Hawthorn Berries....

Hawthorne berries are also called thorn apple or  may tree. The berries, leaves & flowers are all used to improve health. They are tiny fruits that grow on trees & shrubs. These nutrient rich berries have a tart, tangy taste with a mild sweeetness. Many of these species are used to make bonsai trees!!

Often called the 'heart herb', these berries uplift & strengthen the heart. Been used for centuries for angina, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries & irregular heart beat. They are loaded with anti-oxidants and a rich source of polyphenols & numerous flavanoids.

They have anti-inflammatory properties. Can act as a vasodilator -- can relax & open constricted blood vessels, ultimately lowering blood pressure. Ongoing research is promising in the reduction of cholesterol levels in the blood too.

The berries contain fiber & can act as a pre-biotic, both are vital to good digestion. 

They are best known for treating heart failure (where the heart can't properly pump blood). Studies have shown improvements in heart function & heart failure symptoms.

These berries are loaded with flavanoids, which are potent anti-oxidants, known to effectively decrease inflammation while boosting immune function. 

The health benefiting compounds can help improve blood flow, guard against blood vessel damage, helps to dilate blood vessels. Among the many beneficial chemical compounds found in these berries include quercetin, rutin, choline, Vit. B1, Vit B2, Vit C, calcium, iron, malic acid & minerals.

It's also an intestinal tonic which can reduce bloating & cramping while make the environment less 'friendly' for parasites.

It is very well known as a cardiotonic herb & is very beneficial for all sorts of heart concerns including heart disease, angina pectoris, artherosclerosis just to name a few. These powerful benefits come from it's high polyphenolic content. It can help with blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output & exercise tolerance, high cholesterol, blood flow in general & anxiety.

Precautions: do NOT use if pregnant or breast feeding. Do NOT give to children. A noticeable improvement could take up to 12 weeks & is recommended for short term use in some cases. If you are taking beta blockers, digoxin, CCB'S (calcium channel blockers), nitrates or other heart meds, be sure to talk with your doctor before you start taking this. 

The Lovely Hibiscus!!

This awesome lovely flower has so many amazing benefits and it's soooo pretty...on the bush & in a tea!!

It's Latin name is Hibiscus sabdariffa and there are many different species. It has a tart flavor and is similar to cranberries.

Hibiscus neutralizes free radicals (cancer-causing cells), helps to lower blood pressure, can fight bacterial infections and can help with weight loss. It's loaded with anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, niacin, Mg, folic acid & potassium. It can help lower cholesterol & triglycerides. It is a well known fact that hibiscus can help lower blood pressure on both the systolic & diastolic. It can improve liver health. It also has diuretic properties which can also lower blood pressure. It is high in polyphenols which possess powerful anti-cancer properties. 

This flower can also help to calm down the nervous system, reduces anxiety & depression. Helps to fight inflammation as well. 

If you already have low blood pressure, do NOT take this. NOT recommended for pregnant women or those on birth control.

Motherwort, do you know of it??

This herb has been used for thousands of years for heart disease, anxiety, irregular periods and more. 

It's also called lion's tail and the Latin name is Leonurus cardiaca. It is an upright, prickly bush with dark green leaves and furry pink or purple flowers. It belongs to the mint family, has a bitter taste and is considered an invasive species. 

Motherwort contains many different beneficial compounds. It's antioxidants properties include flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes & tannins. In addition to all that it contains vitamins, minerals, oleic acid, alkaloids & terpenoids.

Antioxidants, as we know help protect against cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's & Parkinson's.

It can help to reduce a rapid or irregular heart rate caused by stress or anxiety, and who don't have that these days?! In a small research study group, they noted significant findings including improvements in blood pressure.

Motherwort can stimulate uterine contractions. It's good for the nervous system as it can help to calm & relax, it helps alleviate tension & irritability. The relaxant effect is usually on muscles, tendons, ligaments & membranes. It can help with many female issues as well: PMS, painful, delayed or lack of menses & night sweats.

Can be beneficial for the kidneys & digestion. Pain from MS, fibromyalga, chronic fatigue, intermittent fever, coughing, sneezing, respiratory issues, can lower blood pressure & can prevent calcification of the arteries.

It's an anti-spasmodic, anti-hypertensive, stimulant, has diuretic properties, stimulates the appetite, improves the cardiac function.

Do NOT take if you have bleeding disorders, have low blood pressure, taking beta blockers, blood thinners, sedative medications. OR if you are within 2 weeks of a surgical procedure.