Latin Name
Crataegus laevigata (or Crataegus oxyacantha)

General Description
Herbalists use the flowers, fruit and leaves of the hawthorn, a European shrub with thorny branches. They prescribe the herb as a mild heart tonic. It is thought to dilate the blood vessels, thereby facilitating the flow of blood through the arteries and lowering blood pressure. Hawthorn is also believed to increase the pumping force of the heart muscle and to eliminate arrhythmias. Some practitioners think hawthorn may have a calming effect on the nervous system, and they sometimes recommend it as a remedy for insomnia. Identified by crimson berries and blue-green leaves, hawthorn is also called the mayflower, because its delicate white flowers bloom primarily in May.

Target Ailments
Taken internally in conjunction with conventional medical treatment for:

• High blood pressure, clogged arteries, heart palpitations, angina and inflammation of the heart muscle.

Taken internally for:

• Insomnia and nervous conditions.

Used as a gargle for:

• Sore throat.

Preparations
Hawthorn is available as fluidextract, dried berries and leaves and capsules.

Special Information

• WARNING: Use hawthorn as a heart tonic only if you have been diagnosed with angina, cardiac arrhythmias or congestive heart failure, and only in consultation with a physician. Do not practice self-diagnosis.
  
• Children and pregnant or nursing women should use hawthorn only under the direction of a medical herbalist or a licensed health care professional.