Hawthorn Berries- Shan Zha - Crateaegus spp. - ORGANIC
Latin Name: Crateaegus spp.
Harvested: Bulgaria
History/Folklore: In Western herbalism, this herb is prized as a Heart Tonic, though in Traditional Chinese Medicine, they traditionally used it as an herb to relieve food stagnation/constipation.
As a Heart Tonic, it has been widely used to help increase the amount of blood being pumped during contractions, while widening the blood vessels and increasing the transmissions of nerve signals. It is also believed to lower blood pressure, while decreasing the amount of fat that accumulates in the Liver and aorta.
The Berries are packed with polyphenols, powerful antioxidants.
There are a lot of folklore and traditional uses of this herb. In the Middle East, it is believed that the thorns that crowned Jesus' head was made from the Hawthorn Tree. In pre-christian times in mexico, pinatas were stuffed with these berries for the celebration of "Las Posadas" and they are known as "tejocotes". In Britain and Ireland it is considered bad luck upon a person that uproots the tree. Gaelic folklore states that they are the portals to the "otherworld" and strongly connected with the Fey. In Serbia and Croatia it was believed that only wood from this tree could be made into stakes that could kill a vampire.
Key Actions: Cardiotonic, Hypotensive, Antiarrhythmic, Anti-ischemic, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Nourishing, Restorative, Sedative, Antioxidant, Astringent, Antiparasitic
Key Constituents: Flavonoids (including: Hyperoside, Rutin, Quercetin, and Vitexin) Triterpene acids (including Ursolic acid, Oleanolic acid, and Crataegolic acid), Epicatechin, Catechin and Proanthocyanidins. Also contains Phenols such as Chlorogenic acid and Tannins. Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Manganese, Chromium, Zinc, Iron
Uses: This herb is known to help with Congestive Heart Failure, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chest pain, diarrhea, stomach pain, anxiety, promotes urination, menstrual problems, and can be used topically for bruises, boils, sores, cysts, and ulcers. Was once also used as an external treatment for frostbite.
Eastern Energetics:
Temperature: Slightly Warm
Energetics/Flavour: Sour, Sweet
Meridians: LR, SP, ST
Actions:
- Relieves Food Stagnation and Resolves Accumulation
- Invigorates the Blood and Dispels Blood Stasis
- Stops Diarrhea - charred form
“These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”