Hawthorn – an unusual herb for calm nerves, healthy sleep and good cardiovascular function

Hawthorn is a beautiful ornamental tree that can be seen in many gardens and parks. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, hawthorn is also known for its medicinal properties. It is an important part of the prevention of cardiovascular disease, as it effectively strengthens the heart and eliminates harmful LDL cholesterol from the vascular system. Hawthorn is also a natural remedy for those experiencing nervousness or stress. It is known for its calming and tension-reducing properties. People suffering from sleep disorders can also benefit from hawthorn supplements or hawthorn infusions.

In a nutshell:

• In addition to being a visually striking tree commonly used to decorate spaces, hawthorn is also a rich source of flavonoids and glycosides that have positive effects on cardiovascular health.

• Hawthorn is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, attributed to a variety of vitamins, minerals, terpenes and polyphenolic compounds. The herb boasts a rich array of nutrients that make it one of the most effective natural remedies for boosting immune function and reducing inflammation.

• The use of hawthorn infusions or preparations can significantly improve the condition of our nervous system, while reducing stress levels.

• Hawthorn helps to restore good, effective sleep by relieving nervous tension, reducing feelings of anxiety and inducing a sense of relaxation and calm.

Hawthorn – an effective, versatile herb that enjoys enduring popularity

Hawthornis an herbal treasure that needs no introduction to those struggling with cardiovascular problems. In folk medicine, hawthorn has been present for centuries. In ancient times, hawthorn was used to treat a variety of ailments, such as heart disease, weakness of the body and gout. In addition to medicinal uses, hawthorn also had spiritual value and was considered a symbol of happiness, hope and love.

Hawthorn is widely distributed and can be found in various regions of the globe, such as Europe, Australia, the Caucasus, Asia, North America and Australia. In Poland, it occurs widely and in large numbers. The most popular varieties of hawthorn in the country are the hawthorn unicorn and hawthorn bicorn. Other well-known varieties include scarlet hawthorn, intermediate hawthorn and pinnate hawthorn.

The aesthetic and medicinal properties of hawthorn are undeniable. For example, hawthorn fruit, which is rich in flavonoids, is known for its positive effects on the heart and blood vessels. The fruit is also a valuable source of other beneficial substances. Moreover, various parts of the hawthorn plant are used as herbal raw materials, in particularin particular, hawthorn inflorescences, which are harvested along with pieces of the twigs on which they grow. Hawthorn leaves and fruits are also commonly used for their medicinal properties.

Hawthorn is a plant that occurs as a shrub 2-4 meters tall or as a small or medium-sized tree. Hawthorn flowers come in shades of red, white or pink. Hawthorn fruits are spherical and dark red, resembling rowan berries. The plant blooms in May and June, its flowers are harvested in May and its fruits in September and October.

Hawthorn is a frequently used ornamental plant in various urban green spaces, such as gardens, parks, squares and other places. It can also be found in its natural habitat, that is, in light forests, forest edges, scrubland, river valleys, fields and spits, and low mountains.

What beneficial components are found in the fruits, leaves and flowers of hawthorn?

The benefits of using hawthorn are numerous due to the abundance of active substances that help improve the body’s health. Glycosides and flavonoids are the main compounds found in hawthorn. They are very beneficial for the cardiovascular system. In addition, hawthorn leaves, fruits and flowers contain many components that strengthen the immune system, as well as important vitamins, minerals, saponins and omega 3 and 6 acids that support the nervous system.

Ingredients responsible for the effects of hawthorn fruits, leaves and flowers are:

• flavonoids – rutin, luteolin, quercetin,
• flavone glycosides – vitexin, hyperoside, orientin,
• anthocyanins,
• proanthocyanidins,
• essential oils,
• Ursolic acid (is a naturally occurring compound that occurs in some medicinal plants, has a number of biological activities, such as properties ofantimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, interestingly, studies have also shown that ursolic acid may have potential anticancer effects),
• caffeic acid (this is a type of hydroxycinnamic acid, which is known for its strong antioxidant properties and which has been the subject of numerous studies regarding its potential health benefits; importantly, it occurs naturally in many products, including hawthorn, as well as coffee beans, apples or berries),
• triterpenes,
• unsaturated fatty acids,
• tannins,
• minerals (hawthorn contains a wide range of bio-elements essential for human health and well-being, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, chromium, silicon, selenium and sodium),
• vitamins (hawthorn contains a whole range of vitamins essential for the good functioning of the body, including vitamin E, vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin C),
• choline,
• catechins,
• saponins.

Hawthorn – a natural ally of good sleep and impeccable work of the nervous system

Active minerals contained in hawthorn, including magnesium and potassium, as well as omega 3 and 6 acids, flavonoids, essential oils and saponins make it a very beneficial herb for the brain. It has a calming effect on the nervous system.

It relieves tension and stress and has a calming effect, but without the stupefying effect and disorienting effect or uncontrollable drowsiness that can happen if you take conventional pharmaceutical sedatives.

Hawthorn is an excellent remedy for a variety of nervous and cardiovascular ailments due to its unique properties. It is particularly effective in treating nervous disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, as well as feelings of restlessness, anxiety and high stress levels.

In addition to relieving these symptoms, hawthorn also provides benefits for sleep quality. It has a relaxing and calming effect that helps people fall asleep more easily and achieve a deeper level of sleep.

