Tag Archives: Circulatory

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Hawthorn (Cratageus Oxacantha)

Name:  Hawthorn

Latin:  Cratageus oxacantha

Other Common Names:  Whitethorn, Ladies’ Meat, Quickthorn, Maytree, Mayblossom

Family:  Rosaceae

Parts Used:  Leaves, flowers, and fruit

Vitamins/Minerals:  Antioxidants

Used for:  Due to the antioxidants found in this herb, the medicinal uses for it are fairly expansive.  It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports the immune system and the liver.  However, hawthorn’s particular strength is in what it does for the heart.  It has both a strengthening and a regulatory action, making it useful for a wide variety of heart conditions:  aging, weakened, damaged, angina, hypertension, arrhythmia, heart valve disease, arterial spasms, etc…  It can also be used to regulate blood pressure, aiding with both high and low.  It can help to prevent miscarriage.  It can also lessen the chance of strokes.  If used as a poultice, it has good drawing out properties.  The broad range of benefits and the fact that there is no overdose of it for practical use, when combined with the tasty flavour, makes this one of my favorite ingredients for teas.  Historically, hawthorn is an herb thought to increase longevity, and that is quite understandable, given the conditions it fights and the systems it supports.

Use in tandem with:  Oatstraw, Rose

Directions & Warnings:

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Rosemary

Name:  Rosemary

Latin:  Rosmarinus officinals

Other Common Names:

Family:  Mint

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Anti-bacterial.  Circulatory system tonic.  Can be used in preparations to improve memory, focus, and concentration.  Also a known anti-inflammatory.   Can be used as a gentler stimulant than most, without agitating the system or exacerbating stress.  If you do not mind a more savory tea, and appreciate the flavour of rosemary, this can also be used to ameliorate some of the nastier medicinal herb flavours.

Use in tandem with:

Uses for Pets:

Directions & Warnings:

Edibility:  Use as a spice for meats and garlic.  Also makes a nifty tea on its own, or a nice addition to lemon/limeade.

Growing:  Rosemary is a naturally drought tolerant plant.  One of the easiest ways to kill it outdoors is over watering or overly rich soil.  Rosemary actually prefers sandier, well drained soil.  However, when in a pot it cannot sprawl its roots out as it prefers.  You must keep the soil for a potted rosemary plant moist.  If it dries out entirely, there is little chance of salvaging it.  It is reported that it also really loves seaweed water.