Hawthorn fruits - beneficial properties. Hawthorn leaves and flowers

The healing properties of hawthorn are due to the specific chemical composition of this plant. Healing his are:

• leaves. They contain acantholic, crategolic, neothegolic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, quercetin, hyperoside, vitexin rhamnoside, essential oil (up to 0.16%) and vitexin;
• fruit. Contain organic acids (caffeic, crategolic, tartaric, citric), tannins, saponins, starch, essential oils, pectin, flavonoids, sorbitol, fructose and vegetable fat... In addition, they contain vitamins E, C, A, and beta-carotene. Despite such a rich composition, hawthorn fruits have a very low calorie content - about 52 kcal per 100 g of product.
• flowers. A significant amount of choline, essential extracts, bioflavonoids, acetylcholine, oleanolic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, hyperoside, quercetin, trimethylamine, carotenoids and tannins were found in the inflorescences of the plant.

Another thing that hawthorn is useful for is the content of ursolic acid, which is quite rare in nature and is of great value to the body. This acid has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasodilating effects, has cardiac stimulating, hepatoprotective and antitumor properties. In addition, it is an excellent diuretic and is part of the collagen of the skin, actively stimulating cell regeneration.

Hawthorn berries

Using hawthorn

Most people associate hawthorn with work. of cardio-vascular system... This is not at all surprising, since the elements that make up this plant tone the muscles of the heart, improve work and reduce the excitability of the nervous system, and improve blood circulation. That is why this plant is widely used in the treatment of:

• angioneuroses;
• hyperthyroidism;
• hypertension;
• tachycardia;
• myocardial infarction;
• insomnia;
• epilepsy;
• headaches.

In addition, hawthorn has a positive effect on liver function, has choleretic action, heals allergies, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels, activates metabolism, normalizes activity thyroid gland, treats atherosclerosis, relieves swelling and helps with rheumatism.

The beneficial properties of hawthorn are not limited only the medical field: from ripe berries, plants prepare very tasty and healthy jams, sweets, compotes, marshmallows, mashed potatoes, jam, juice, "raw jam" (fresh fruits, mashed with sugar) and pie fillings.

Also, mature hawthorn fruits are successfully used in cosmetology: masks made from crushed fruits of the plant with honey restore elasticity to the skin and tone up the work blood vessels.

The use of hawthorn has a beneficial effect on heart performance. IN recent times problem cardiovascular disease noticeably gaining momentum. Handles it perfectly dangerous illness it is the hawthorn. For the desired result, hawthorn should be taken for a long period, and in some cases you will have to use it constantly. Hawthorn does not possess side effects, factors of overdose in decoctions and other methods of use are excluded. Hawthorn has a very beneficial effect on the human body.

Hawthorn is recommended to be used by people at a fairly decent age, not only as a medicinal device for a certain ailment of the cardiovascular system, but also for prophylaxis in order to avoid these diseases. Hawthorn also strengthens the heart muscle.

The elements that make up hawthorn have unique properties: they reduce the risk, and sometimes completely prevent sclerotic changes in coronary vessels heart, and also prevent the degeneration of the heart muscle, accelerate the process of blood flow. If you decide to arrange prevention of your health with the help of a plant such as hawthorn, then you need to use it in the form of a tea broth.

Hawthorn is not only a remedy that is used to treat or prevent heart disease, but also this plant is great for constant fatigue, eternal overwork, which subsequently leads precisely to cardiovascular disease and in the future - to the problems of everything human body generally. Hawthorn tidies up a person's well-being and is a good helper that prevents dangerous diseases.

We remind you that in no case should you be indifferent to your own health! If you do not feel well, if you notice any changes in your body, even the smallest and most insignificant ones, know that the body is giving a signal. And this signal must be taken into account and action must be taken. After all, jokes are bad with health, and especially if the disease has reached its peak and it cannot be eradicated even with expensive treatment. Use hawthorn tincture for prevention, especially since this is a very simple way to nourish the body with vitamins.

Take hawthorn even when you are seriously ill infectious diseases, since infections have a very negative effect on the heart muscle, which subsequently leads to its diseases. It is advisable to do this constantly and make it a habit.

The multiple healing properties of hawthorn not only have a beneficial effect on the work of the heart, but also normalize and stabilize the level of blood pressure. In some cases, hawthorn increases and decreases blood pressure. If you are afraid of increased or reduced pressure acquired as a result of the use of hawthorn, then there is no need to worry. Hawthorn is absolutely safe and unique in that it won't just play with your pressure.

Hawthorn recipes

Recipe 1. It is necessary to take a tablespoon of ground hawthorn fruit in a glass of boiling water, put it on a fairly low heat and wait until the broth is boiled down to half without a strong boil. The remedy should be taken in small portions of half a teaspoon 3 times a day before meals. This course must be completed within three to four months. The recipe for this broth is used to treat angina pectoris, arrhythmias, extrasystoles, to restore cholesterol levels in atherosclerosis.

Recipe 2. This infusion is used when hypertensive diseases... Pour a tablespoon of well-ripened dried hawthorn berries with a glass of boiling water. It is recommended to insist the composition for about two hours in a warm place, it is even desirable to put it in the oven or on the stove. After two hours, the infusion must be filtered through a gauze cloth. It should be consumed 1 or 2 tablespoons 4 times a day before meals.

Recipe 3. Tincture prepared according to this recipe is used for nervous overstrain. It is done like this: one tablespoon of dried hawthorn berries is brewed with a glass of boiling water, the product is allowed to brew for 2 hours in a warm place, preferably in the oven, after which it is necessary to strain the tincture. It is recommended to drink this medicine one to two tablespoons in the morning, afternoon and evening before meals.

