Hello Listers ,
To the question re : How do we build strong blood vessels : Look to
the herb 'Hawthorn . Hawthorn Berries
Hawthorn is traditionally known for its strong and powerful effect on
the circulatory system, particularly the heart. It has been used for
centuries with great success, especially in Europe. Even today it
remains a favorite among herbalists as a cardiac tonic. Hawthorn is
valued for nourishing blood pressure and circulation. When used on a
regular, long-term basis hawthorn exerts a continued protection to
the cardiovascular system.
HAWTHORN, THE HEART-HELPING HERB
In both Western and Chinese Herbology, Hawthorne berries and flowers
are most traditionally used to help the heart, and it is heartening
to note that, according to the Herb Society of America's Herbal
Encyclopedia, "Unlike most medicinal plants that act on the heart,
hawthorn is relatively non-toxic," although they are quick to add the
reminder about the seriousness of heart conditions and the necessity
for treatment by qualified practitioners.
Hawthorn berries, fresh or dried, are the parts most generally used,
in tea or tincture (or commercially in capsules) medicinally. When
dried, they fade a little, and look almost like Cinnabar, wrinkled,
rosy, and very lovely. In Western Herbology these berries are
considered a strong heart tonic, with the ability to stabilize
cholesterol counts as well as blood pressure, by raising low pressure
and reducing high pressure, and is therefore an herb of choice for
hypertension as well as hypotension. They have also proven
effective, for generations, centuries even, in regulating rapid or
arrhythmic heart beat, inflammation of the heart muscle, angina,
arteriosclerosis, and disease or degeneration of the heart valves and
blood vessels. Because it strengthens the heart and the ability of
the heart to process the blood flow, it improves the condition of the
vessels through which the blood flows and the general circulation in
the body. Therefore, although heart problems can occur at any age,
Hawthorn is one of the first herbs considered when the conditions
relate to aging and the heart problems that frequently accompany aging.
Hawthorn is also effective for insomnia that can accompany
over-active mental stimulation, digestion problems, or chronic stress
and for palpitations which may have many causes, including:
allergies, menopause, fear, athletic challenge, sexual excitement,
anticipation of upcoming events, caffeine, cigarettes, alcohol,
etc. As a nervous system relaxant, it combines well with other herb
relaxants, such as Lemon Balm, Lime/Linden flowers, Motherwort, and
Passion Flower.
In Chinese Herbology, the berries have long been used to relieve
indigestion from overeating or chronic poor digestion system, as well
as to stimulate a poor appetite, release abdominal distention and
post partum pain. In addition, the green fruit, roasted and charred,
has been used to allay diarrhea and even to treat chronic
dysentery-like symptoms. Hawthorn was named by its botanical
reference C. pinnatifida in the Supplement to the Extension of the
Materia Medica by Zhu Zhen Heng who lived around 1347
Regards
Margaret
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