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Hawthorne is also known by the names Haw, May Blossom, May Day Flower and White Thorn. The genus, Crataegus, is derived from the Greek word, kratos, referring to the hardness of the wood. In Celtic folklore, fairies are said to gather together in Hawthorne groves. Hawthorne Berry grows on a small, spiny tree or bush that is indigenous to Europe and the Mediterranean region. Throughout history, Hawthorne has had its reputation both as a symbol of hope, as well as a symbol of evil. At one time, Christianity regarded the plant as sacred, due to the belief that it furnished Christ's crown of thorns. Both the Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorne with marriage and fertility. Hawthorne leaves, berries and flowers have been used for centuries to support the heart and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, Hawthorne Berry is one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and currently gaining wide acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include vitamin C, flavonoids (Quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins and crataegin. Hawthorne Berries appear to work best when taken as a preventative herb, possibly helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. With its high content of bioflavonoids, Hawthorne best supports the heart. Hawthorne increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen and the heart's ability to utilize calcium. This herb can actually help regulate both high and low blood pressure, in addition to slowly breaking down cholesterol and fat deposits in the body. The bioflavonoids help strengthen the contractive force of the heart and gently dilate and relax the coronary blood vessels, improving overall circulation. For this reason, Hawthorne has been used to lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as increase low blood pressure. When used to support weight loss programs, Hawthorne helps to reduce water retention by expelling excess salt from the body. This botanical has also been known to reduce nervous tension, alleviate insomnia and aid digestion. Hawthorne can also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs. The common name, Hawthorne, includes the species Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus laevigata and Crataegus monogyna, which can be used interchangeably. |
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Motherwort is also known by the name Lion's Ear. Motherwort originally came from central Eurasia, but has now spread to all temperate areas of the world, primarily as a garden plant, but also as an escaped weed. The leaves and flowers of this mint family plant are used medicinally. As its Latin botanical, cardiaca, suggests, Motherwort has traditionally been used to treat heart conditions. The ancient Greeks and Romans employed Motherwort to treat heart palpitations as well as depression, which they considered to be a problem of the heart. Centuries later, Europeans would believe Motherwort helpful for "infirmities of the heart," but also considered the herb to have strengthening and stimulating effects on the uterus, using it to bring on a delayed menstrual period, as an aid during labor and to relax a woman's womb after childbirth. In eastern China, women still drink a syrup made from Motherwort to promote the recovery of the uterus after childbirth; the herb has a strong bitter taste, so visitors to a recovering mother often bring along sugar as a gift. Europeans used Motherwort as a sedative as well, inducing tranquility in times of anxiety, or when there is restlessness during fevers. Germany's Commission E has authorized Motherwort for the treatment of heart disorders caused by anxiety and stress, as well as part of an overall treatment plan for an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). These two uses are linked by the fact that both stress and high levels of thyroid hormone can increase the heart rate. Motherwort is an excellent heart tonic, and research has shown that it is able to calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats. The primary chemical constituents of Motherwort include alkaloids (stachydrine, leonurinine), ursolic acid, flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin), bitter glycosides (leonurine, leonuridin), caffeic acid, essential oil, tannins, resin, beta carotene and potassium. One component of Motherwort, ursolic acid, appears to possess antiviral and anti-tumor properties. However, a highly preliminary animal study suggests that Motherwort can both inhibit or stimulate the growth of breast tumors. The alkaloid, leonurine, produces central nervous system depressant and hypotensive effects in animals, and stachydrine may also be involved. The glycosides have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure. Chinese research has found that this herb reduces blood platelet aggregation and decreases levels of blood lipids. |
