Hilde Hemmes Hawthorn Traditional Herbal Tea
Hawthorn is a common, thorny shrub that grows up to five feet tall on hillsides
and in sunny wooded areas of North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North
Africa. The Hawthorn plant produces small berries, called haws, which sprout
each May after the flowers of the hawthorn plant bloom. Hawthorn berries are
usually red when ripe, but may be much darker. Hawthorn leaves, while usually
shiny, may grow in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Bioflavonoid complexes (including oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs), vitexin,
quercetin, and hyperoside) found in the leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn
are believed to be responsible for the herbs positive health benefits. Hawthorn
is well know for the cardiac benefits it provides, including improved coronary
artery blood flow as well as improved blood flow in the extremeties. Hilde Hemmes Hawthorn Traditional Herbal Tea
may also be helpful when used in connection with other conditions such as
angina, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and some arrhythmias. It is believed by
some professionals that chemicals in hawthorn may act directly on the heart
muscle to increase the force of heartbeats and to relax the arteries around the
heart. Hawthorn may also work indirectly by widening blood vessels close to the
surface of the skin. As a result, it may assist in stabilizing blood pressure.
Based on evidence provided by clinical trials it has been confirmed that
hawthorn extracts benefit individuals with early-state congestive heart failure.
Over thousands of years, humans have discovered
which plants have beneficial value, which may be used as food, and which should
be avoided. This vital information has been recorded in ancient herbal
manuscripts and passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation.
Today, many people are excited to rediscover the
fascinating history of herbs and to enjoy their beneficial properties. Enjoying
traditional herbal teas is one way that people can reconnect with the past and
appreciate just how much nature has to offer.
Over the years I have collected many rare,
out-of-print books on herbs and their uses, and have discovered many valuable
recipes and ancient formulae that may otherwise have been forgotten.
Herb teas do not contain true tea leaves, but the
carefully selected flowers, berries, peels, seeds, leaves and roots of selected
herbal plants. These parts of the herbal plants are chosen for their natural
aromatic actives and special flavours.
Using herbs to care for yourself and your family
is an empowering experience - it allows you to tap into the power of nature. I
know you will enjoy the positive contribution that herbs can make in your life.
Herbal teas are best stored at about 20°C, away
from direct sunlight and in a dry environment.
Dosage of Hilde Hemmes Hawthorn Traditional Herbal Tea
Traditionally, a hot infusion is one of
the simplest ways to prepare most dried herbs for use as a tea. To prepare each
hot infusion, take one heaped teaspoonful of the herbs and pour one cup of
boiling water over them. Cover the cup with a lid or saucer. Allow the mixture
to steep for 3-5 minutes and strain before using.
A decoction is the method used for herbs such as
roots, bark, twigs and berries. To prepare a decoction, take one heaped
teaspoonful of herbs and place them in a saucepan with one cup of cold water.
Bring the mixture to the boil, simmer for 10-15 minutes (longer if the roots are
very hard) and strain before drinking.
If not using the tea straight away, you can store
Hilde Hemmes Hawthorn Traditional Herbal Tea in a covered jug or container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and gently
warm the mixture before drinking.