Taking an evening hawthorn infusion or using hawthorn-based preparations relieves nervous tension, eliminates negative thoughts and restores emotional balance. In addition, it has a soothing effect on the heart and can relieve muscle tension.

If we frequently experience stress, incorporating hawthorn tea into our daily routine can prove to be a beneficial complement toaddition to other anti-stress methods, such as using adaptogens, indulging in soothing music and resting under a weighted quilt or on a cozy buckwheat husk pillow.

There are various ways to use hawthorn to improve sleep quality. By including hawthorn infusions in our evening routine, we can experience its calming, soothing and tranquilizing properties. Additionally, it can be taken in the form of dietary supplements, which are abundantly available in capsule or tablet form. Hawthorn has been shown to be an effective sleep aid due to its ability to relax, reduce anxiety and stress, and thus induce a state of relaxation.

How to use hawthorn for good sleep? Here are some ways:

• Consuming hawthorn infusions in the evening.
• Drinking herbal mixtures with hawthorn and other herbs that have the ability to reduce nervous tension, calm and induce sleep in the evening hours. These mixtures are usually prepared with ingredients such as hawthorn, lavender, valerian, hops, passionflower, lemon balm and others with similar properties.
• One option is to consume hawthorn-based medicines and supplements. Such preparations can be found on sale in the form of capsules or tablets, or in the form of syrups, drops. They contain hawthorn extracts, which, due to their high concentration of active substances, exhibit strong effects.
• Consuming multi-ingredient capsules or tablets consisting of natural herbs to restore restful sleep.
• Consuming oral fluids containing hawthorn.
• Consuming healthful tinctures made from hawthorn.
• Drinking hawthorn oil (one teaspoon three times a day).
• Consuming hawthorn juices.

Hawthorn and its myriad medicinal properties

Having hawthorn in your kitchen can be very useful in many situations. This herb offers indispensable help in case of mental fatigue, experiencing anxiety, nervousness, excessive concentration on daily worries, emotional instability, nervous palpitations and insomnia. In addition, it has a strengthening effect on the body and helps treat various diseases.

Hawthorn has been shown to have a significant effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies indicate that it can cause vasodilation of blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. However, the positive effects of hawthorn do not end there. Of importance is its ability to lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels when taken regularly. Thus, it counteracts the onset of atherosclerosis.

Beneficial properties of hawthorn:

• increase blood flow within the heart, improving blood supply and oxygenation to the heart,
• improving oxygen levels in all cells and tissues.
• improving smooth muscle function,
• improving the condition of blood vessels,
• normalization of heart rhythm,
• lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Stabilizing excessively high blood pressure,
• relaxing effect on smooth muscles of blood vessels, urinary system, intestines, stomach,
• positive effect on the respiratory system, reduction of troublesome symptoms of asthma,
• positive effect on the work of the bile ducts,
• Antioxidant properties, protection of cells from the harmful effects of free radicals,
• anti-inflammatory properties,
• prevention of bacterial and fungal growth, antiseptic effect,
• improvement of skin condition,
• improving the body’s natural defense system, strengthening immunity, reducing susceptibility to diseases and infections.

How to use hawthorn-based specifics?

Leaves, flowers and fruits of hawthorn are equipped with large amounts of valuable active substances for our body. Therefore, infusions and decoctions of these raw materials, as well as ethanolic extracts of hawthorn and pharmaceuticals containing extracts of hawthorn fruits or flowers show high biological activity.

For people at risk of developing atherosclerosis, the use of hawthorn preparations is a key element of prevention.

In what other situations will the use of hawthorn be beneficial?

• When we are in a state of emotional and physical fatigue, when we are experiencing excessive stress or pressure, we feel nervously exhausted,
• when we are plagued by insomnia, trouble falling asleep, difficulty maintaining continuous sleep throughout the night, excessive mental agitation in the evening, palpitations in the evening and night,
• when it is difficult to achieve a state of sedation and relaxation,
• when we suffer from irregular heart rhythm, especially caused by nervous factors,
• when we struggle with stomach problems, abdominal pain, indigestion, flatulence,
• when we suffer from migraines and pressure headaches,
• when we have problems with the gallbladder and bile ducts,
• when we experience a state of weakness and often succumb to fatigue with little effort,
• when we struggle with lowered immunity, frequent colds and infections and allergic reactions.

How to prepare an infusion of hawthorn?

To prepare an infusion of hawthorn fruit, pour two teaspoons of the fruit into a glass of water that has just been brought to a boil. Cover the glass and let the infusion sit for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink it. It is recommended to consume such an infusion 2-3 times a day.

To prepare an infusion of hawthorn flowers and leaves, follow these simple steps: start by pouring one or two teaspoons of hawthorn flowers and leaves into a glass of water. Then cover the mixture and brew for about 15 minutes. Strain and drink.

Hawthorn – contraindications and possible side effects.

There are specific circumstances in which the use of hawthorn is not recommended, but they are relatively few. Contraindications especially apply to patients suffering from certain medical conditions.

The potential health benefits of hawthorn fruits, flowers and leaves are significant, but in a small number of cases caution should be exercised when using this herb. It is important that people who take medications or suffer from serious medical conditions, such as severe heart failure, approach hawthorn with caution. In addition, people with low blood pressure should also be mindful of the potential hypotensive effects of this herb.

Although some people may have concerns about consuming hawthorn, it is generally considered safe for most people and poses no risk of side effects. Moreover, hawthorn provides numerous positive health benefits.

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