Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataégus) – is a genus of trees in the family Rosaceae native to temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Several species of hawthorn have been used in traditional medicine as a precious nutritive and medial plant, especially the Red Hawthorn. This bushlike tree with a roundish dense crown grows up to 5 meters height. It’s mellow berries (Fructus Crataegi) contain vitamins A, C, P, triterpenic acid, dihydroxysuccinic and citric acids, fructose, choline, acetylcholine, pectin and flavonoids. 
The complex of micronutrients, contained in the hawthorn berries, normalizes heart rhythm, improves the sleep and the general body state, reduces excitability of the central nervous system, increases blood flow in brain vessels. Therefore preparations on it’s basis can be applied in a complex therapy together with other drugs, healthy nutrition and healthy lifestyle. 
In traditional medicine Hawthorn berries used to be medicated as an astringent remedy at the digestive upset and dysentery. 
Pick and preparations of hawthorn berries start from the end of September and last until frosts, under full mellowness, it has to be dried several days at a temperature up to 50 °C and stored in a dark place (up to 2 years). 
Dried Hawthorn berries can be brewed by taking 10 g per 20 ml of water, then bring it to the boil and cook on a slow fire 15-20 minutes, and finally cool and strain. The simple way would be to put berries in a thermos, fill it with boiled water and draw 3 or 4 hours. 
Hawthorn berries brew can be taken as an independent drink, as well as in a mix with other herbs, fruits or berries, honey and lemon.