Hawthorn Leaf & Flowers (Crataegus laevigata)
Description
A herbal food supplement
BOTANICAL NAME
Crataegus laevigata (monogyna) fol & flos
COMMON NAMES
Hawthorn Leaf & Flowers, Bread & Cheese
FAMILY
Rosaceae
DESCRIPTION
Hawthorn is found throughout the British Isles and has been used for centuries in both food and medicine.
PART SUPPLIED
The loose chopped dried leaf and flowers.
AVAILABLE AS
100g / 500g Pouch. Not currently available to customers in the EU.
SUITABLE FOR
Vegetarians and vegans.
DIRECTIONS
Infusion: About half a teaspoon of herb to a cup of cold water, bring to the boil and leave to sit for 5-10 minutes. Flavour with lemon, ginger or honey if desired.
Drink up to 3 times a day unless otherwise told by a medical herbalist.
The herb can be added as a flavouring to gin, vodka and other infusions.
CAUTIONS
This herb is considered safe in food amounts. Do not take if you are allergic to this plant or other members of this plant's family (Rosaceae). Maximum of 6g per day may be taken as a powder or capsules. Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for young children, or if you are unwell, have health concerns or an ongoing illness. If in doubt, please ask us, your medical herbalist or healthcare practitioner. This herb is not suitable during pregnancy. If you are taking any medication, please speak to your healthcare practitioner before using this product. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if adverse reactions occur. This product should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or lifestyle. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Overdose can cause cardiac arrhythmia and dangerously lower blood pressure. Plant extracts cause few side effects when taken correctly but if a side effect is experienced please contact us. Hawthorn is vasodilatory and increases coronary artery dilation, thus reducing the dose needed of some heart drugs. It should not therefore be taken concurrently with heart medication except under the advice of a doctor or medical herbalist.
FOOD USE
The young leaves are known as 'Bread and Cheese' and eaten raw in the countryside for their flavour - added to sandwiches or salads. Both the leaves, flowers and berries make an excellent herbal tea. The flowers have a nutty, almond like flavour and can also be used in salads. Like most flowers, the scent and flavour is volatile and should be lightly infused and not boiled. The resulting tea can be used to make sorbets and delicate desserts.
MEDICINAL USE
Traditionally taken to strengthen the heart and reduce high blood pressure. Both flowers and berries are astringent and useful in decoction to cure sore throats. A useful diuretic in dropsy and kidney troubles.
Key actions: Cardiac, diuretic, astringent, tonic.
In clinic: Mainly used by herbalists as a cardiac tonic in organic and functional heart troubles including: Angina, bradycardia, palpitations, ventricular fibrillation, tachycardia, cardiac disease, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
If you are interested in the medicinal use of this herb please consult a herbalist. Herbs are generally used at medicinal strength, in blends, prescribed for each unique patient's condition.
STORAGE
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
PACKAGING
Pouches: Packaged in a biodegradable stand-up resealable pouch. Made with 45% - 60% renewable wood pulp starch. When placed into a composting environment the pouches will biodegrade to compost within 3 months.A trust kept since 1860
Napiers the Herbalists was founded by Duncan Napier, a Victorian botanist and the most famous herbalist in Scotland.