Hawthorne Leaf (0.8% Vitexin)

History:

Hawthorne Leaf (also spelled Hawthorn) is a thorny, deciduous, broadly-spreading hardwood tree or shrub that may grow to a height of twenty-five feet and bears small white flowers that produce red berries. The moderately-fragrant flowers are produced in late spring (May/early June) in panicles, and each flower bears five white petals. Later in the year they bear numerous small, oval, dark red, edible fruits called Haws. They are berry-like, but structurally are pomes with a single seed. The Hawthorne bark is dull brown with vertical orange cracks, and the younger stems bear sharp thorns. Hawthorne is native to all of Europe, the Mediterranean region, including northwest Africa, and west and central Asia; and it now grows in many areas of North America. The tree is found in roadsides, fields and woods, thriving in most soils, including alkaline, in sun or partial shade, but the fruit is more prolific when growing in an open, sunny position. The Hawthorne is extensively planted as a hedge, especially for agricultural use. Its spines and close-branching habit render it effectively stock- and human-proof with some basic maintenance. The traditional practice of hedge-laying is most commonly practiced with this species. As a matter of fact, its English name, Hawthorne, comes to us from haw, which is an old English word for "hedge." The tree's name simply means "thorny hedge." The oldest known living specimen in the United Kingdom is said to be in the small village of Hethel, in Norfolk, and known as "The Hethel Old Thorn" and is reputed to be more than seven hundred years old, having been planted in the thirteenth century! After the British General Enclosures Act of 1845, Hawthorne was used extensively as hedgerow, because of its thorny nature and quick growth. Its botanical genus, Crataegus, is derived from the Latin word, meaning "hardness," referring to the quality of the tree's hard wood. According to Christian tradition, the Crown of Thorns placed on the head of Jesus Christ was made of Hawthorne; and its May blossoms have long been associated with May festivals, i.e., selecting a "May Queen" and "King and Queen of the May." In Gaelic folklore, Hawthorne marks the entrance to the realm of the dead and is strongly associated with the fairies. Legend tells us that cutting the tree when not in bloom is unlucky, but it is commonly cut in springtime and decorated as the “May Bush.” Although Hawthorne was used medicinally in ancient Greece, it fell into obscurity until the nineteenth century, when the secrets of an Irish doctor's effective Hawthorne-enriched heart tonic were revealed, making it extremely popular for that use and for which it is still acclaimed today. Hawthorne Leaf is an important therapeutic herb in Europe, the United States and the Orient, where it has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries as a cardiotonic and used for digestive support. But currently, it is used primarily to support cardiac health, and when used to support healthy blood pressure levels already within normal range, results may require at least eight weeks, since its action develops slowly. In phytotherapy, Hawthorne usually refers to the fruit, leaf and/or flower, but Hawthorne Leaf is usually preferred and considered to have stronger (more researched) properties. In Germany, Hawthorne Leaf with flower is official in the German Pharmacopeia and approved in the Commission E monographs. Some of the constituents included in Hawthorne are beta-carotene, catechin, pectin, flavonoids (rutin, vitexin glycosides, kaempferol, quercetin), flavone derivatives (apigenin, luteolin), essential fatty acids, amino acids, amines (phenyletylamine, tyramine, O-methoxyphenethylamine), tannins (condensed proanthocyanidins), oligomeric procyanidins, saponins, cyanogenetic glycosides, many valuable minerals (calcium, choline, chromium, iron, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon and magnesium), B-vitamins and vitamin C.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
If diagnosed with angina, cardiac arrhythmias or congestive heart failure, use Hawthorne Leaf Herbal Supplement only under the supervision of a physician. Large amounts (more than the recommended dosage) of Hawthorne may result in sedation or dramatic drop in blood pressure. Signs of overdose include hypotension and arrhythmias. Using Hawthorne may potentiate the effects of some pharmaceutical heart medications - consult with your physician before using this product, as the medication dosage may need to be lowered. Use with caution in cases of colitis and ulcers. Children and pregnant or nursing women should not use Hawthorne Leaf unless directed by a physician. Taking Hawthorne and medicines used to treat or prevent blood clots together may cause your blood to be too thin, making you bleed or bruise more easily. Also, taking Hawthorne and Sulfinpyrazon (which is used to treat gout and may also be used to treat certain blood diseases) together may cause your blood to be too thin.

Capsule Information:
Our Hawthorne Leaf (0.8% Vitexin) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.