Recipe 4. If you suffer from insomnia, then a tincture prepared according to this recipe will help you. Take 20 grams of berries or 40 grams of blood red hawthorn flowers and pour 200 milliliters of boiling water. A tincture made on flowers is applied one tablespoon 3 or 4 times a day. If the tincture is on berries, then it may well be used as a tea.

Recipe 5. People in old age very often suffer from heart failure, they will help them in the treatment of hawthorn root. Hawthorn roots are dug up in very late autumn. After they are dug up, the roots need to be washed and dried. For medicinal purposes, water decoctions are prepared at the rate of 1:10. The hawthorn roots must be boiled for 10 minutes, after which the broth must be allowed to cool, and then strain it. Drink the broth one tablespoon in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Recipe 6. In this recipe, we take flowers and berries of hawthorn in equal proportions and mix, then pour three tablespoons of the resulting mixture with three glasses hot water... We insist the broth for two hours in a warm, heated place. After this time, we filter the product. We use the medicine in this way: half an hour before meals, one glass three times a day. If you have heart disease or you suffer from bouts of suffocation or dizziness, then the broth is applied 1 hour after eating.

Recipe 7. This recipe was created specifically for the treatment of an ailment such as angina pectoris. For the broth, take six full tablespoons of hawthorn berries and six tablespoons of motherwort, pour this mass with 7 cups of boiling water. In no case should you boil this infusion. The dishes in which you prepare an infusion based on hawthorn and motherwort must be wrapped in a blanket or wrapped in something warm. Place the medicine in a warm room and let sit for 24 hours. After the time has elapsed, the composition must be filtered, and the hawthorn berries must be squeezed out with a gauze cloth. It is imperative to store this infusion in a cool place. It is taken 3 times a day, one glass.

In order to prepare a hawthorn tincture with alcohol, you need to take about 200 grams of diluted to 70 percent ethyl alcohol per glass fresh berries... Next, take the berries and pound them with a crush, preferably a wooden one, and then fill it with alcohol. After the composition, put in a dark place for exactly twenty-one days. After this time, strain the medicine through a gauze cloth, preferably folded in several layers, so that the tincture is cleaner.

Used for alcoholic tincture not only hawthorn berries, but also its flowers. To prepare a tincture of hawthorn flowers, it is necessary to take 200 grams of ethyl alcohol diluted to 70 percent for four tablespoons of hawthorn flowers. Place the tincture in a vessel that is tightly closed, then put it in a dark place and let it brew for ten days.

But it is important to remember that you need to shake the tincture every day! The finished tincture, slightly diluted with water, is consumed in the amount of a teaspoon in the morning, afternoon and evening before meals.

Recipes

The medicinal properties of hawthorn were the cause of the occurrence huge amount recipes that help with various diseases. The best ones are listed below:

• With increased excitability of the nervous system It is necessary to take 20 g of dried hawthorn fruits in one glass of water, wait to boil, boil for 15 minutes, drain and drink one tablespoon before morning, lunch and evening meals.
• In case of high physical exertion, 700 ml of pre-prepared inflorescences or dried hawthorn fruits in the amount of three tablespoons are poured. boiling water. Insist for about half an hour, divide into three meals and drink before morning, lunch and evening meals.
• For the prevention of influenza It is recommended to purchase tea from dried hawthorn fruits and take it at least four times a day.
• In case of nervous tension Take one tablespoon of fresh, slightly crushed berries and brew with a glass of boiling water. Then we insist in a warm place for about two hours. We eat and drink three times a day, a couple of tablespoons before morning, lunch and evening meals.
• For insomnia, 40 grams of flowers must be brewed with two hundred milligrams of boiling water. Wait until the broth cools down and take a tablespoon three times a day.
• With gastritis, it is necessary to take fresh hawthorn fruits, eggshell from chicken eggs, celandine greens, lumbago roots in equal proportions, grind everything thoroughly, and then mix with a small amount of honey and eat one teaspoon per day.

Hawthorn is good for the heart

• In case of disturbances in the work of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, a half-liter glass bottle is taken and more than half filled with fresh hawthorn flowers. Then the flowers are poured with vodka so that they are completely covered. The bottle is kept for 21 days in a dark place and shaken periodically. After 21 days, the tincture is ready. Take it three times a day, 30 drops.
• With angina pectoris, high cholesterol, heart rhythm disturbances Take one tablespoon of dry crushed hawthorn berries, pour two hundred and fifty milligrams of boiling water and keep on low heat until the amount of liquid is halved. Drink a teaspoon before morning, lunch and evening meals. Treatment is carried out in courses: it is necessary to take this broth for ten weeks, then take a break for a month. If necessary, after 30 days, the course can be repeated. Unique properties hawthorn, which are reflected in this recipe, are especially effective for angina pectoris.
• For nervous disorders We mix tincture of valerian and hawthorn in equal volumes. We take, diluted with water, 30 drops at bedtime.
• With atherosclerosis, to strengthen the heart muscle Recipe number 1: Take 0.5 kg of hawthorn (fruit), knead well with a wooden pestle, add water (half a glass), heat to 40 degrees and squeeze the juice in a juicer. We take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals.

  Recipe number 2: brew 20 g of hawthorn (berries) with one glass of boiling water, leave for 2 hours and drink like tea.

