Hawthorn's Heart Health Benefits: Nature's Boost to Circulation

Hawthorn in our country is found almost everywhere, and September and October are the best times to harvest its fruits. These fruits hold real power: it has long been known that hawthorn is an ally of a healthy heart.

Hawthorn extract is a medicinal substance primarily used in the treatment of heart and circulatory diseases. Hawthorn is a source of procyanidins, which support blood pressure regulation; moreover, this plant improves circulation, seals and strengthens blood vessels, combats heart arrhythmia, has anti-atherosclerotic effects, and has calming properties. However, it's important to remember that hawthorn should never replace conventional medical care, and incorporating it into the diet for individuals with heart diseases should be consulted with a doctor.

Hawthorn is also a source of antioxidants that protect the body from harmful free radicals, certain vitamins, including vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and minerals - potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and sodium. It also contains organic acids, such as ursolic and oleanolic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Meanwhile, the triterpenes in hawthorn have anti-cancer effects, lower harmful cholesterol levels, and show anti-inflammatory potential, making hawthorn useful for alleviating skin inflammation, such as eczema. It is worth noting that hawthorn is also used for digestive problems, including indigestion, diarrhea, and stomach disorders.

Hawthorn fruits are edible. Their harvest season falls in September and October. Earlier, from May to June, hawthorn flowers can be collected and used to prepare healthy infusions. Hawthorn fruits can be consumed raw or made into various products: juices, tinctures, preserves, infusions, and even wine.

Collected hawthorn fruits can also be dried. First, they should be sorted and washed, and the stems and seeds should be removed. Drying should be done at approximately 30°C, and towards the end of drying - 50°C. A health-promoting infusion can be prepared from dried hawthorn fruits. Pour boiling water over 2 teaspoons of dried hawthorn fruits and steep for 20 minutes.