Hawthorn - flower and leaf - 1000g (1kg) [V]

Plant description

HAWTHORN (Crataegus oxyacantha) exists in the form of thorny bushes or trees, common in Europe, Asia and northern Africa. Due to the low soil requirements - it is often planted in parks and as a hedge.

Medicinal raw materials are derived from two species: Crataegus monogyna Jacq. - a shrub or tree grows up to eight meters and Crataegus oxyacantia L. - a shrub growing up to 3-4 m. They have white flowers gathered in inflorescences, dark red fruits and dark green, glossy leaves.

Hawthorn flower and leaves contain large amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids and procyanidów, amines, phytosterols, tannins, vitamin C and some group B vitamins, pectin and mineral salts.

Properties

- due to the high content of flavonoids in flowers it relaxes intestine, urinary tract and uterus muscles

- for those with diagnosed coronary artery disease - coronary heart disease, with symptoms of pain behind the breastbone and breathlessness - it has beneficial effects on coronary vessels - flavonoids increase the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle, the pain and shortness of breath subside

- procyanides content gently lowers and regulates blood pressure (also by diuretic effect of inflorescences)

- hawthorn flower increases the strength of heart contractions, slightly slowing down their frequency, so the heart works more efficiently and becomes better supplied with blood, becomes stronger and regenerates faster after a greater effort

- used for symptoms known as senile heart (weakening of the heart, symptoms of exhaustion caused severe problems with blood supply to the heart)

- supports during right heart ventricle failure

- important in prevention for people at high risk of myocardial infarction and in patients after undergoing a heart attack

- has a beneficial effect on the blood vessels of the brain

- has an antioxidant effect (flavonoids) - neutralizes free radicals