Hawthorn for the cardiovascular

I've been seeing the bright red berries of Hawthorn, Cataegus monogyna, on trees around my area and knew that I needed to make time to pick some. It became a pleasant way to catch up with a dear friend while we picked on Sunday afternoon. They are in the process of being air dried as we speak.

This is a herb that is included in the official pharmacopaedias of several European countries, plus China and Brazil, another good reason for me to get out there and harvest them. I think this also fits the bill with being a sustainable herbal option that we can easily find growing wild as a 'weed'. My favourite kind of herb.

Hawthorn's berries, leaves and flowers are all used medicinally. In spring the white blossom is a popular destination for the bees, the birds eat the berries in autumn. For some reason most of the ones I see in my town border the railway line. I use the leaves and berries interchangeably in clinic as part of a herbal blend of tinctures and as a tea.

This is a herb that has actions of cardiotonic and cardiovascular tonic, It may tone and gently regulate blood pressure that's either elevated or low. It may support the body where there is poor peripheral circulation including where there is dementia or Raynaud's. It may also provide support in the case of arrhythmia or where blood circulation is impeded by arteriosclerosis and support a weak heart.

It may 'tighten the weave' where it's atringent properties are concerned and has nervine actions.

Please note: see your herbalist or naturopath if you are considering taking this. It may interact with medications, especially some cardiovascular ones. It may be unsuitable if you are pregnant or lactating.