Hawthorn
Latin name
Crataegus laevigata
Common names
Hawthorn, hedge thorn,
Synonyms
The hawthorn comes from the rose family and is also called hawthorn, whitebeam tree, flour thorn, double-fluted hawthorn and hawthorn.
General remark
Further information on using the Crataegus as homeopathic medicine in the homeopathy can be found under our topic: Crataegus.
Plant description
The hawthorn stands out as a thorny shrub or small tree with tough wood and unpleasant smelling, very beautiful white flowers. The leaves of the hawthorn have a short stalk and three-lobed front. Red-orange, rose hip-like fruits ripen from the flowers.
Heyday: May to June.
Occurrence: Widespread in Europe on railway embankments, in hedges and on the edges of forests.
Definitions
The hawthorn has the Latin name Crateagus laevigata and belongs to the Rose plants. (Family of Rosacaea). It is a small tree or shrub about 1.5 to 4 m high. The wood is usually very hard and often has thorny branches. The botanical name comes from the Greek word "Kratos“(Hardness) and refers to the hard wood. The home of the medicinal plant hawthorn is Europe. Hawthorn is also found in the western Mediterranean and in Hungary. The leaves of the hawthorn are sawn on the edge. During the flowering period from May to June, many small white flowers with an intense fragrance form. (Hence the name hawthorn). Individual plants can get very old (around 500 years). The ripe fruits in autumn show a red color. Of the Hawthorn grows in light bushes or in the form of living hedges. The thorny, heavily branched shrubs love sunny hedges and deciduous forests.
history
Although the Hawthorn is actually at home in Europe, it was first discovered for medicine in ancient China. In the second half of the 18th century the hawthorn was used by an Irish doctor for a wide variety of purposes Heart condition and Circulatory disorders used. Of the Hawthorn is now an integral part of the homeopathy.
Summary
The Hawthorn Plants are thorny, heavily branched shrubs, rarely trees. There are different types, which differ in the number of styles, the shape of the flower and the hairiness of the flower parts. The dried leaves and flowers are used medicinally. The hawthorn is also used in folk medicine. Especially with heart problems, lower or higher Blood pressure, arteriosclerosisShortness of breath dizziness as well as a sedative, it is used. The dried, flowering branch tips are used medicinally. The fruit servants used to produce commercially available medicines.
Manufacturing
One-pronged and two-pronged ones are almost always used medicinally Hawthorns. All types of the genus are used for processing Crataegus. The ripe fruits of the hawthorn are red and contain up to five pips. The dried leaves and flowers are used medicinally. The plant parts are extracted with water or water-alcohol. Important pharmacologically active ingredients are Flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, C-glycosides, Triterpenes and biogenic amines. A large number of preparations, also in combination with other components, are commercially available. The good effect of the hawthorn is based on the ingredients, especially the Flavonoids and Procyanidina.
Plant parts used medicinally
The Flowers, leaves and fruits from the hawthorn are used to make medicinal products. Flowers and leaves are collected during the flowering period and dried gently and as quickly as possible. The fruits are harvested in mature state in autumn and dries them gently.
Ingredients
- Flavonoids
- Procyanidins
- biogenic amines
Medicinal effect and application
The hawthorn is generally considered to be an excellent remedy for weakening Efficiency of the heart, especially in old age. The application is absolutely harmless, its effect impressive and convincing.
In addition to the general Promotion of the heart muscle performance will also be the Blood flow to the coronary arteries promoted. The heart muscle receives more oxygen, and cardiac rhythm-regulating effects have also been observed. Preventive heart support is also possible, as is that Strengthening the cardiac output to Infectious diseases. Hawthorn does not work spontaneously, however, but the effect gradually sets in after prolonged use.
There are a variety of Extracts, tablets, capsules or alcoholic solutions which contain hawthorn. A tea made from flowers and leaves is definitely worthy of them.
Therapy application effect
Of the Hawthorn affects that heart in many ways. Experts advocate the use of the hawthorn when the heart deteriorates and to support the Cardiovascula - Function. Feelings of pressure and oppression in the heart area are relieved. The hawthorn extract increases the contraction force of the heart muscle and lowers it Beat frequency.
Stress-related complaints such as Racing heart, Heart pounding or Palpitations are prevented. The hawthorn also has positive effects on the heart by making cell membranes more permeable Potassium ions increased, for Calcium ions but blocked. This is used to relax the heart muscle. The effect of hawthorn has been proven in numerous studies on animals and humans.
Heart strengthening hawthorn products are included Heart failure or slowed heart activity. Hawthorn preparations can increase the cardiac output, the force of contraction and the stroke volume. The medicinal plant hawthorn increases the quality of life and reduces symptoms. Hawthorn products are taken orally.
At least six weeks they should be used. Hawthorn products are available as teas, tinctures or tablets. The good effect of the hawthorn is based on the ingredients, especially the Flavonoids and Procyanidins. The effectiveness of hawthorn preparations has been positively proven in studies. Compared to synthetic heart drugs, hawthorn shows a therapeutic balance and a much better tolerance.
Disease symptoms are significantly reduced.
Side effects and interactions
Side effects when taking hawthorn preparations are generally unknown. The medicinal plant is hawthorn not to prevent declining cardiac output suitable for the treatment of sudden pain.
This also applies to the accumulation of Water in the legs or at Shortness of breath. A doctor should always be consulted here. The effect of the hawthorn sets in much more slowly than with synthetic drugs. Sometimes the effect is not felt for weeks. The hawthorn preparation lasts longer, even if the preparation is discontinued.
Preparations from hawthorn should be used during the pregnancy and Lactation can only be taken after consulting your doctor. There are no known interactions with other medicinal products.
Attention:
Do not take the medicinal plant hawthorn without medical advice! You cannot treat heart problems yourself. The symptoms must always be clarified by a doctor if the problems persist for more than six weeks.
Administration and dosage
The Medicinal plants Hawthorn is taken orally. Ready-made preparations such as dragees, capsules, tablets and drops or tinctures and teas are used. Many preparations are also available as combination preparations with other ingredients. The daily dose should be 3.5 to 19.8 mg of flavonoids or 30 to 168.7 mg oligomeric procyamidines contain. The duration of therapy should be six weeks. For minor complaints, it is advisable to prepare tea 3 to 4 times a day. A teaspoon of the Hawthorn Chop the leaves well, scald with 150 ml of boiling water and let steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
Additions made from the fruits of the medicinal plant hawthorn are used in the homeopathy used.
