Hawthorn Lat. Crataegus monogyna, Crataegus laevigata, is a herb known in the world of traditional medicine as an excellent natural remedy for the heart.nnCrataegus is a large genus of plants belonging to the family Rosaceae and contains about 280 species. About 60 species can be found in Europe and Asia, and more are endemic in North America.nnThese species easily cross each other and therefore there is great diversity among them.nnIt is mainly plain hawthorn Crataegus monogina and English hawthorn Crataegus laevigata used in herbal medicine. These two species have the same health characteristics and medical applications.nnDescription of the plant: Hawthorn grows to a significant height of 10 meters and is known to be able to reach a deep age. Its white rose-like flowers attract insects, such as flies, because the pungent odor of decay is a factor in the aroma of these flowers.nnParts of the plant used for medicinal purposes: Dried hawthorn or berries, green stems, flowers and leaves. Occasionally bark of hawthorn is used as an herbal remedy.nnThe collected plant material is dried at low temperatures up to 35 ð C. The flowers and leaves dry very quickly, while the berries generally require a longer time and a higher temperature up to 70 ð C for drying.n
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