Hawthorn
Hawthorn (Crataegus), also known as Mayflower, Maytree, Maybush, Mayblossom, Haw, Halves, Hagthorn, Ladies’ meat, Bread and Cheese tree, Quickset, and Whitethorn, is a shrubby tree of the family Rosaceae. It is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in Asia, North America, and Europe. In Europe, Hawthorn is one of the oldest medicinal plants known and has been used since the Middle Ages for heart problems. But also the ancient Greeks and Native Americans were aware of the heart-healthy properties of Hawthorn. The parts used as medicine are the flowers, the leaves, and the berries.
Hawthorn Medicinal Uses
In Europe, Hawthorn was traditionally used as a diuretic and to treat kidney and bladder stones. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the berries of Crataegus pinnatifida (Chinese Hawthorn) are used to treat abdominal bloating, indigestion, diarrhea and flatulence. In the West today, Hawthorn is mainly used to treat heart disease and cardiovascular disorders. Scientific studies have shown that Hawthorn can expand the blood vessels and increase the strength of the heartbeat. The precise mode of action in which this happens is not yet fully understood, but Hawthorn is safe to use as a long-term treatment for a weak or failing heart. Hawthorn is also a powerful antioxidant and lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Antioxidants have shown to help the coronary arteries dilate and to increase blood flow to the heart. In combination with standard medical treatment, Hawthorn is used for mild to moderate heart failure and to prevent angina. Mild to moderate heart failure describes patients who suffer from heart disease but have only little limitations in their physical activities, such as shortness of breath, angina pain, fatigue, or palpitation. As a tonic for the circulatory system, Hawthorn is also used in the treatment of hypertension, artherosclerosis, and peripheral circulatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease and intermittent claudication. In liquid form, Hawthorn can further be used for insomnia, nervous conditions, as an effective diuretic, and as a gargle for sore throats.
Hawthorn Products and Dosages
Hawthorn comes in liquid, dry extract, capsule, and tablet form. The dosage varies and therefore the directions on the label should be followed. A typical dose may be 0.3 – 1 gram of dried fruit three times a day, or 0.5 – 1 ml of liquid extract, or 1 – 2 ml of tincture. It is recommended to take Hawthorn for at least six weeks. For Angina, Hawthorn is only useful when it is used over a long period of time, however, it should be noted that Hawthorn may prevent angina but cannot treat an angina attack.
Hawthorn Side Effects and Risks
Hawthorn should only be taken for diagnosed heart conditions. Pregnant or breast feeding women should consult their doctor before using Hawthorn. People who are allergic or sensitive to other types of Rosaceae plants should not take Hawthorn. Side effects with Hawthorn are rare, although in high doses it may cause a severe drop in blood pressure and arrhythmias. Patients who have to take nitrates, cardiac glycosides, central nervous system depressants, or medications for high blood pressure, should consult their doctor before using Hawthorn.
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