Hawthorn (Crataegus), is a well-known herb in traditional Chinese medicine. In ancient times, the Chinese herbalists mainly used hawthorn to improve the digestion of meat and fatty foods; as a result of this indigestion, one feels no further appetite, and may have belching, there will often be pressure felt in the stomach. Recently (in the past thirty years), Chinese researchers found that hawthorn is also very useful for heart diseases. Numerous Chinese formulations now incorporate this herb for strengthening heart functions, lowering blood lipids, and dilating blood vessels to promote blood circulation.
Top picture: fresh. Bottom picture: dried, slices
Please DO NOT USE:
(1) IF YOU ARE A PREGNANT WOMEN
(2) IF YOU HAVE EXCESSIVE GASTRIC ACID
Method:
(1) put 12 dried hawthorn slices in a cup; add boiling water; let it somewhat cool down; drink the juice.
(2) one can use the same hawthorn slices and simply add additional boiling water and then repeat step (1).
(3) One can also add Chinese wolfberry together with hawthorn.
(4) If you do NOT have diabetes, rock sugar may be also added for better taste.
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