Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Hawthorn The Safety Factor
Large amounts of hawthorn may cause sedation and/or a significant drop in blood pressure, possibly resulting in faintness.
The Food and Drug Administration lists hawthorn as an herb of “undefined safety.” This heart stimulant should be used only by those diagnosed with angina, cardiac arrhythmias, or congestive heart failure-and then only in consultation with a physician. Children and pregnant and nursing women should not use hawthorn.
Flowers in May
Hawthorn is a small deciduous tree with white bark, extremely hard wood, sharp thorns, clusters of white, aromatic flowers, and brilliant red fruits, which look like small apples. It blooms from April to June depending on latitude. In Britain blossoms appear in May, hence its other names-may, mayblossom, and mayflower.
With approximately 900 North American species, hawthorn is well adapted to many environments, from urban areas to windswept hillsides.
The tree tolerates a variety of soils but prefers somewhat alkaline, rich, moist loam. Some species prefer full sun. Others grow well in partial shade. Consult a nursery for the species best suited to your area.