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Hawthorn
The medicinal herb Hawthorn as an alternative herbal remedy - Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern European regions and grow throughout the world.Common Names--hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne Latin Names--Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus oxyacantha), Crataegus monogyna
What Hawthorn Is Used For
Hawthorn fruit has been used as an herbal remedy for heart disease since the first century. It has also been used for digestive and kidney problems.
- More recently, hawthorn leaf and flower have been used for heart failure, a weakness of the heart muscle that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to fatigue and limit physical activities.
- Hawthorn is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary artery disease (such as angina).
- Hawthorn is also used as an herb to lower blood pressure, and treat some heart related diseases.
Herbal Remedy Products with Hawthorn as part of the ingredients
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- What RectoRex Drops™ and High-Rite™ says: Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is according to recent studies, beneficial for heart health (Schussler M, Holzl J, Fricke U. "Myocardial effects of flavonoids from Crataegus species". Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:842-5. ) (Walker, AF, Marakis G, Morris AP, Robinson PA. "Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension". Phytotherapy Research. 2002;16(1):48-54). This herb also has flavonoids as an active constituent. (Kao ES, Wang CJ, Lin WL, Yin YF, Wang CP, Tseng TH. "Anti-inflammatory potential of flavonoid contents from dried fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida in vitro and in vivo". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005;53(2):430-436).
How Hawthorn Is Used
- The hawthorn leaf and flower are used to make liquid extracts, usually with water and alcohol. Dry extracts can be put into capsules and tablets.
What the Science Says about Hawthorn
- There is scientific evidence that hawthorn leaf and flower are safe and effective for milder forms of heart failure.
- There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether hawthorn works for other heart problems.
- NCCAM is supporting research studying the mechanisms by which hawthorn may affect heart failure.
Side Effects and Cautions of Hawthorn
- Hawthorn is considered safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. Side effects are usually mild and can include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness.
- Drug interactions with hawthorn have not been thoroughly studied. It was once thought that hawthorn interacted with the heart medicine digoxin. However, a very small study in people without heart conditions found no interaction, but evidence is limited.
- Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.
News About Hawthorn
Health Benefits of Hawthorn Herb
- (Joe, EatThePlanet)
Washington hawthorn tree (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is a common ornamental landscape tree in the Eastern and Central United States. The genus Crataegus is a large genus including many species referred to as hawthorn tree, hawthorn apple thornapple, maytree, whitethorn and hawberry. Although this article focuses on the washington hawthorn tree the information here applies to many other species in the genus. Washington hawthorn tree is native to the US and serves as an important food source for wildlife such as squirrels and birds. The culinary and medicinal use of plants in the hawthorn genus: Crataegus goes back thousands of years to many people and cultures around the globe. This plant has a long history of use by humans.
- Hawthorn Fruit
Hawthorn fruit is edible and delicious. The seeds are likely about as poisonous as apple seeds, see the ‘cautions’ section below. The washington hawthorn tree has small berries grouped into clusters. Even this species with its small berries is worth finding. I usually take a mouthful of hawthorn fruit and spit out the seeds. There are other species with larger berries as well but this particular species is very common in the Norhteastern US, therefore it is easy to find and forage. Hawthorn fruits are produced in the fall and hang on into mid winter. Hawthorn fruit can be used as a flavoring or addition to many things. Click Here to learn how to make a Hawthorn extract.
- Health Benefits
Hawthorn berries, young leaves and fresh hawthorn flowers are known to lower blood pressure and have a general tonic effect on the heart. There are numerous hawthorn products that focus on cardiovascular health on the market. This is one of the primary traditional medicinal uses of Hawthorn throughout the world. Combining hawthorn with Hibiscus is one way to reap the heart and blood pressure benefits of both plants.
- Cautions
Hawthorns are in the same subfamily as apples and likely have poisonous seeds like apples. At least one report says that the seeds are significantly poisonous and too many could be lethal to children, other reports don’t mention it. Exercise caution and spit out the seeds. Hawthorns have been used safely by humans for thousands of years. Another thing to watch out for when harvesting is THORNS! They are sharp and long!
- Key ID Features
Identifying a plant as being definitively in the genus: Crataegus is difficult. There are some typical features but not all species show them and not all features distinguish them from other plants. There are a few general identification features. 1) They have thorns which can be very long (up to 4″). 2) they typically have lobed or largely serrated leaf margins. 3) The fruits of all species are pomes(apple-like) but might be difficult to determine as such since the seeds in the middle sometimes stick together. As well as all the ID features above there are some identification features that are particular to Washington Hawthorn that will help with identifying this plant. The leaf shape tends to be shallowly to deeply lobed as well as serrated and pyramidal. The berries grow in clusters in the fall and winter and are small and red with a dark circular ‘crown’ at the end of the berry. So if you have found a plant that has thorns, fall pomes, and serrated leaves, it is likely a hawthorn, the best next step would be to research hawthorns in your area and compare to make a positive ID.
