An easy way to naturally ease pain?
Guess what, it is a plant. This herb is amazing and it’s a Tylenol free way to give your Liver a break from detoxing those over the counter meds, alcohol, and whatever else we may indulging in a little too much. This herb friend you can turn to several days before your period, on your period and a couple days after to reduce uncomfortable symptoms associated with your menstrual cycle like cramping. Seriously, it’s like magic. Plus, it’s good for your heart!
Let me introduce you to the beautiful Hawthorn Berry. It's round, red, a bit sour and a little bit sweet. It’s an amazing herb that you should have on heavy rotation nearing your period. It’s a staple in my house. Not only does it improve digestive function, lower lipid levels and promote blood circulation, it eliminates wastes from your body. It's the perfect combination of benefits for your period phase.
So what’s hawthorn berry?
It’s a commonly used herb in Chinese Medicine. It’s part of the Rose family. It contains fatty acids that aid in fat digestion and because of its sour taste it increases the secretion of digestive enzymes in the stomach to promote digestion in general. It has an affinity for blood and the heart so it can effectively improve heart functions and promote circulation. According to Chinese Medicine, the heart sends blood to the uterus to begin the period stage, so proper heart functioning is imperative for a successful period phase. By drinking this tea, you are supporting your heart’s functioning and improving circulation to and in your uterus.
So how do I make it?
Here’s are a couple variations.
Hawthorn Berry Tea; Straight Up!
15-20g of dried, sliced Hawthorn Berries 8 cups of water A tiny bit of natural sweetener of choice (personally I find it sweet enough without)
Bring the berries to a boil and then turn down to a slow simmering boil for 10 minutes. Strain. Boom! You’re done. Lightly sweeten to taste and bring it with you wherever you go. Drink several cups a day. Stores well in the refrigerator for several days but I don’t recommend drinking it cold because cold temperatures constrict and we are trying to improve circulation.
**Add several slices of ginger and a cinnamon stick to the above recipe if you tend to run a little cold. Tip: Ginger influences the uterus and leave the skins on; it acts as a diuretic to ease water retention.**
Hawthorn with Green Tea
15-20g of dried sliced Hawthorne Berries
Small handful of green tea
8 cups of water
A tiny bit of natural sweetener of choice
Bring only the berries to a boil and then turn down to a slow simmering boil for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and add a small handful of loose leaf green tea; steep for about 5 minutes. Strain. Lightly sweeten to taste and bring it with you wherever you go. Drink several cups a day. Stores well in the refrigerator for several days but again, don’t drink it cold! Warm it up or drink room temp.
Enjoy!
You can purchase the herbs from me or order them through Harmonic Arts.
Kelsey Bru is a licensed acupuncturist and TCM Herbalist in the Comox Valley, British Columbia. She loves sharing her passion for herbal remedies through her online articles and at her clinic, The Remedy Room, on Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay. Call for an appointment at 250-800-7738.
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