Hawthorn (Crataegus) – a natural sedative

Usage

Dosage is:

Tea: It is preferable to use a mixture of flowers and leaves. If berries are used it is better to decoct than diffuse. Use 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of boiling water. Infuse for 20mins. Drink 2-3 cups daily.
Tincture: (1:5) 50-100 drops 3 x daily
Fluid Extract: (1:1) 10-20 drops 3 x daily
Capsules: (min 325mg) 1-2 capsules 3-6 x daily. Or follow the instructions on any proprietary pack of Hawthorn being used.
Prolonged use is necessary for the treatment to be efficacious. is normally used either as a tea or a tincture.
Nervous Heart Disorders (palpitations) - Believed to have a sedative effect on the nervous system which may render it useful in heart conditions where the nerves are involved. It is also believed to encourage concentration and memory function as it improves circulation of blood and oxygen to the brain.
 

Adverse effects

Hawthorn is considered to be a non-toxic herb. It does not accumulate in the body as Digitalis does. There are no apparent side effects and is not believed to lead to dependence. Due to this Hawthorn is believed to be safe to use over long periods.

Hawthorn is believed to possess hypotensive action and as a result should be used with caution in low blood pressure. Studies have shown the herb to decrease blood pressure even further and in some instances cause fainting. Check with your doctor before taking hawthorn if you are taking any medication for blood pressure.