• With pancreatitis, we eat 50-100 g of hawthorn fruits 3-4 times a day. This should be done when we are full, that is, after eating. Reception in a hungry state is contraindicated, as it can cause the onset of intestinal spasm, vomiting, and also cause depression of the heart muscle.
• If the function of the thyroid gland is increased Take a tincture of hawthorn (flowers) before meals, diluting 20-40 drops with a tablespoon of water. Reception occurs from 3 to 5 times a day.
• To relieve headache Take an infusion of hawthorn and Ivan tea in equal parts, adding peppermint. We take 0.5 cups before bedtime.
• If we suffer from angina pectoris Drink tinctures and juices of leaves and flowers of hawthorn (50-60 drops for about 3 weeks).
• With climacteric neurosis, pour 1 tablespoon of hawthorn berries with boiling water (250 ml), insist, wrapping them, for about 2 hours, filter.
  We take 2 tablespoons three times a day before morning, lunch and evening meals.
• With general weakness, we brew hawthorn berries (25 g) in a thermos, pouring boiling water over (1 glass). We insist for 4 hours, then filter, squeeze out the remainder. We take a quarter of a glass before morning, lunch and evening meals.

Contraindications

The medicinal properties of hawthorn help to significantly improve health. However, the excessive use of this plant in different types- broths, tinctures, tablets, powders, tea - can lead to an absolutely opposite result. In addition, hawthorn is contraindicated for:

• pregnancy;
• individual intolerance;
• breastfeeding.

Besides, daily rate for an adult is a maximum of 150 grams of hawthorn berries (this also applies to jam, compotes, etc.). Exceeding this amount can result in an irregular heart rhythm, an increase in blood pressure, upset stomach and kidney function.

Hawthorn has long been famous for its beneficial qualities. It is used in folk healing to cope with diseases of various natures. Most often, decoctions, infusions and tinctures, compresses, lotions are prepared from hawthorn. All this becomes possible thanks to a wide range actions of berries. Today we will talk about the most interesting - the benefits and dangers of hawthorn.

Hawthorn composition

The berries accumulate most nutrients that will allow all human systems and organs to function correctly.

So, hawthorn is rich in vitamin K, tocopherol, vitamin PP, ascorbic acid, carotenoids. The composition also contains acetylcholine and choline, antioxidants, bioflavonoids.

The fruits boast a content of quercetin, pectin, dietary fiber, natural saccharides (in particular fructose). Hawthorn contains organic acids such as citric and tartaric.

The composition contains saponins, tannins, essential oils, glycosides, phytosterols, triterpenic acids. Of the latter, it makes sense to single out crategous, ursolic, oleanic.

A special place is given to mineral elements. These include cobalt, potassium, molybdenum, boron, aluminum, copper, magnesium. Hawthorn is not deprived of iodine, manganese, calcium, iron.

Red ripe berries are famous for the fact that their chemical list of substances is fully formed. Therefore, the consumption of hawthorn in food will bring invaluable benefits.

Concentration active substances in the berry it is increased, hawthorn can not be abused. One incomplete glass a day is enough to make up for the lack of beneficial enzymes.

The benefits of hawthorn

1. Hawthorn is a core berry. Incoming glycosides have a regenerating effect on muscle fibers.
2. It also has a beneficial effect on the brain. Hawthorn stimulates neurons, thereby improving memory, perception, fine motor skills, concentration and other equally important functions.
3. Hawthorn decoctions are used to treat frequent migraines and headaches. The drink reduces intracranial pressure, combats hyper- and hypotension. Such a two-valued action becomes possible due to the purification of the blood and the enhancement of its circulation in the channels.
4. Also berries are used to treat epileptic seizures and allergic reaction... Due to its ability to control blood glucose levels, hawthorn is indicated for admission to patients with diabetes.
5. Berries tend to cleanse the liver, increase the outflow of bile, remove bad cholesterol... Against this background, serious prevention of cirrhosis, atherosclerosis and other similar diseases is carried out.
6. When valuable substances of hawthorn enter the blood, oxygen metabolism in the cells is normalized. Against this background, tissues are regenerated much faster, the body's youth is preserved.
7. The systematic intake of berries normalizes heartbeat, minimizes the occurrence ischemic disease, myocardial infarction, stroke.
8. Tinctures and decoctions with hawthorn prevent prostate adenoma, increase blood circulation in the groin area, and increase sexual activity. Hawthorn is recommended for male impotence and difficulties with conception.
9. Red berries have a beneficial effect on digestive system... A decoction or fresh fruits increase the digestibility of food, envelop the walls of the stomach, and prevent duodenal ulcers and stomach ulcers.
10. Due to its diuretic properties, hawthorn is used for swelling. It also helps to cope with shortness of breath, hepatic colic, fatigue (including chronic).
11. Hawthorn decoctions can be used in cosmetology. If you regularly wipe your face with such a "tonic", you will get rid of dry skin, acne, peeling, excessive fat content.
12. Hawthorn is responsible for improved blood clotting. Lotions and compresses based on it enhance wound healing, and also eliminate internal bleeding... Douching is done with a decoction of hawthorn to cure gynecological ailments.

1. The valuable qualities of hawthorn are manifested in the berry's ability to soothe nervous system and regulate the psycho-emotional environment. The fruits are indicated for insomnia, increased excitability, anxiety.
2. Despite the accumulation of "disturbing" acids, the systematic intake of hawthorn will calm the nervous system, promote good sleep, will enhance blood circulation in the vessels.
3. To relieve stress after a hard day at work, experts recommend making tea with hawthorn. It must be supplied with a spoonful of honey if there is no allergy to the beekeeping product.
4. In addition, the berries will help to cope with high excitement, constant nervousness and irritation. Hawthorn must be mixed with St. John's wort in equal proportions. Decoctions on plants are taken twice a day.

