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HAWTHORN CRATAEGUS MONOGYNA The seeds in the berries beaten to powder being drunk in wine, are good against the stone and dropsy. The Hawthorn is known by many names, including May Blossom and Quickthorn. Young twigs are reddish, clothed with small leaves. The flowers grow in clusters, consisting of five white petals, with reddish apices in the middle of each petal. Where to find it: It will make a tree of 30 feet (9 m) but it is commonly used to provide cheap hedging as it grows fast.Flowering time: Late spring. The berries are ripe in early autumn. Astrology: It is a tree of Mars. Medicinal virtues: The distilled water of the flowers stays the lax. The seeds cleared of the down and bruised, being boiled in wine, are good to relieve inward pains. If the distilled water be applied to any place pierced with thorns or splinters, it will draw them out. Modern uses: This is a remedy which is more in use today than in former times because of its use as a cardiac tonic. Of course heart disease is at epidemic proportions in western countries and, therefore, remedies for the heart become of more importance. Hawthorn, particularly the berries, increases the muscular action of the heart. It is a remedy that is suitable for most cardiac disorders. Where there is angina, palpitations, irregular pulse or other circulatory disorders, Hawthorn can be tried. A tincture made from the berries is available from herbalists, the dosage being 5 - 12 drops three times a day. An infusion of the blossoms, made just as the buds are opening, acts as a mild heart tonic. Use two tablespoonfuls of the buds to one cup of boilingwater, and take a cup twice a day. This can also be taken as a preventive treatment against atherosclerosis, or fatty degeneration of the heart. Cardiac patients are, however, advised to be in the care of a competent practitioner. |