- Conclusion
Hawthorn is a delicious cultivated and wild edible fruit for many parts of the world. In the eastern US washington hawthorn is a very common native species, promoting and growing this plant is great for human and animal foragers. There are some important health benefits to be had as well, especially in regards to heart health which is one of the leading health problems among Americans. Add Hawthorn to your diet for a healthy tasty winter snack.
Health Benefits of Hawthorn Herb
- (The Lifescript Editorial Staff)
A Key Supplement for Women's Heart Health
- What is Hawthorn Herb?
Hawthorn is a tall-growing shrub that bears white flowers and red berries.
But don’t be fooled by its pleasant appearance.
Those shrubs are hiding large, vicious thorns, which are rumored to have been used to weave the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore at the crucifixion.
This belief long associated use of hawthorn with bad luck, until the ancient Greeks and Native Americans discovered its heart-health benefits.
The popular use of hawthorn herb wasn’t established until the 19th century, thanks to an Irish doctor who treated heart disease for years with a closely-guarded formula. After his death in 1890, the key ingredient of his secret tincture was revealed – hawthorn berries.
- How Does Hawthorn Herb Protect Your Heart?
Hawthorn herb’s cardio-protective benefits work in three ways:
1. Dilates blood vessels by blocking the ACE enzyme, which constricts blood vessels. This in turn improves blood flow through arteries and may lower blood pressure.
2. Blocks certain enzymes that can deteriorate heart muscle, thus correcting irregular heartbeat.
3. Prevents plaque buildup in the coronary arteries by working as an antioxidant.
By supporting and protecting the health of the heart in these three ways, hawthorn herb can be especially useful to those suffering from mild hypertension, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure.
The benefits of using herbs to improve health are many. However, use of any type of supplement, whether herbal or not, should be carefully considered and evaluated.
Let your doctor know if you are considering taking supplements. And make sure he or she approves their use along with your current prescription medications and medical condition.
Certain heart medications, like digitalis, work to increase the pumping power of the heart, but may also increase the incidence of irregular heart beat.
- Hawthorn increases the heart’s pumping power and prevents irregular heartbeat.
What Else Can Hawthorn Herb Do for You? Besides acting as an amazing heart remedy, hawthorn is also often used to treat insomnia with its power to calm.
Hawthorn herb has also been found to preserve collagen, a type of connective tissues, which is very beneficial to those suffering from arthritis.
- Are There Any Safety Issues Surrounding Hawthorn Herb?
Use of hawthorn herb, hawthorn berries or hawthorn extract is generally regarded as safe.
However, it may produce mild side effects in those with already low blood pressure, including nausea, sweating, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Allergic reaction to hawthorn may also occur in the form of a skin rash, but is quite uncommon.
Hawthorn appears to be safe to use alongside prescription heart medications. But as always, talking with your doctor first is the safest route to take before adding supplements to your current prescription medication regimen.
- How Can I Make the Most Out of Hawthorn Herb?
The recommended dosage of hawthorn is 300-450 milligrams every day for those with an existing heart condition.
For preventative measures, taking 100-150 mg every day may put you at a lower risk for heart disease.
Like many other supplements, the effects of hawthorn herb may take up to three months to show. Herbs must build up first in the body before they can start to work.
What Are the Health Benefits of Hawthorn Extract?
- By Tracey Roizman (DC)
Hawthorn, also known as mayflower, is a member of the rose family, whose flowers, leaves and fruits have been used for food and medicine since the Neolithic period. Ancient Greeks regarded hawthorn as a symbol of hope and fertility and featured the flowers in wedding ceremonies. In modern times, hawthorn is used primarily for its purported heart-healthy benefits.
- Antioxidants
Hawthorn contains a number of flavonoid compounds that may be useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In particular, it boasts high levels of quercetin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs, which neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and promote arterial plaque formation, or atherogenesis. A laboratory animal study published in the March 2011 issue of the "China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica" found that four weeks of hawthorn supplementation caused changes that led the authors to conclude that hawthorn berry "could inhibit" atherogenesis. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
- Congestive Heart Failure
Hawthorn has been used successfully to treat mild to moderate congestive heart failure in several reliable studies, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. A review of 10 previously published studies that appeared in the January 2008 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" found that hawthorn supplementation in conjunction with conventional treatment decrease oxygen consumption and increased exercise tolerance significantly. Study participants also reported less shortness of breath and fatigue with hawthorn supplementation. Researchers concluded that hawthorn shows potential for considerable benefit in the treatment of chronic heart failure.
