Hawthorn, also known as may flower, is a dense, thorny bush related to the rose family that grows in areas with moist climates throughout the world. Hawthorn tea is most widely known for its medicinal uses and primarily for its cardiovascular applications. The active compounds are derived from the leaves, flower and fruits, which have an unpleasant odor and a slightly bitter taste. Many cultures throughout history have recognized hawthorn's heart-healing properties, including the ancient Greeks and Native Americans.



Possible health benefits of Hawthorn Leaf



Hawthorn tea is conventionally used to treat and prevent cardiovascular disorders. The mechanism of action is thought to be hawthorn's antioxidant content, which causes the dilation of smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels, lowering their resistance and increasing blood flow.



Hawthorn tea is also useful for treating anxiety. The primary symptoms of anxiety that hawthorn effectively treats are chest tightness and heart palpitations.







Preparation and Dosage Recommendations



Prepare hawthorn tea by simmering 1 tablespoon of dried berries in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. You can drink the tea up to three times a day. Store any excess tea in a tightly sealed container with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice added to preserve the active constituents. Do not use hawthorn tea as a treatment concurrently with blood pressure-lowering medication without medical supervision because it can enhance the performance of these drugs, according to HerbCompanion.com.