Hawthorne Leaf (0.8% Vitexin)

History and Uses:
Hawthorne Leaf comes from a small, spiny tree that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Hawthorne is sometimes spelled Hawthorn, and its genus name, Crataegus, is said to be derived from the Greek, kratos, referring to the hardness of the wood. Both the Greeks and Romans associated Hawthorne with marriage and fertility. In Celtic folklore, fairies were said to gather together in Hawthorne groves, and 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. Hawthorne Leaf has been used since the nineteenth century to support the heart and to normalize cardiovascular functions. Today, Hawthorne is one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, and it is gaining wider acceptance in the United States. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include vitamin C, flavonoids (Quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanidins, saponins, tannins and cratetegin. Hawthorne Leaf appears to work best when taken as a preventative herb, possibly helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. With its high content of Bioflavonoids, Hawthorne greatly supports the heart. Hawthorne Leaf increases the body's ability to utilize oxygen and the heart's ability to utilize calcium. This herb is believed to 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 to 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 elevate low blood pressure. When used to support weight loss programs, Hawthorne is thought to help 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 is also said to strengthen joint lining, collagen and spinal discs.