- Cholesterol
Cholesterol-lowering effects of hawthorn are possible due to the herb's ability to increase the liver's absorption of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, according to R. Watson, co-editor of the book, "Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice." A laboratory animal study published in the July 2012 issue of the journal, "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine," found that supplementation with hawthorn leaves and flowers significantly reduced cholesterol levels. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
- Considerations
Side effects of hawthorn may include skin rash, nausea, headache, heart palpitations and dizziness. High doses may induce low blood pressure or irregular heart beat. Hawthorn can also increase the effectiveness of some heart medications and interfere with others. Consult your doctor before taking hawthorn to treat a health condition. Additionally, while you are taking hawthorn, avoid taking other herbs that affect heart function, such as cola, ginger, mate or shepherd's purse. Pregnant and nursing women, and children under 12 years, should not take hawthorn.
Types Of Hawthorn Trees: How To Grow Hawthorn In The Landscape
- By Jackie Carroll
Hawthorn trees are a delight to have in the landscape because of their attractive shape, shade potential, and clusters of pink or white flowers that bloom in spring. Songbirds love hawthorns, too, and they’ll visit often in fall and winter to enjoy the bright-colored berries. Most hawthorn trees grow 15 to 30 feet tall—the perfect size for urban gardens.
Growing hawthorn plants comes with its share of problems because they are susceptible to a number of diseases, including apple scab, fire blight, leaf spots, leaf blights and several types of rust [4]. Some of the diseases are potentially fatal, and they leave the foliage and twigs looking tattered by the end of the season. If you decide to grow a hawthorn tree, look for a disease resistant variety such as ‘Winter King’ or ‘Washington’ hawthorn.
- Types of Hawthorn
There are so many different types of hawthorn trees that it’s difficult to choose just one. Here are a few to consider:
- • Crataegus crus-galli var. inermis is commonly called thornless cockspur hawthorn. It has a lovely orange-red fall color and three-inch clusters of white flowers that bloom in spring.
- • C. laevigata ‘Crimson Cloud’ is an English hawthorn with bright red flowers and fine-textured leaves.
- • C. phaenopyrum, called Washington hawthorn, is more disease resistant than most. The leaves go through a succession of color changes and the flowers are bright white.
- How to Grow Hawthorn
Hawthorn trees need full sun and well-drained soil. They tolerate almost any type of soil and variations in pH.
Set the trees out in spring so they’ll have a full season to become established before winter. In large settings they look great in groups, and they are pretty enough to stand alone as specimens in small gardens. Although they make great lawn and street trees, avoid planting thorny varieties where children play or where pedestrians pass. The thorns are fierce, and can be as much as three inches long.
Water the trees during dry spells for the first year. Afterward, they are drought resistant.
Feed hawthorns annually for the first three years with a balanced fertilizer and every other year thereafter.
- Additional Hawthorn Care
Hawthorn trees need little pruning. Remove suckers [5] that arise from the base of the trunk. You can trim the canopy, if necessary, to keep it looking neat. Make cuts just beyond a lateral twig or bud that faces the direction in which you want the branch to grow.
You might want to make routine spraying a part of your hawthorn tree care plan. Hawthorns are bothered by lace bugs, aphids [7], mites and scale, and these insects can get out of control unless you treat them early. Use a lightweight horticultural oil [10] early in the season. You can damage the tree by spraying with horticultural oils at the wrong time, so read the label instructions carefully before spraying. Use a general-purpose spray labeled for hawthorn trees later in the season.
Hawthorn Berry Benefits: 9 Reasons To Eat More Hawthorn Berry
- (ideberry)
Hawthorn Berry Benefits – Hawthorn, as may bloom, referred to, is just a glossy, thorny plant linked to the rose family which grows all over the world in places along side moist surroundings. Hawthorn tea is most often recognized because of due to the fact of its cardio programs in addition to its healing uses. The elements that were vibrant descend into fruits, with an embarrassing smell plus a fairly unpleasant taste in addition to the leaves, bloom.