Hawthorn for pregnant women

1. In a crucial period, the expectant mother needs to carefully monitor her diet. Hawthorn will help with this. Berries increase the flow of milk during lactation, eliminate the bitterness of breast medicine.
2. Although doctors do not advise girls in the first trimester to feast on tinctures from berries. They are only allowed if potential harm for the baby does not exceed the visible benefit for the mother.
3. Pregnant girls are allowed to receive hawthorn jam, jams, compotes, decoctions, teas. But the use should be strictly dosed so as not to cause allergies in the baby.
4. An overdose of hawthorn threatens with an accelerated heartbeat, increased arterial and intracranial pressure... With a moderate intake, the vessels are cleared, the swelling decreases and the blood pressure normalizes.

Hawthorn for children

1. Red fruits are recommended for children over 12 years old. Treat your child with two or three fruits to relieve severe fatigue or, on the contrary, excitability.
2. If the child suffers from a disturbed heart rhythm, a hawthorn decoction will help to cope with the disease. But it must be used after the approval of the pediatrician.
3. For a child to develop fully, he needs all the vitamins and mineral compounds that are in the hawthorn. But the benefits can be achieved only with moderate intake. If your pediatrician forbids berries, follow the advice.

1. It's no secret that people with hypertension are most at risk of stroke and heart attack. Increased arterial pressure can also cause kidney failure.
2. To stabilize blood pressure, can be systematically consumed effective remedy... To do this, it is necessary to combine in a container of 15 grams. crushed hawthorn, dryweed, motherwort and a small amount of dry chamomile flowers.
3. Brew the ingredients 250 ml. steep boiling water. Cover the container with a lid, wait about 1 hour. Strain the composition. Take a 30 ml infusion. 1 hour before a meal. The course does not have a specific time frame, focus on your condition.
4. From the inflorescence of the plant, you can prepare at least effective remedy... Take 40 g. dried composition, fill in the raw material with 300 ml. boiling water. Insist the product overnight in an airtight container. Drink 150 ml. 1 hour before meals for 30 days.
5. There is another recipe for hypertension. Combine 30 gr. motherwort and hawthorn flowers, 20 gr. chokeberry berries, 10 gr. sweet clover. Pour 500 ml of raw material. boiling water. Insist the composition in a thermos overnight. Drink 80 ml. 50 minutes before a meal.
6. Combine in a heat-resistant container 50 gr. hawthorn inflorescences and 80 gr. medicinal herb drop caps. The latter plant perfectly stabilizes the tone of blood vessels and normalizes blood clotting.
7. Pour in the raw material with 700 ml. water room temperature... Simmer the harvest in a saucepan over low heat. Wait for it to boil. Insist the remedy for several hours. Drink 200 ml. well in advance of the meal.

Hawthorn with hypotension

1. Dizziness and weakness are common with low blood pressure. People with hypotension do not tolerate hot days well. To improve the condition, it is enough to increase your activity.
2. It is also recommended to take a hawthorn-based infusion to improve health. To do this, mix 15 g in a container. flowers and 30 gr. chopped hawthorn berries. Pour in the raw material with 250 ml. hot water.
3. Strain the composition after 2-3 hours. Drink the brewed portion 2 hours after meals. The infusion does not have a specific course. Rely on your own well-being.

1. With heart failure, the heart loses its ability to function normally. As a result, all internal organs people are experiencing oxygen starvation... To stabilize blood circulation, it is necessary to take hawthorn.
2. You can make a healing tea. To do this, add to 120 gr. tea leaves 60 gr. fruits of the plant, 30 gr. motherwort, 15 gr. valerian, 12 gr. chamomile flowers, 25 gr. peppermint... Brew the raw materials as usual tea. Drink several times a day.
3. Hawthorn juice is no less effective. Take 250-300 gr. fresh or thawed after storage, the fruit of the plant, rinse thoroughly. Chop the berries with any in an accessible way, stir in a small amount of filtered water. Warm up the composition in a steam bath to 35 degrees. Squeeze out the juice with cheesecloth. Drink 30 ml of the product. 1 hour before meals.

Hawthorn harm

Even with such an impressive list useful qualities, hawthorn is capable of doing harm.

1. It lowers blood pressure with frequent use. This quality can become dangerous for categories of persons who have a tendency to hypotension.
2. Long lasting and uncontrolled reception negatively affect the work of the heart. You run the risk of experiencing increased rhythm, exacerbation various ailments associated with the main muscle.
3. If you have gastritis in the background high acidity stomach, it is better to refuse taking berries. Replace them with broths and teas that will not provoke cramps and vomiting.
4. Hawthorn is consumed with extreme caution by nursing and pregnant women. Berries have sedative effect, which in rare cases is bad for the health of the fetus.

Hawthorn is considered a core berry for a reason. He is responsible for the activity of the main muscle, heals and prevents many diseases associated with it. Used in medicine various decoctions with a calming effect. But to get only one benefit, you need to use hawthorn wisely. When abused, it has the opposite effect.

Video: the benefits of hawthorn for the body

Hawthorn (Latin name for Crataégus) is a deciduous shrub or tree from the Rose family. Hawthorn perfectly combines decorative and medicinal properties- from the beginning of flowering to the ripening of the fruit, it looks great and is a good decoration for any garden. At the same time, its flowers and berries have a lot of substances useful for humans.

