Hawthorne Leaf is also known by the names Haw, May Blossom, May Day Flower, and White Thorn. The genus name "Crataegus" comes from the Greek, "kratos", referring to the hardness of the wood. In Celtic folklore, fairies are said to 'hang out' in Hawthorne groves. Hawthorne comes from a small, spiny tree indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Throughout history, Hawthorne has had its reputation both as a symbol of hope, and 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 have been used since the 19th century to support the heart, and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, Hawthorne Berries are one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and gaining wider acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include Vitamin C, flavonoids (Quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, and cratetegin. 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 Leaves best support 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 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 Hawthorn includes the species Craetegus douglasii, Craetegus columbiana, Craetegus cuneata, Craetegus pinnatifida, and other Craetegus species, which are used interchangeably with Craetegus oxyacantha. |
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American Ginseng is an adaptogen having a sedative effect on the central nervous system. This herb grows in the northeast U.S. and Canada. In the U.S. it is found from Michigan and Wisconsin, south to northern Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma. A heavy concentration lies in the Appalachian Mountains, although wild American Ginseng is considered endangered. Ginseng was valued by the native American Indians long before the white men began to popularize it. Wild American Ginseng gained its notoriety in the 1700s, when a French Jesuit priest returned to Paris with a sample he had found in southern Canada. Sensing the potential profits from the plant, Jesuits sent missionaries to Canada to find more of it, and for several years the Jesuits shipped tons of American Ginseng to China. In 1784, George Washington reported using pack horses for carrying Ginseng. Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett are said to have made large sums of money in Ginseng trafficking. American Ginseng became a lucrative crop, and not unlike the gold during the gold rush of California, the wild Ginseng was almost wiped out along the Eastern seaboard due to overharvesting. American Ginseng, compared to panax (Korean ginseng), is one of the most popular forms of ginseng being used today, and the most expensive. Normalizing system levels of the body, American Ginseng has been used to lower cholesterol, increase energy levels, balance the metabolism, and stimulate the immune system. American Ginseng may also be used to alleviate fatigue, relieve nervousness and reduce stress, especially after acute illnesses. American Ginseng increases oxygenation to the cells and tissues, stimulating the regeneration of damaged cells. For this reason, American Ginseng is commonly used to enhance the feeling of overall well being, stimulating the nervous system, brain and heart. The cooling and anti-inflammatory properties found in American Ginseng may also be used to help reduce fevers and relieve respiratory problems, including dry coughing and wheezing. American Ginseng's botanical name, Panax, is derived from the Greek word "panakos", or "panacea". American Ginseng is considered to have more 'cooling' properties than its Asian counterparts. It is only used after the roots are at least four years old. Despite its being very difficult to cultivate, some farmers have succeeded.
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