Hawthorn, Crategus oxyacanthoides/monogyna
The berries are ready from October through to Christmas, generally pick
after the full moon in October until when they fall off the trees or are eaten by the birds.
Pick them on a sunny, dry day when you can see clearly the best fruits.
The berries are the principal remedy for the heart and circulation, they are widespread, native and abundant in such supplies that there could well be enough for everybody who needs it to have some!
Anyone who has a heart problem, circulation trouble or whose parents have had heart disorders should take Hawthorn. The leaves, fruits and flowers are all beneficial to the circulatory system, however the berries contain by far the most constituents and will provide the most support to the heart muscle.
Hawthorn will provide a safe, long term treatment for high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris. It can be used in cases of palpitations, heart failure or weakness, will strengthen the heart muscle, form a protective layer around it and can maximise the circulation in sport.
Hawthorn is a sedative to the nervous system, it is usually combined with Lime Blossom for high blood pressure. It is also a diuretic(makes you wee)
In some places when people knew about these things it was called the following names;
Pixie Pears, Cuckoos's Beads and Chucky Cheese. It's Greek name origins are; kratos meaning hardness (of the wood), oxus (sharp) and akantha (thorn). The word haw is also an old name for hedge.
