Hawthorn
Hawthorn, also commonly called Indian hawthorn, is actually a member of the rose family of plants. They grow into a medium to large sized hedge, depending on the variety that is grown. The thorns of the hawthorn trees can be up to four inches long, and they may flower up to twice a year, as well as produce many different sizes of hawthorn berries. Hawthorn trees or hawthorn plants were traditionally used in Europe and hedges to prevent trespassers from being able to come onto property, and they were very effective at that!
Hawthorn plants can also be used in herbal medicines. Hawthorn leaves, berries and flowers are all used in herbal preparations. Vitexin hawthorn berry and Hawthorn Supreme are both herbal products that feature the hawthorn herbal properties. The benefits of the plant or tree are mostly circulatory related such as:
- Improved blood flow
- Decreasing hypertension
- Reducing angina
- Overall heart and circulatory system health
It is believed that the bioflavinoid complexes found in the leaves, flowers and the Indian hawthorn fruit are all very high in concentration. Hawthorn blood pressure medications are used in many hospitals and treatment centers both pre and post-surgery or treatment for heart related conditions. Hawthorn is typically used in combination with other herbal supplements to provide an overall circulatory system treatment and support.
There is current research with animals that indicate that hawthorn supplements may also work to decrease cholesterol in the body, something that is critical in maintaining heart health and circulatory system functioning.
Mayflower, another common name of the hawthorn tree or bush is often used in North American, England and parts of Europe. The mayflower flower is the most commonly used of the parts of the plant in herbal medicines, although use of the berries is also very common. Mayflower pictures are available on many different sites on the internet, as well as in landscaping and horticultural books and references.
