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Here is some information on hawthorn berries...


What It Is And Where It Comes From.

Hawthorne Berry (crataegus oxyacantha) is also known by the names Haw, May Blossom, May Day Flower, and White Thorn. It is an herb that comes from the hawthorne shrub, which can grow up to 40 feet tall. The hawthorne shrub is a spiny tree that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. The berries on the hawthorne shrub are usually bright red.

Hawthorne Berry has a primary chemical constituent that includes vitamin C, flavonoids (quercetin, quercetrin), glycosides, proanthocyanidins, anthocynaidins, saponins, tannins, and cratetegin (most prevalent in the flowers, then leaves, then berries).

The genus name "Crataegus" comes from the Greek, "kratos", which refers to the hardness of the wood. In Celtic folklore, fairies are said to 'hang out' in hawthorne groves. Christianity used to regard the plant as sacred. They used to think that it furnished Christ's crown of thorns. Both the Greeks and Romans used to associate hawthorne with marriage & fertility.


What Hawthorne Berry Is Used For.

Since the 19th century hawthorne berries have been used to support the heart, and to normalize cardiovascular functions. In Europe, it is one of the most popular herbs today and is growing in popularity in the United States. Hawthorne berry helps protect the arterial walls, can dilate (enlarge) coronary blood vessels (the vessels supplying the heart with vital oxygen, blood, and nutrients), and strengthens the heart's pumping ability.

Hawthorne berry can also be used to help with weight loss. It can help reduce water retention by expelling excess salt from the body. This herb can maintain lower cholesterol levels, and aid digestion. It can also be used to strengthen joint lining, collagen, and spinal discs.


Dosage And Drug Interactions.
Side effects from using hawthorne berry is relatively rare, and usually superficial in nature. Some people experience nausea, sweating, and fatigue. If a person does not have any heart condition and takes very large doses of hawthorne berry, they might experience a significant drop in blood pressure.

The dosage for hawthorne berry can range from 25 mg to 300 mg per tablet or capsule. For people with no heart condition, 25 mg would be fine. For those that are at risk of or have heart disease should consult their doctor before supplementing hawthorne berry.

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Here are some links...

http://www.zhealthinfo.com/hawthorn.htm

http://www.1001herbs.com/hawthornberries/

http://www.healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=898

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshel...,10035,00.html

Clinical Review...
http://www.doctorphyto.com/Library/B...s/Hawthorn.htm

Research...
http://www.bodyandfitness.com/Inform...h/hawthorn.htm

http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH...l?d=dmtContent

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If anyone has more information feel free to post it...

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