Hawthorne Berry : Crataegus Laevigata

*Uses: Hawthorn supports healthy circulation and cardiovascular functioning   Hawthorn is considered a superior heart tonic by many herbalists. However, its effects on the heart are manifold. Many consider hawthorn to be transformational for the emotional or spiritual heart as well.Believed to uplift and strengthen both the physical and emotional heart, hawthorn, as it supports healthy cardiovascular function, was also revered for ceremonial and spiritual purposes. The flavorful red berries have been used in candies, jams, jellies, wines, and cordials and are widely available in many forms as dietary supplements.    Hawthorn or 'shanzha' has been used in TCM since ancient times, however most historical uses were related to digestion until recently. It is considered energetically slightly warm, associated with the spleen, stomach, and liver meridians, and reflects both sweet and sour tastes. Presently, it is used to support the cardiovascular system as well, and in fact, in China, the b