The heart is the engine of life, and Maria Treben referred to it as the most precious treasure of the body. To support it, especially in the second and third age, she recommended the flowers and leaves of hawthorn, either in the form of tea or tincture. This remedy was indicated for palpitations, weak circulation, and symptoms of cardiac fatigue.
What Maria Treben said:
Hawthorn flowers wonderfully nourish the heart. Those who use them daily will feel their heart stronger and life easier.
Maria Treben, Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy
Original Recipe from the Book
Hawthorn Tea
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1 tablespoon of dried hawthorn flowers and leaves
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250 ml boiling water
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over the plants, let it steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
Administration:
Drink 2-3 cups a day, in courses of at least 3 weeks.
Hawthorn Tincture
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A jar filled halfway with fresh hawthorn flowers
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Pour alcohol 38-40% until completely covering the flowers
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Let it macerate for 2 weeks in the sun or near a heat source, then strain
Administration:
Take 10-15 drops of tincture, 3 times a day, in a little water.
Benefits
Hawthorn:
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Contains flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and triterpenic acids, substances that improve coronary circulation and oxygenation of the heart muscle.
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Regulates blood pressure (both in cases of hypertension and hypotension).
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Reduces the frequency of palpitations and the sensation of cardiac anxiety.
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Improves endurance during exertion and supports recovery in mild heart failure.
What do modern studies say?
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European Journal of Heart Failure (2008): hawthorn extract improved exercise tolerance and reduced symptoms in mild to moderate heart failure.
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Phytomedicine (2010): flavonoids from hawthorn have a vasodilatory and antioxidant effect, protecting blood vessels and the heart from oxidative stress.
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Cochrane Review (2009): hawthorn is effective as an adjunct treatment for heart failure, improving the quality of life for patients.
Contraindications
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Individuals undergoing treatment with heart medications (beta-blockers, digoxin, antihypertensives) should consult a doctor beforehand.
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Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
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Should not be combined with excessive alcohol or other cardiotonic tinctures.
Sources:
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Maria Treben – Health from the Lord’s Pharmacy
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European Journal of Heart Failure, Hawthorn extract in chronic heart failure
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Phytomedicine, Cardiovascular effects of Crataegus extract
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Cochrane Review, Hawthorn for treating chronic heart failure
