Hawthorn

The name hawthorn has Greek roots and means "strong" in translation. This name for the bush, apparently, was given for its amazing resilience and ability to survive in any conditions. Hawthorn is common culturally. It is used mainly for decorative purposes. Wild hawthorn is found only in the mountains of Transcarpathia.

Hawthorn has bright red berries that ripen in August or September. Its berries are sour-sweet, soft, but not having a very bright taste. Hawthorn is a very valuable medicinal plant, its leaves and young flowering shoots contain healing substances that have a positive effect on the heart, so tinctures are made from them.

In history, the fact that during the Great Patriotic War, soldiers were given hawthorn extract in order to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Hawthorn's nutritional value is also very high. Hawthorn is used to prepare kvass, tea (from dried berries with the addition of dried rosehips), compote (apples are added), powidlo, wine, jelly, jam, pastille, confits, and strained with sugar. The calorie content of hawthorn is about 53 kcal. 100 gr. interesting application of hawthorn in textile industry. Its bark is used as a red dye for tissues.

Hawthorn benefits

Let's dwell on the useful properties of hawthorn. The benefits of hawthorn are determined by its composition. Hawthorn is a real treasure trove of vitamin C and macronutrients such as potassium and calcium. There are such species of hawthorn in which carotene is contained no less than in carrots. Hawthorn contains alkaloids, essential oils, resinous substances, fatty and tannic components of B vitamins.

Substances included in hawthorn dilate the coronary vessels and vessels of the brain, have the ability to reduce the excitability of the nervous system.

The benefits of hawthorn and in its ability to enhance the supply of oxygen to the heart and brain, improve metabolism, normalize heart rhythms, sleep and general condition. Hawthorn decoction is used to treat various skin diseases. In addition, hawthorn helps to accelerate recovery from protracted and severe diseases and reduce blood cholesterol levels.

Hawthorn harm

It is worth remembering the dangers of hawthorn. It should be consumed moderately, otherwise hawthorn can provoke undesirable consequences for the stomach. In addition, hawthorn is contraindicated in people with kidney problems. Caution in hawthorn use should be followed by pregnant women and breastfeeding moms. Among other things, the decoction and tinctures of hawthorn should not be taken on a hungry stomach and for a long time, in such cases hawthorn will cause negative consequences for human health.