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Ayurvedic Tips for Aging in our sunset years๐ŸŒ›

Gray hair and wrinkles can be a testimony of wisdom. But in a stressful world we often get caught up in equating our worth with productivity that could weigh on us post-retirement. Everyone, at every stage of life is a gift to the world.  That said, aging does bring preventable and costly health challenges that we need to face squarely, from heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, arthritis, dry skin, falling hair, cognitive decline, stroke and cancer. There is also the possibility of depletion, loneliness and ageism. So, how can we look after ourselves better to ensure we are physically and mentally stronger as we age? Ayurveda is a holistic mind-body science which supports people through a comprehensive approach to live a healthier life right into their sunset years. It emphasizes that  aging  ( Jara ) is a natural process just like the seasons. It does acknowledge natural degenerative changes but recommends prevention, building resilience and an anti-aging regimen through its br
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Hawthorn: Heart Healing from Physical to Spiritual ๐Ÿ’

Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is medicine for the heart on all levels. Indigenous to countries across the northern hemisphere, this small thorny tree has a long-recorded history of medicinal use in both Europe and China, as well as in North America. Poetically – and significantly – Hawthorn is a member of the Rose family.

Hawthorn’s place as heart medicine was noted by Greek physician, Dioscorides, in the first Century AD. Medical herbal research has validated this use, finding hawthorn to be effective for increasing the strength of heart contractions, increasing blood flow to the heart, decreasing blood lipids (ie decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides) and modulating blood pressure (AltMedReview, 2010). A Cochrane review of trials on hawthorn for chronic or congestive heart failure found that Crataegus extract decreased fatigue and shortness of breath and improved exercise tolerance relative to placebo. And while the traditional context is different, the Traditional Chinese Medicine use of Hawthorne for fat or rich meal digestion highlights the ability of Haw/berry antioxidants to prevent cholesterol deposits from oxidizing.

Additionally, hawthorn is used in the form of an energy medicine for the heart.

As a flower essence, Hawthorn helps open the heart to giving and receiving love, and can help in healing heartache. It encourages self-love and self-acceptance. As with many heart-acting energy remedies, hawthorn helps us to develop courage. The very etymology of the word courage draws our attention to the heart: cor is Latin for heart. And courage is truly an open-hearted state.

Hawthorne flower essence is further indicated for helping someone come into their strength and power (courage again?); and for calming a type A personality.

There is great lore surrounding hawthorn. Beltane and May Day rituals have long included hawthorn (or May) flowers and branches. For more about Hawthorn, magic and ritual, see http://www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/hawthorn.htm.

Parts Used : Berries (or haws) and flowers. Sometimes leaves. Most species flower in May. Spring leaves and flowers may be eaten.

Actions : cardiac tonic, hypotensive/blood pressure normalizing, antioxidant (rich in bioflavonoids and proanthocyanidins – protects myocardium against oxidative damage, prevents oxidized cholesterol from accumulating in vessel walls).



Conditions Treated:

Energetics: for protection and healing of the heart, opening the heart, expressing, giving and receiving love.

Interactions/Side Effects: Hawthorn is a gentle medicine that  – when indicated – is safe and effective for long term use. It is also safe to use with common cardiovascular medications, although you should always check with your ND or medical herbalist before embarking on an herbal treatment plan.

By Mahalia Freed, ND

Sources:

Pittler MH, Guo R, Ernst E. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jan 23;(1):CD005312. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18254076

Thorne Research. Crataegus oxycantha (Hawthorne) Monograph. Alt Med Review. 15(2). 2010.

Weed, S. Healing Wise. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing.

Wood, M. The Earthwise Herbal. Berkley, CA: North Atlantic Books. 2008.

Summary of available information:

http://www.wisewomanherbals.com/herbmed/#param.wapp?sw_page=@viewHerb%3FherbID%3D97

Flower Essence Information:

http://www.lichenwood.com/essencesGP.html

http://www.fesflowers.com/fes-store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94_96&products_id=1717

http://www.woodlandessence.com/essences.htm

http://www.allthingshealing.com/Homeopathy/The-Making-of-Hawthorn-Flower-Remedy/6148

https://traditionalroots.org/hawthorn-heart-healing-from-physical-to-spiritual/

Shop Solaray Hawthorn 525mg capsules from iHerb
Shop Nature's Answer Hawthorn extract from iHerb
Shop Organic Whole Hawthorn berries from iHerb

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