Hawthorn

Wormwood juice combined with silverweed juice acts favourably on inflammatory-catarrhal complaints of the gastro-intestinal tract

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The last few decades have brought hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) to the top of the 'bestseller list' in natural medications. This phenomenon is singularly tied to the rise in cardiovascular disease, one of the major killers among men, and not only those in their 50s and 60s but nowadays even from their late 30s. Once it was believed that the general pressures of living and competing were the root of this type of heart problem - today we know that a diet rich in saturated and hydrogenated fats (trans fatty acids) is the cause of cardiovascular disease. Recently, natural therapists have rediscovered the beneficial effects of hawthorn juice on the functions of the heart and the circulation in general.

We need not wonder why this plant has been singled out for helping the cardiovascular system when we learn about its properties and varied uses as an anti-spasmodic, cardiac, sedative and vasodilatory. In plain language, this means that hawthorn juice is a special biological remedy for treatment of the heart. It not only relaxes muscular tensions, but also stimulates the flow of blood to the heart, thereby improving the metabolic condition of the cardiac muscles. Because hawthorn widens the coronary blood vessels, it promotes an increased intake of oxygen. Hand-in-hand with this is a normalisation of blood pressure.

Hawthorn juice, obtained from the leaves and blossoms of the plant, is also indicated for the soothing of the 'highly taxed heart' in the overweight, labourers and athletes; for the prevention of overstrain; and for convalescents, particularly after infectious diseases. It has also proven very beneficial in cases of arteriosclerosis.

When combined with garlic juice, hawthorn juice will lower blood pressure even more, and reduce stress on the circulatory system. When celery juice is added to this mixture, the diuretic effect will relieve the work of the heart by eliminating surplus fluids from the system. For best results, these therapies should go hand-in-hand with a proper diet.

While hawthorn juice can be taken without hesitation and without danger over an extended period of time, the same rule applies as with all heart conditions: do nothing without consulting your own nutrition-oriented physician, naturopath or herbal practitioner. BETTER STILL - CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR FIRST.. IF HE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HAWTHORN JUICE IS, FIND A DOCTOR WHO DOES