Infusion of hawthorn to strengthen the heart

The white hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha et monogyna) has been important in Europe for many centuries and legends about the plant attest to this. One of these legendary stories tells that the crown of thorns with which Jesus of Nazareth was martyred was made of white thorn. Its active principles have a positive effect on heart function and circulation, and protect the heart from premature wear. Older people in particular can benefit from the effects of hawthorn.

An easy way to use it is to drink the infusion. You can prepare a hawthorn extract from leaves, flowers and fruits. If you want, you can even learn to harvest the plant and prepare your infusion with fresh raw material.

Hawthorn infusion based on flowers and leaves

In spring, the hawthorn shows its exuberant white flowers. During this time, leaves and flowers are harvested at the same time, because then the content of active principles in the leaves is higher. To do this, remove the tips of the shoots with your fingernails or small scissors and collect them in a bag or basket.

When you get home, place the flowers and leaves in a shady place to dry. The best way is to spread them on a cloth or newspaper. Do not put them in a place with drafts because they will fly away. They can be kept completely dry, hermetically sealed, for example in glass jars with screw caps, until next spring.

If you don’t have a hawthorn bush in your own garden, or in a pot on the balcony, look for a bush in a nearby forest, if not, you always have the option of buying the dried plant at the herbalist’s. Remember that if you go to the forest to harvest, you should not notice that you have passed through there. Take the minimum, enough for your personal use for a short period of time.

To make an infusion with flowers and leaves:

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons of fresh flowers and leaves or a teaspoon of dried leaves 250 milliliters of water

Elaboration:

Put the fresh or dried leaves in a cup. Add the boiling water, cover the cup with a saucer, and let it steep for five to ten minutes. Pass the infusion through a strainer and it’s ready to drink.

they can drink two to three cups of infusion throughout the day. After taking it for about eight weeks, it is advisable to take a two-week break.

Depending on the symptoms, the infusion of hawthorn It can be mixed with other medicinal plants, such as motherwort or jiaogulan for heart problems or lavender and valerian for nervousness and sleep problems.

Hawthorn berry infusion

The hawthorn is not only usable in spring, but also in autumn. Once the flowers have faded, the fruits do not take long to ripen and be usable. When the berries are bright red, mealy and slightly sweet, this is the best time to harvest them. Once you have dried them, these berries can be stored for a long time and used throughout the year.

How to prepare an infusion of hawthorn berries:

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of hawthorn berries 250 ml of water

Elaboration:

Take a tablespoon of berries in a cup or a small saucepan and pour 250 ml of warm water on top. Cover the pot and leave them to soak for twelve hours, preferably overnight. The next day, boil the soaking water along with the berries, then let it steep for five minutes. All that remains is to strain it and drink it. It is preferable to take it warm.

Properties of the infusion of hawthorn

Of course, any symptoms you have you should consult a doctor and not wait for the white thorn to solve it. Once you have a diagnosis, the plant can help you.

With its properties that promote blood circulation and regulate blood pressure, hawthorn strengthens the heart and can alleviate many heart problems. It can be used as an aid in case of palpitations, pain and mild cardiac arrhythmias. In addition, it counteracts high and low blood pressure, as well as circulatory disorders and the feeling of pressure and oppression in the heart area.

Hawthorn infusion also has a calming effect on headaches, migraines, sleep disorders and nervousness during menopause.