Hawthorn & Mimosa
Botanical Names: Crataegus laevigata (Hawthorn); Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa)
Origins: Europe (Hawthorn), Eastern and Southwest Asia (Mimosa)
Hawthorn and mimosa form a powerful remedy for easing emotions such as sadness and grief. Hawthorn is a flowering shrub in the rose family with a long history of use as a gentle but highly effective medicine for strengthening the heart and circulatory system. Hawthorn also acts as a nervine, reducing nervousness and tension, and a mild sedative, making it useful for stress-related sleep disorders and mild insomnia.
Mimosa is a deciduous flowering tree, widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its striking pink and white blossoms as well as its medicinal value. In traditional Chinese medicine, mimosa is referred to as he huan pi, which translates to “collective happiness bark.” It has an uplifting effect on mood and appears to act as a mild antidepressant.
When combined in a liquid extract or tincture, the two herbs work together to alleviate the heavy-hearted feeling many of us experience during difficult times, helping to relieve some of the physical effects of stress and improving mood.
Notes from the Herbarium
Hawthorn
Parts used and preparations
The leaves, flowers, and berries of hawthorn may be used in capsules, teas, and tinctures.
Major constituents
Hawthorn contains tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, triterpene-carbonic acids, and purine derivatives.
Affinities for various body systems and actions
Hawthorn is widely recognized as a nourishing, restorative tonic herb for the cardiovascular system. It works to strengthen and normalize heart function. It also appears to support the digestive system and displays anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties in vitro.
Contraindications and/or herb-drug interactions
Patients taking Digoxin should avoid hawthorn. Hawthorn contains alkaloids that are structurally similar to digoxin and can interfere with its action.
Mimosa
Parts used and preparations
The flowers are used to make teas and tinctures.
Major constituents
Mimosa contains triterpenoid saponins called julibrosides.
Affinities for various body systems and actions
Mimosa is a nervine herb with an affinity for the nervous system.
Contraindications and/or herb-drug interactions
None known, but the bark of the mimosa tree should be avoided during pregnancy. Caution recommended if used concomitantly with prescription antidepressants.
