The healing properties of hawthorn have been familiar to man since ancient times. The first mention of the use of this berry for healing dates back to the 4th century BC. Several centuries later, a military doctor in the armies of the Roman Empire, one of the founders of the future pharmaceutical science - Dioscorides confidently recommended using the fruits of this plant for pain in the stomach, kidney disease. In medieval Russia, and even later on the territory of the Russian Empire, healers and healers widely used hawthorn. The beneficial properties and contraindications of this berry have been transmitted through the centuries in the form of oral recipes.
Species diversity and appearance
It should be noted that to date, official science knows more than 1,500 varieties of hawthorn, in addition, there are still a lot of unexplored forms. Most of all, this shrub is common in North America, where 80% of all its varieties are concentrated. Although, of course, it grows in abundance in suitable climatic conditions in Europe and Asia.
Despite the obvious similarities, different varieties of hawthorn may differ significantly in appearance. Some plants have the appearance of a low or medium shrub, others reach 10-15 m in height. Spines are a common feature; absolutely all representatives of this family have them. The flowering period of hawthorn is May-June. The buds are small, collected in inflorescences, have a rich aroma. The harvest season for hawthorn is August-September, when the berries ripen. In the normal state, the fruits of the plant are round, in diameter no more than 1 cm, most often red or bright orange.
Using
Hawthorn, whose
beneficial properties and contraindications will be discussed below, is a unique plant. The fact is that in all its parts there is a whole complex of vital components. And it can be used as a therapeutic agent or for prevention for a sufficiently long time, without fear of negative consequences. After all, this plant is absolutely non-toxic. In medicine, not only berries are used, because people have long known the beneficial properties
of hawthorn flowers, as well as its bark. Yes, and it does not work very fast, so it is not suitable as an emergency measure of treatment.
Berries of hawthorn have a general tonic effect on the body, but at the same time balance the nervous system, have a firming effect on the heart and stomach. This amazing shrub contains some very rare substances in its fruits and bark, such as ursolic acid. It is multifunctional, has an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect for external use. Serves as a natural diuretic, promotes vasodilation and generally stimulates the normal functioning of the heart. In addition, ursolic acid relieves swelling, accelerates the regeneration processes in the skin.
Nowadays, hawthorn, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have been thoroughly studied by specialists, is part of many drugs for various purposes. It should not be forgotten, however, that freshly brewed tea from hand-picked flowers is much more effective and safer than industrial products, especially in the field of prevention.
With all the obvious pluses, hawthorn, whose beneficial properties and contraindications to the use of which cannot be ignored, is not acceptable for everyone. Diagnoses like atherosclerosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, tachycardia and thyrotoxicosis preclude the use of this drug. People suffering from insomnia should also refrain from treatment with hawthorn. Flowers, whose beneficial properties are undeniable, and the fruits of the plant should be used with special care by pregnant women, resorting to this tool only after consultation with the doctor.
Another main rule for all folk remedies is to strictly comply with the prescribed dosages. Before starting treatment, it is best to consult with a professional physician.