General information

The advantages of hawthorn can be attributed to the fact that it is an excellent honey plant, although its fresh flowers exude a not very pleasant aroma, since they contain dimethylamine, which has an unpleasant odor.

A small tree or even a shrub has great vitality, and can live up to 300 years, no wonder its Latin name Crataégus means "strong". And in Russian, the hawthorn got its name for the beautiful berries that personify the blush of a young boyaryn girl, her red clothes and jewelry.

As is often the case, a long-lived plant is very useful for people. Flowers, fruits, bark and leaves of hawthorn are used as medicinal raw materials for the preparation of all kinds drugs, so they occupy a leading place in the series medicinal herbs.

Hawthorn grows in the Northern Hemisphere, in regions with a temperate climate - in North America and Eurasia on moderately moist, heavy fertile soils. In North America, up to 1250 species of hawthorn grow, in Russia there are somewhat fewer of them, but their berries can also be used for medicinal purposes.

In the countries of the East, the hawthorn is called "wild apple", outwardly the tree really resembles an apple tree, the flowers of some of its species are very similar to the flowers of an apple tree, and the berries are like small apples.

The plant tolerates severe frosts, drought and heat, and does not require special care, therefore it is loved by gardeners and landscape designers. The whole care of hawthorn consists in timely, strong pruning, watering and fertilizing with lime. If you plant a hawthorn near your home, you will be able to harvest its flowers, bark and berries every year - the use of this high-quality medicinal raw material will allow you to maintain health for many years.

Flowers appear on hawthorn in late May - early June. At this time, they are harvested and immediately dried to prevent rotting and spoilage, for this reason fresh flowers are rarely used to prepare infusions and decoctions.

For flowering, nature has allocated a very short term- only 3-4 days, during this time you need to have time to collect flowers, while the weather should be dry and sunny. Flowers collected after rain or heavy dew darken when dried and lose most of their beneficial properties.

Perhaps precisely because of the difficulties with collecting flowers, they are rarely used for the preparation of medications, because nature has allotted much more time for picking berries, and there are fewer problems with this. It is believed that hawthorn flowers are more useful for humans than its fruits, in Ancient Rome in medicinal purposes used them, but modern medicine prefers fruit.

Flowers can be dried on the table at home open window, in a draft under a canopy, or even better - in an oven at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees. So they dry out sooner, and bacteria and insects that may be on them will die.

Dried hawthorn flowers acquire a pleasant smell, and are well stored - in a cool dry place they retain their beneficial features 1 year. For the preparation of medicines, they are used separately, or as part of medicinal herbs.

Hawthorn berries for the preparation of the medicine are harvested in August-September, and the bark in early spring, when sap flow begins. They are also dried in the oven or in the shade and stored for 2 years. Hawthorn berries can be used both fresh and dried.

In cooking, compotes, marshmallows, marmalade are made from hawthorn berries, and they are included in the composition of jams. These homemade hawthorn treats are both delicious and healthy for the whole family.

The chemistry and medicinal properties of hawthorn

What are the flowers and fruits of hawthorn rich in, and why can you make medicines from them?

Scientists have found that hawthorn flowers contain vitamins A, C, E, B, micro- and macroelements, essential and fatty oils, organic acids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, choline, sugar, saponins. So rich chemical composition and defines medicinal properties flowers and fruits of hawthorn, and provides them with a leading place among medicinal herbs.

Hawthorn berries contain quercetin, hyperoside, hyperin, organic acids - oleanolic, citric, ursular, coffee, crategus, chlorogenic. As well as carotenoids, tannins, a whole range of vitamins, fatty oils, sitosterol, pectins, saponins, acetylcholine, choline, sugars.

What are the flowers and fruits of hawthorn used for, what are their indications? Preparations from flowers and fruits of hawthorn are used to treat the cardiovascular system, they reduce pain in the heart, increase blood circulation, normalize heart rhythms, eliminate insomnia, and have a therapeutic effect on the body with nervous and physical exhaustion.

In addition, hawthorn flowers in the composition of medicinal herbs are used to prepare medicinal teas that help restore strength after an illness, strengthen nerves, blood vessels and immune system, improve blood composition.

Preparations from flowers and hawthorn berries have an antispasmodic effect, eliminate shortness of breath, selectively dilate the vessels of the heart and brain, resulting in improved oxygen supply to the neurons of the brain and heart myocardium.

So, hawthorn flowers and berries can be used to treat:

• Angina pectoris;
• Hypertension;
• Atrial fibrillation;
• Neurosis;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Paraxysmal tachycardia;
• Insomnia;
• Heart failure;
• Intracranial pressure.

It is noteworthy that there are no contraindications for drugs made from hawthorn berries and flowers, so they can be used by both adults and children with various chronic diseases... However, for people suffering from hypotension, hawthorn should be taken simultaneously with drugs that increase blood pressure.

Recipes

Water infusion, alcoholic tinctures and decoctions from the fruits and flowers of hawthorn can be made at home, it will not take much time and money for this. Medicines made at home, in terms of their medicinal properties, are not at all worse drugs from the pharmacy, while you will be absolutely sure of their quality.

Recipe 1.

Water infusion of hawthorn flowers, which is easy to make at home. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials must be poured with 1 glass of boiling water, heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, then cooled and filtered. The resulting infusion must be divided into three equal parts and drunk half an hour before meals. If necessary, the infusion can be stored in the refrigerator, but no more than 48 hours, but fresh infusion is more useful.

