépine
Leaves, fruits and flowers contain:
flavonoids including hyperoside, rutoside and spireoside.
terpenic acids.
phenol acids
proanthocyanidols
cyanogenetic heterosides
aromatic amines
Principales propriétés pharmacologiques
Action régulatrice du système cardiovasculaire
Cardiotonic
cardioprotective.
action onblood pressure.
Flavonoids help increaseblood flow to the heart, thus dilating the coronary arteries. Furthermore, Hawthorn regulates the heart rate and reduces nervous system excitability.
Its action on blood pressure is regulatory. It resets the pressure to a normal level whether it is too high or too low.
Studies show that taking 500 mg of standardized extract of hawthorn daily for 10 weeks decreases diastolic pressure significantly in a resting subject with mild hypertension.
In another study, these were diabetic patients aged 60 years on average on hypoglycemic therapy for whom taking 1200 mg of hawthorn extract for 16 weeks lowered diastolic pressure by 2.6 mmHg.
Action sur l'anxiété
Aubépine et symbolisme
Hawthorn is a thorny bush. It reminds you of your duty to protect your inner world. These white sheets contrasting with the blackness of its wood, invites you to go and draw from your own depths your own light while becoming aware that behind every difficulty is a teaching.
Generally heartbreak extinguishes your inner flame, makes you forget your bright nature and plunges you into the twists and turns of your darkness. The Spirit of Hawthorn reconnects you to your heart and therefore, to Love.
To relieve heartache, reduce anxiety following a difficult love breakup, a few drops of Hawthorn Bud in a little water will work on the emotional and vibrational levels.
Utilisation interne de l'Aubépine
In infusion, dosages are in the range of 10 to 20 g of flowers per liter of boiling water. 2 to 3 cups per day in 21 days cure.
Mother tincture: macerate one cup of flowers in 2 cups of brandy for 15 days. Dilute 1 teaspoon in a little water before lunch and dinner. For 21 days.
Young Shoots Glycerin Macerate: 10 to 15 drops per day to be taken diluted in a little water. To be taken outside of meals. Keep in mouth for a few moments before swallowing.
The action of hawthorn is slow to take hold. It takes about 8 weeks to start feeling the benefits. However, its effects last a long time, even after the supplementation is stopped, as long as an adapted and personalized lifestyle is put in place (Mediterranean-type diet/ regular and moderate physical activity/ restful sleep/ stress management).
Did you know?
The young leaves in spring are very tender. You can add them to your wild salads with dandelion, plantain, nettles, etc... Cenelles are also edible and very nutritious (source of vitamin C). Reduced to flour, they complete porridges, preparations for bread...
Précaution d'emploi
Hawthorn potentiates antihypertensive, digitalis, and lipid-lowering treatments. In case of cardiovascular treatments allopathic or homeopathic, please talk to your doctor, only he/she has the authority to modify a current or future treatment.