Hawthorn Berry Whole Cert. Organic (Crataegus laevigata) 1 lb: C

This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack. Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture. Hawthorn is safe for long-term use. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Hawthorn leaf and flower for 'Decreasing cardiac output as described in functional Stage II of NYHA [New York Heart Assoc. clinical definition]. 'Special Caution for Use: A physician must be consulted in cases where symptoms continue unchanged for longer than six weeks or in case of swelling of the legs. Medical diagnosis is absolutely necessary when pains occur in the region of the heart, spreading out to the arms, upper abdomen or the area around the neck, or in cases of respiratory distress (dyspnea).' 'Dosage and Administration: 160 - 900 mg native, water-ethanol extract (ethanol 45 percent v/v or methanol 70 percent v/v, drug-extract ratio = 4 - 7:1, with defined flavonoid or procyanidin content), corresponding to 30 - 168.7 mg procyanidins, calculated as epicatechin, or 3.5 - 19.8 mg flavonoids, calculated as hyperoside in accordance with DAB 10, in two or three individual doses. Hawthorn fluidextract DAB 10: Equivalent individual or daily dosage must be confirmed by clinical-pharmacological experiment or clinical study. Mode of Administration: Liquid or dry pharmaceutical forms, for oral intake. Duration of Administration: 6 weeks minimum.' Hawthorn has a long history in both folk medicine and clinical medicine as a heart tonic. The herb is typically used to improve cardiovascular function, as it increases the supply of blood to the heart muscle, resulting in enhanced circulation throughout the body. It has been shown to help stabilize angina pectoris, as well as aiding recovery from heart attacks. The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn contain a variety of bioflavonoid-like complexes that appear to be primarily responsible for the cardiac actions of the plant. Hawthorn seems to inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and reduce production of the potent blood vessel-constricting substance angiotensin II. Hawthorn thus reduces resistance in arteries and improves extremity circulation. The bioflavonoids in hawthorn are potent antioxidants. Numerous double-blind clinical trials have confirmed hawthorn is beneficial for persons with serious heart conditions. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Cardiac, diuretic, astringent, tonic. Mainly used as a cardiac tonic in organic and functional heart troubles. Both flowers and berries are astringent and useful in decoction to cure sore throats. A useful diuretic in dropsy and kidney troubles.' 'Preparation and dosage: Fluid Extract of Berries, 10 to 15 drops.' 'The leaves have been used as an adulterant for tea. An excellent liqueur is made from Hawthorn berries with brandy.' American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'Dr. Jennings, of Chicago, in October, 1896, published in the