Indications: insomnia, hypertension, arrhythmia, neurosis.

Recipe 2.

Tincture of hawthorn with vodka or alcohol. To prepare an alcoholic tincture, you will need 150 grams of chopped hawthorn flowers and 1 liter of vodka or alcohol. Put the raw materials in a glass jar and fill with alcohol. Cover the jar with a lid, put it in a dark, cool place at home, you can go to the cellar for 2 weeks. The contents of the jar must be constantly stirred.

When the hawthorn tincture is ready, all that remains is to strain it and take 20-30 drops 3 times a day before meals. The course of treatment is 2 months, between them you need to take a break for 10 days.

Indications: nervous exhaustion, hypertension, atherosclerosis.

Recipe 3.

Tinctures of hawthorn fruit with vodka or alcohol. Take 100 grams of fresh or dried hawthorn fruit, rinse it, dry it and put it in a half-liter jar. Fill with vodka or alcohol for the edge, cover and place in the darkest and coolest place in the house, you can in the refrigerator.

Tincture of hawthorn berries with alcohol or vodka should stand for at least 30 days - every 2-3 days its contents must be stirred. When ready, strain it and take in small doses before meals.

The indications are the same as in the previous recipes. Let us remind you that an alcoholic tincture of hawthorn berries is used to prepare a sedative tincture along with preparations from such medicinal herbs as motherwort, peppermint, and peony.

Recipe 4.

Infusion of hawthorn flowers and other herbs. Make this composition: take 1 tablespoon each. hawthorn flowers, peppermint, oregano, and 1 tsp. chamomile flowers - put them in a liter jar and boil with boiling water. Let it brew and cool, stir the infusion before straining to make the herbal extract more complete and useful.

Indications: insomnia, nervous breakdown, hypertension.

Recipe 5.

Decoction of hawthorn berries, rose hips, berries chokeberry... Make this composition: 1 tbsp each. black chokeberry and hawthorn berries, rose hips - pour 2 cups of boiling water and boil for 5-10 minutes.

Let it brew and cool, then strain and drink throughout the day, regardless of food intake. The broth will help lower blood pressure, calm nerves, and cope with insomnia.

So - hawthorn rightfully takes its place of honor among medicinal herbs. It goes well with others medicinal raw materials, complements and enhances the healing properties of herbs used to treat the cardiovascular system. Moreover, it has practically no contraindications, it is not toxic, although it is still necessary to listen to your body while taking drugs from hawthorn - perhaps you will have an individual intolerance.

And again our heading "healing plants" is being replenished. The hero of our conversation today is Hawthorn prickly (common) from the Rosaceae family and its medicinal properties with contraindications.

Hawthorn - photo, description, where and how it grows

Latin name for hawthorn: Crataegus oxyacantha.

Crataegus (Greek for "strong"). So named hawthorn for strong wood and vitality.

Our people called this elegant deciduous berry-tree a hawthorn, a boyarka, a lady for its bright berries and lush flowering.

Hawthorn comes in the form of a large bush or a low (less than 10 m) tree. It has light brown branches with large (1-2 cm long) spines. Thanks to these thorns, among some peoples, he served as a talisman against evil spirits.

In addition to the prickly hawthorn, which is widespread almost everywhere on the territory of Russia, the blood-red hawthorn grows in Siberia, the one-poultry hawthorn grows on the territory of the European part, there are Altai, Daurian varieties.

In Russian folklore, songs and riddles were formed about him: "The tree is curly, and the claws of a wolf".

The leaves of the hawthorn are bright green, three-lobed with serrated tops, obovate, with short petioles. The inflorescences look like a simple umbrella-shaped scutellum of 6-10 flowers. Hawthorn flowers are white or pinkish in diameter up to 15 mm, similar to apple, but smaller.

The flowering hawthorn among the ancient Greeks symbolized hope, spring, chastity and was dedicated to the god of marriage, Hymen.

Hawthorn berries are almost spherical, about 12 mm in diameter, dark red with two or three seeds and sweetish pulp. Blooms in late May - early June, ripens in late August.

Honey plant. Hawthorn honey is especially useful in cardiology and neurological practice... The plant lives for a long time. There is a known specimen that has lived for about 400 years.

Distributed in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere - North. America and Eurasia.

Hawthorn composition and calorie content

Boyarka contains a rich set of biologically active substances (BAA), thanks to which hawthorn-based drugs improve blood circulation, stimulate the heart, increasing its ability to effectively use the supplied oxygen and helping the enzyme systems of myocardiocytes.

There are flavonoids, polyphenols, organic acids, pectin, essential and tannins, vitamins C, A, E, K, trace elements potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, copper, manganese, zinc.

You can't really get better from the boyarka berry, their calorie content is only 52 kcal per 100 g of fruit.

The healing properties of hawthorn

• Antioxidant;
• antineoplastic;
• vasodilators;
• tonic;
• small diuretics;
• choleretic;
• hepatoprotective;
• lactogonic;
• pain relievers;
• anti-sclerotic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• antimicrobial;
• regenerative;
• hypotensive;
• cleansing;
• sedatives;
• normalizing blood glucose, metabolic processes.

Useful properties of hawthorn

Only the lazy has not heard about the benefits of hawthorn for the heart, but in general the useful properties of this medicinal plant more diverse.

The use of hawthorn for medicinal purposes has been known since the days of Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek scientist and physician who lived in the 1st century AD. NS. This great healer considered him a panacea, a remedy for all diseases. Not only fruits, but also flowers and leaves are suitable as medicinal raw materials.

