Hawthorn, Getting to the heart of the matter.

 

Both berries and flowering tops improve blood flow through the coronary arteries to the heart. Hawthorn contains several substances that actively support the health of the arteries so incorporating hawthorn into your diet and your horses diet can be beneficial.

 

 

 

 

How to identify Hawthorn- Hawthorn is a large shrub or deciduous tree with branches that are armored with large thorns. It is native to America, Northern Africa, Central Asia and all of Europe. The leaves are serrated and medium to dark green colored. Fragrant flowers are small, pinkish-white, and bloom in thick clusters. Berries are red to deep crimson in color and have large seeds. Hawthorn is in the rose family and In Ireland hawthorn takes principal structure in most hedge rows. (I do not harvest the hybridized pink varieties).

 

 

 

Part used- flowers, berries and leaf

 

Actions- Antioxidant, Heart tonic, Relaxes blood vessels

 

Harvesting- Hawthorn leaves and flowers are usually ready to harvest in early May. The berries will be ready to harvest from September on You will need gloves when harvesting the berries. They should be harvested once they turn red. At this stage their level of active constituents is highest and the berries are less likely to be damaged as they are firmer at this stage. Strip the berries into a basket with gloved hands. The berries will need good drying conditions.

 

What they can Hawthorn help with- Hawthorn is beneficial for all conditions relating to poor circulation including laminitis, Navicular syndrome, joint issues, Windgalls, arthritis and rheumatism. Excellent for emotional heart issues and in times of shock.

 

How to use- Hawthorn Tea – Steep leaves and flowers in boiled water for 15 minutes. The berries are steeped for 15-30 minutes they can also be simmered not boiled for ten minutes strain and use.

 

Tincture: Place fresh leaf and flower or berry (fresh or dried) in a glass jar and cover with raw cider vinegar Let it sit for at least 4 weeks shaking daily then Strain with muslin cloth.

Store the tincture in a glass jar in a cool dark place.

10ml can be use as needed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cautions- Should not be used with any heart medication or if surgery is planned.

Hawthorn will improve oxygen up-take, and increase the hearts pumping efficiency in a natural way, but can be seen as a swabable/banned substance in competition as each country has specific herbs listed you must check with your own authority.

 

R.Kelly Equine Herbalist