Herbal Information for Hawthorn Berries in Extract Powder Form
Hawthorn Berries: A Comprehensive Guide to Benefits, Uses, and Preparation
Hawthorn berries, scientifically known as Crataegus, have been revered for centuries for their myriad health benefits. In the world of herbal medicine, they are often lauded for their powerful cardiovascular support, antioxidant properties, and more. This article will delve into the multifaceted benefits of hawthorn berries, their historical uses, and how you can incorporate them into your daily regimen.
What are Hawthorn Berries?
Hawthorn berries are small, red to dark-purple fruits that grow on the hawthorn tree, a member of the rose family. These berries are rich in nutrients, including flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and phenolic acids, which contribute to their therapeutic properties.
Health Benefits of Hawthorn Berries
Cardiovascular Health
Hawthorn berries have a long-standing reputation for supporting cardiovascular health. They are known to:
- Enhance Circulation: The flavonoids in hawthorn berries help improve blood flow, strengthen blood vessels, and reduce symptoms of angina.
- Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that hawthorn can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by promoting the dilation of blood vessels.
- Improve Heart Function: Hawthorn berries can strengthen heart muscle contractions, which helps the heart pump blood more effectively, particularly in cases of heart failure.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Hawthorn berries are rich in antioxidants, which combat free radicals in the body and protect against oxidative stress. This helps in:
- Preventing Chronic Diseases: By neutralizing free radicals, antioxidants in hawthorn berries can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
- Promoting Skin Health: The high antioxidant content helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging.
Digestive Aid
Traditionally, hawthorn berries have been used to:
- Alleviate Digestive Issues: They help in easing indigestion and can act as a natural remedy for constipation.
- Enhance Appetite: Hawthorn can stimulate appetite and promote better digestion through increased gastric enzyme activity.
How to Use Hawthorn Berries
In Tea
Hawthorn berry tea is a popular way to reap the benefits of these powerful fruits. To prepare:
-
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of dried hawthorn berries
- 1 cup of boiling water
-
Instructions:
- Add the berries to boiling water.
- Let steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy.
As a Tincture
Hawthorn berry tinctures offer a concentrated form of the herb’s benefits. To use:
- Instructions:
- Take 1-2 droppers full of tincture in a small amount of water or juice.
- Consume 2-3 times daily.
In Capsules
For convenience, hawthorn berry capsules are available. Follow the dosage instructions on the product label for best results.
In Cooking
Hawthorn berries can also be incorporated into recipes, such as:
- Jams and Jellies: Their tart flavor makes for a delicious spread.
- Sauces: Add a unique flavor to meat dishes.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Hawthorn berries have a rich history in traditional medicine. They were used by Native Americans to treat heart ailments and by the Chinese in traditional herbal remedies. In Europe, hawthorn has been a symbol of hope and health for centuries.
Common Names: Hawthorn Berries, Hawthrone Berries, May Flower, Whitehorn, Hawthorn Fruit
Botanical Name: Crataegus pinnatifida fruit
Pin Yin Name: Shan Zha
Channels/Meridians: Spleen, Stomach, Liver
Other Ingredients: Dextrin Non GMO
Package Size: 100 grams ( 3.5 ounces)
Form: Sliced
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.
Naturally Occurring Components of Hawthorn Berries
- Epicatechin
- Aglycons
- Glycosides of B-type oligomeric procyanidins and flavonols
- Phenolic compounds
- Triterpenica acids
- Procyanidin
Product Properties: Sour, Sweet, Slightly Warm
Summary of Hawthorn Berries Shan Zha
Hawthorn berry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. It traditional Chinese medicine it is used to activate the blood, resolve blood stasis, rid food stagnation and promote healthy digestive function. Today hawthorn berry is a popular cardio tonic. A powerful antioxidant hawthorn berry benefits overall health, circulatory health, kidney health and digestion.
- Cariovascular System Support
- Flavonoid Rich
- Contains Procyanidins
- Positively influence the contraction of heart muscle
-
Hawthorn berries offer an array of health benefits, from cardiovascular support to digestive aid. Whether enjoyed as a tea, tincture, or in culinary applications, they are a versatile and potent addition to any wellness routine. With a deep-rooted history in traditional medicine, these berries continue to be a cherished natural remedy across cultures.
Shan zha, also known as hawthorn or Chinese hawthorn, is a fruit that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.
Here are 10 potential benefits of Shan Zha / Hawthorn Berries:
- Promotes cardiovascular health: Shan zha has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can promote better heart health.
- Aids digestion: Shan zha can help improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, which can help relieve symptoms such as bloating, gas, and constipation.
- Boosts immunity: Shan zha is rich in antioxidants and can help boost the immune system by fighting off harmful free radicals.
- Regulates blood sugar: Shan zha has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, which can be beneficial for people with diabetes.
- Improves sleep quality: Shan zha has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help improve sleep quality.
- Reduces anxiety: Shan zha has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Promotes weight loss: Shan zha can help promote weight loss by suppressing appetite and aiding digestion.
- Supports liver function: Shan zha has been shown to have a protective effect on the liver and can help improve liver function.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Shan zha has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Rich in nutrients: Shan zha is a good source of vitamins C and B, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iron.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket
About Plum Flower Quality Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are a authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs
( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Why use Chinese Bulk Herbs?
Traditional Chinese Medicine curative herbal formulas have been developed, improved and perfected for over 5000 years.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is an ancient, holistic medical system used all over the world to treat a wide variety of health issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works by helping to balance the bodies’ functions thus restoring health.
As soon as the Chinese people began to carve out a civilization in ancient China it developed a cultural heritage that has continued to the present day. TCM is the oldest and one of the safest, effective systems one can use to care for their body, it promotes health and helps to sustain longevity.
Chinese herbs have been with mankind for 5,000 years and will be with us in the years ahead – it is using nature’s bountiful gifts to have good health.
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hawthorn-berry-benefits#1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249900/
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0215/p465.html
http://alternativehealing.org/shan_zha.htm
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/ShanZha.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hawthorn-berry
Shan Zha, extract powder Crataegus pinnatifida fruit 100 grams size (3.5 ounces) Hawthorne Berry Product Notes: Please note: Due to naturally high sugar content and our commitment to providing powders with as little excipients as possible, this product may be prone to hardening or clumping. Other Ingredients: Dextrin (derived from non-GMO corn)