Hawthorn-based preparations help:

• with diseases of the cardiovascular system,

• with climacteric syndrome,

• at nervous exhaustion due to nervous or physical stress.

The flavonoids already noted above strengthen blood vessels, increasing their elasticity, and reducing the permeability of the capillary network.

They have antioxidant and antitumor effects, are used as prevention of disorders cerebral circulation... Memory, cognitive processes improve, headaches and dizziness decrease.

Long-term use of hawthorn is harmless, moreover, its therapeutic effect manifests itself, to a greater extent, precisely when long-term use. The most important quality of this medicinal plant is its ability to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, contributing to the prevention and treatment of hypertension.

One of the most beneficial properties of hawthorn is the vasodilator property, which improves nutrition and accelerates metabolism in the tissues of the heart, brain and kidneys.

At the same time we receive and diuretic effect.

Taking hawthorn helps to regulate cardiac activity even with atrial fibrillation, .

Hawthorn preparations play a significant role in post-infarction rehabilitation.

At the same time, its general sedative effect, normalization of sleep and anti-stress support of the body are very useful in case of overwork. Plus, the immune system is strengthened.

It is also interesting that it is able to increase the body's sensitivity to the action of other glycosides, which is why it is very good to use it as part of the collection.

What other benefits are there from hawthorn - fruits, flowers?

To this we can add that hawthorn-based preparations reduce blood cholesterol levels, normalize blood clotting, improve digestion processes, and are used for diarrhea, severe flatulence.

An infusion of hawthorn flowers helps to normalize metabolic processes, is widely used in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the liver and gallbladder, intestines.

Hawthorn is useful for men - it prevents the appearance of adenoma, the development of prostatitis.

And in lactating women, the infusion will cause a rush of milk.

The condition is alleviated with the regular use of the drug in patients with sore joints, diabetes mellitus.

There is even an effect of rinsing the throat with a decoction in acute tonsillitis.

There are many ready-made pharmaceutical forms of hawthorn... So, for example, fruit extract is part of "Cardiovalena", used for cardiosclerosis, rheumatic heart disease, (vegetative-vascular dystonia), angina pectoris,.

But, I must say, tea made from its flowers works just as well!

The use of hawthorn in traditional medicine recipes

This medicinal plant has folk treatment most often fruits and flowers are used, infusions, vapors, hawthorn tincture are prepared, in the pharmaceutical industry, an extract is extracted from hawthorn.

1. Infusion of hawthorn flowers.

2-3 table. spoons of prepared raw materials are immersed in a bowl with 3 glasses of cold boiled water, let it brew for about an hour and take 1-2 tablespoons. spoon three times a day. Dried flowers or fruits of hawthorn can be brewed instead of tea (well together with leaves or fruits of strawberries, as well as black currants or rose hips).

2. Broth of hawthorn (napar).

1 tbsp. a spoonful of well-crushed fruits or flowers is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, and after cooling down, they drink 150 ml 3 times a day for heart disease, dizziness or migraine, insomnia, as well as hypertension.

You can also prepare such a collection: the color of hawthorn and plus the greens of the motherwort and dried-up (4: 1: 4: 4, respectively). For the broth, pour 1 spoon of this mixture with a glass of boiling water. You can take it in the same way as a decoction of the hawthorn itself.

3. Alcohol tincture hawthorn - application

For its preparation, freshly squeezed juice from flowers is poured with 90% alcohol in a double amount. Let it brew for 15 days. And take 40 drops 3 times a day with a little water.

Excellent remedy for hypertension, cardiac pathologies.

Let me remind you: Tincture should not be used in severe hypotension, since hawthorn.

There is a pharmacy tincture of hawthorn, but it is made from crushed fruits and 70% alcohol. The effectiveness of the remedy is slightly lower for hypertension than that of the hawthorn flower tincture.

There is evidence that hawthorn under pressure stabilizes it more than specifically reduces it, which causes its use in some cases with hypotension as part of the collection.

But, in this case a doctor's consultation is mandatory, so as not to harm your health and not aggravate an already painful condition.

4. Soothing collection.

Equal amounts of chopped raw hawthorn, motherwort, jaundice, horsetail and mix thoroughly. Then 2 tbsp. spoon the mixture pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour and drink half a glass three times a day, preferably before meals.

5. Collection for problems of peripheral vessels.

At varicose veins veins, atherosclerosis lower limbs a collection is recommended, consisting of the color of hawthorn, oregano, motherwort, St. John's wort. The mixture is prepared in a ratio of 3: 3: 4: 4.

Brew a tablespoon of the mixture with a glass of boiling water in the evening, drink half a glass twice a day one hour before meals.

6. Hawthorn tea.

Pour a couple of spoons of dried hawthorn flowers with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour, strain and drink 2-3 times a day in a cup for a couple of weeks. The general tone and efficiency rises.

Another, more classic version of tea with hawthorn - pour 20-25 berries with a liter of boiling water overnight, leave in a thermos, drink in equal portions for tomorrow during the day.

There is a ready-made pharmaceutical form Hawthorn extract... How best to use it, you can find out from the annotation to the drug, but you can - similar to the infusion.

7. Hawthorn buds — irreplaceable remedy with ischemic heart disease, hypertension, dizziness and tinnitus.
Take 100 g of hawthorn buds, chop, mix with 30 g of honey, add 1 g of vanilla and cinnamon each, pour 700 ml of brandy, shake and leave for 12 hours in a dark, warm place. Strain and drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The course of treatment is 2-3 months.
By the way, this drink prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

So, the beneficial properties of hawthorn are in demand not only in cardiology, but also in neurology and therapy.

