Hawthorn tea is made from the berries and leaves of the hawthorn bush and is believed to nourish the heart, regulate blood pressure, and calm nerves. It contains nutrients such as selenium, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. However, it may interact with prescription medications and should be used with caution.
Hawthorn tea is a type of herbal blend or tea made from the berries and leaves of the hawthorn bush. The berries are also sometimes used to create hawthorn extract or tincture, which can then be used to make the tea without the need to steep the crushed berries. As a dietary supplement, hawthorn tea is believed to help nourish the heart and regulate blood pressure. There are also some claims that a hot cup of this type of herbal blend will also help calm frayed nerves or other distress caused by stress or sudden shock.
Making hawthorn tea involves steeping dried leaves, berries, or a combination of both in a cup of hot water. Loose tea can be used by placing a small amount of the product in what is known as a tea ball. Often constructed of stainless steel or some similar material, the body of the tea ball is perforated, allowing water to mix with the contents. This in turn allows the berries and leaves to release nutrients into the hot water and provide what users may consider to be a pleasant taste. Today, it is also possible to buy tea bags containing dried and powdered hawthorn leaves and berries.
The purported benefits of hawthorn tea generally revolve around the combination of nutrients found in the berries and leaves. High amounts of selenium and vitamin C are present, along with significant amounts of calcium and potassium. There are also small amounts of vitamin A, magnesium, and phosphorous, and very small amounts of several B vitamins. The end result is a supplement that is believed to have a positive effect on the heart, which in turn triggers a host of other benefits for health.
Anecdotal evidence for the benefits of hawthorn tea includes regulating blood pressure so that it remains within a normal range. Regular consumption of the tea is believed to improve circulation, while helping to prevent hardening of the arteries. The combination of nutrients is also believed to help with various types of nervous disorders, especially generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder, and can serve as a tonic during periods of stress.
As with most herbal products, there is the potential for a negative interaction with prescription medications. The sedative effects of hawthorn tea could amplify the effect of anti-anxiety medications to the point that the individual’s motor skills are affected for a short period of time. There is also the potential for interaction with antidepressants, heart medications, and blood pressure medications. Before adding hawthorn tea, hawthorn capsules, or any other form of hawthorn to your daily diet, consult with a health care professional to determine if the tea is likely to cause problems with your current prescription medications.
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