Hawthorn is not only a great landscape bush, but also an important medicinal. It can be traced back to the middle ages, used then for a number of ailments, including kidney stones and as a diuretic. Its actions include heart toner, blood vessel dilator, antioxidant and relaxant.
Description
There are many varieties of hawthorn, but for purposes here the C. laevigata, also known as C. oxycantha, will be described. The leaves are a rich, polishedgreen and three to seven- lobed. This plant does have thorns, as the name "hawthorn" suggests, about one inch in length. It is a round-headed, densely branched tree which grows fifteen to twenty feet high. Flowers appear in mid- to late May and smell of sweet perfume. The berries, or fruits, appear in September and October.
Cutlivation and Harvesting
Since Hawthorn seeds take a very long time to germinate (eighteen months!), propagation is susally done with cuttings. Plants can be grown into bushes, hedgerows or trees. For purchased nursery specimens, planting in early spring is best. It is tolerant of many soil types, but it should be well-draining. Plant in full sun; prune in the winter or early spring. Because of the thorns, do not plant in high traffic areas or around children.
Uses
Blood Pressure Restorative Hawthorn lowers blood pressure if high, and raises it if low. (This seems amazing!)
Heart Ailments
Today's Hawthorn uses include treatments for heart ailments such as coronary artery disease and angina, mild congestive heart failure, and irregular heartbeat.
Memory Enhancer
Hawthorn in combination with Gingko biloba improves head circulation, which in turn improves memory.
Disclaimer
With this and all herbal treatments, especially for serious heart conditions, always consult a physician. Always let your doctor know any herbs you are taking, since many have properties that interfere with prescription drugs and operative procedures.
Varieties
'Crimson cloud'- red single flowers with white star shape in middle; resistance to leaf blight; does well in city conditions.
'Autumn glory'- good growth habit; single white flowers, large red fruit; susceptible to fire blight.
'Paul's scarlet'- flowers are double red with a tinge of rose, the most showy of all hawthorns. Susceptible to hawthorn leaf spot or blight.
'var. rosea' ('Rosea')- flowers light rose, single, frequently in wild.
Links to Additional Information and Research on hawthorn:
Hawthorn For Congestive Heart Failure (Herbalgram Research Reviews) http://www.healthy.net/hwlibraryjournals...
Celestial Seasoning Site http://www.celestialseasonings.com/resea...
"Old Gentle Remedy for the Heart": http://www.motherearthworks.com/articles...
Dr. Weil's Comments:
http://cgi.pathfinder.com/drweil/archive...
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