Hawthorn contraindications - possible harm

• Hypotension, especially with very low figures blood pressure.

If the use of hawthorn is very indicated for heart diseases, then an infusion of flowers, rather than berries, should be preferred, it acts softer.

• Do not use infusions and decoctions on an empty stomach, colic may occur in the intestines.

• Excessive and very long-term use of the preparations of the described plant can lead to the opposite result - the work of the heart muscle will become difficult (this only confirms the truth that many substances "in small doses are a medicine, and in large doses - poison").

In this case, no more than 150 grams can be consumed per day. hawthorn fruit.

• In rare cases, individual intolerance occurs.

• It is not recommended to get involved in the treatment of hawthorn during pregnancy and lactation.

Harvesting and storage of flowers and fruits for the winter

Flowers and leaves are harvested in dry weather in the initial period of flowering, dried. It is important to be in time, because the hawthorn blooms in mid-May for a very short time - 2-3 days.

The berries are harvested at the time of full ripeness (mid-September - early October) and also dried. Before use, ready-to-eat fruits must be crushed well in order to fully extract the active substances.

Flower raw materials for the next year do not retain their healing properties and therefore every year it needs to be harvested again. But the fruits can be used and stored for up to 2 years.

Hawthorn flowers are extremely beneficial for human health. They are used to treat cardiovascular diseases, normalize blood pressure, cleanse blood vessels, and improve digestion. Hawthorn flowers are invaluable for removing nervous tension, fatigue, insomnia treatment. The plant began to be used in the 16th century in Asia for the treatment of dysentery, as a result of which the cultural breeding of hawthorn began. Consider the benefits of flowers for the human body, medicinal properties, recipes for preparing products based on it, and contraindications.

Healing properties

They are explained by its unique composition. It is based on plant polyphenols and flavonoids. Thus, regular use helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as neutralize free radicals.

In addition, the plant includes:

1. Quercitrin. Reduces blood pressure, has anti-cancer and antioxidant effects.
2. Quercetin. A component that is uniquely prophylactic, remedy from cardiovascular diseases. In addition, regular use of the herb reduces the likelihood of poor circulation in the brain and the formation of cataracts.
3. Hyperozide. Promotes the enrichment of the heart muscle with potassium ions, accelerates glucose metabolism and increases the saturation of cells with oxygen. Therefore, flowers normalize myocardial contractility, and also increase the value of cardiac output.
4. Vitexin. Improves metabolism in heart tissues, dilates blood vessels.

The benefits of the flowers of the grass are explained by the acids included in its composition, which will allow:

• improve blood supply to the heart muscle;
• normalize the functioning of the kidneys and liver;
• restore and strengthen damaged blood vessels;
• improve the secretion of bile.

Hawthorn flowers contain vitamins C, A, K and E. The amount of carotene in flowers is comparable to carrots and rose hips. Among valuable microelements, which made the plant a unique source of health, should be allocated copper, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. At the same time, the flowers are not high in calories, they can be used by people who monitor their weight.

Application

There are several recipes for the preparation of medicinal products.

1. Flower tea. For cooking, you can use dry or fresh flowers, which must be filled hot water, insist. Tea is indispensable for people with high blood pressure, heart problems. Recommended to be consumed after meals.
2. A decoction of leaves and flowers. A decoction is popular, which is prepared not only from the flowers of the plant, but also from its leaves. The ingredients should be poured with water, boiled for several minutes. Take for the treatment of insomnia, neuroses, as well as the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
3. ... Dry flowers are filled with vodka. Insist for 2-3 weeks. The finished infusion is filtered, used in a few drops for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the heart, blood vessels, nerves.

Important! are described in our article, which you can read with interest.

Contraindications

The benefits of hawthorn are invaluable for the health of every person. However, it has contraindications that should be considered when choosing this tool for treatment and prevention various diseases, as well as general strengthening of the body.

During pregnancy

Although hawthorn is beneficial during pregnancy, its flowers should be taken very carefully. The question of taking tea as a soothing tea arises for many women in a position. Due to the fact that most drugs are prohibited during pregnancy, women are looking for alternative herbal remedies... The flowers of the plant must be brewed so that the concentration of active substances is low. read in our article.

In this case, tea will help to cope with insomnia, which often occurs during pregnancy, without harming the baby. Before use, you should consult your doctor.

Important! It should be used only after consulting a doctor.

Hypotensive patients need to consult with their doctor

Another contraindication is hypotension. If you take the remedy long time, while exceeding the recommended doses, it is possible too fast and strong decrease in pressure, as well as a violation of the heart rhythm. Therefore, people with low blood pressure should take hawthorn very carefully. Hypotensive patients need to consult with their doctor before starting treatment.

Taking hawthorn only after eating

A contraindication that must be taken into account by every person is that the herb should be taken only after meals. Taking the infusion on an empty stomach can cause diarrhea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, and intestinal cramps.

Hawthorn is prohibited during lactation

Breastfeeding is a contraindication to taking plant flowers. Despite the lack of toxicity of the drug, its use during lactation is prohibited. It is not recommended to drink tea cold, otherwise you may experience intestinal colic, pain. Individual intolerance is very rare, but it should be taken into account when choosing this remedy as a treatment and prevention of various diseases.

Hawthorn flowers - universal remedy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, nervous tension, insomnia and stomach problems. Before using the plant, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.