Herb Facts:

Thanks to our good sister Divine Iz Earth for providing a wonderful education on the properties of various herbs.

Teaching: Basic CPR & Heart Health
HERB OF THE MONTH: Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycanthus) has long been considered the herb of choice for strengthening and protecting the cardiovascular system, particularly the heart. In the late 1800s, European doctors began experimenting with it clinically for heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders, and since then its reputation has grown steadily.

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Today numerous laboratory tests and a number of clinical trials support its use by demonstrating that hawthorn leaves, flowers, and fruits contain chemical compounds that increase blood flow to the heart muscle, as well as positively affect other aspects of cardiovascular health. Hawthorn has been used successfully for angina pectoris, functional heart disease, arrhythmia, early manifestations of circulatory insufficiency, and as a heart tonic to regulate circulation. Hawthorn is safe for long-term use and needs to be taken over a period of several months to achieve results.

Hawthorn should not be given to children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use hawthorn.

Anyone with problems or health conditions related to any of these herbs or their actions should not use them. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician or NGE health practitioner before starting on any herb.