Numerous civilizations through history all have recognized hawthorn’s center-healing characteristics, such as Americans in addition to the Greeks, prior to AltMD.com. Right before employing hawthorn tea you have to talk to a doctor. It develops to five-feet high on slopes in addition to in the sun drenched wooded locations all over the world. Its blossoms grow in May. They create in little bright, teams that are red, or green. Small fruits, called haws, develop the moment the plants. Red when fresh, nonetheless they may also be dark. Hawthorn leaves are gleaming and create in numerous shapes and sizes.
- Antioxidant Properties
Laboratory and pet studies have discovered that hawthorn includes active substances with properties. Antioxidants are materials that scavenge radicals; harmful substances from the torso that even trigger cell death, tinker with genetics, and change cell walls. Free radicals arise naturally in the torso, but environmental contaminants (including ultraviolet light, emission, smoking cigarettes, and air pollution) may also improve their range.
Free radicals are thought to subscribe to the improvement in the quantity of health issues including cardiovascular disease in addition to the aging process. Antioxidants present in hawthorn could decrease and sometimes even assist in preventing much harm they cause and may neutralize free radicals.
Hawthorn is still another efficient anti oxidant. There’s undoubtedly effective evidence which anti oxidants decrease the chance shots, of heart problems, in addition to deaths from heart diseases this hasn’t been established in reports. Anti-oxidants increase blood flow towards the center in addition to be seen to help the arteries dilate. From returning following a surgical procedure called angioplasty, they may prevent obstructions. Hawthorne Dietary and Unwanted Effects
Hawthorne berries tend to be laden with vitamin D plus a lengthy chain of the B vitamins including B2 vitamin B1, B3 B6, and B12. They furthermore incorporate a tasty number of bioflavonoid which is one kind of plants metabolites. Which was clearly a great deal biology chatting? Basically, secondary metabolite suggests it’s a crops first system of protection. Various crops obviously use numerous substances in another method to defend against chicken’s bad insects, creatures, or even us people. However when these substances enable us to out (and often talking eating the entire place or fruit enables us out in an infinitely more alternative method than simply separating the substance) that particular compound is called secondary metabolite. Within this instance, our metabolites are wonderful anti oxidants. You realize those activities we hear about constantly that assists in disease may prevent cancer, and ostensibly rule the planet. They’re balanced with you personally needless to convey, and including slightly Hawthorne a genuine idea is simply instead by a berry in your daily diet.
Hawthorn will probably be SECURE for all grownups when used at recommended amounts short term (around 16 months). It’s not acknowledged whether hawthorn is secure when employed long-term to utilize. Herbs’ usage is just a respected approach to cop with illness in addition to accumulating your body. Herbs, products, however, contain elements that may induce adverse effects in addition to connecting to different herbs, or maybe medicines. As a result of this, you have to consider herbs carefully, beneath the care specialist qualified within the area of medicine’s assistance.
Unwanted effects of Hawthorn are unusual, however may contain headaches, sickness, in addition to tremors (a feeling of the rushing center). An accessible overview of 29 studies with more than 5,500 victims unearthed when found in recommended amounts that hawthorn was secure. Amounts found to become secure were from 3 – and from 160 – 1 24 weeks-long.
- Kinds of Hawthorn Berry
There are many kinds of Hawthorn (Crataegus) that produce tasty, red fruits and leaves. The somewhat small fruits are usually cream- inside having a large rock inside the middle. When eaten fresh, the taste is fairly nice having a far blander aftertaste. Hawthorn berries will not be popular being a tasty fruit because the flavor simply isn’t especially unique when comparing to variety of fruits discovered nowadays, however, the fruits are extremely tasty when transformed into jams, jellies and sometimes even maintains, and they’re exceptionally saturated in vitamin C.
1. Mexican Hawthorn
Asian Hawthorn Crataegus pubescent is the Asian hawthorn (tejocote), native towards the mountainous parts of Mexico. The – fruits are eaten natural, as jam, and sometimes even prepared and situated throughout Christmas party activities in piñatas. Additionally, they’re a main element within the conventional, warm fruit value as “ponche.” Chocolate consists of the fruits to utilize as choices of the Evening of the Useless often known. Pectin is obtained in the fruit. It truly is probably the crops just like a supply of food are most helpful.
2. Chinese Hawthorn
Chinese Hawthorn Crateagus pinnatifida grows in China. Fruit that seems similar to the crabapple is generated by it. The Chinese make use of the fruits to produce Haw flakes in addition to snacks, a black red chocolate. In addition they produce a treat referred to as tanghulu, that’s created from haw fruits. The same as hawthorns, the fruits are used to create saves, jellies in addition to jams. The hawthorn can also be applied to produce an alcoholic beverage. The place is becoming an important food supply of China for a supply of healing tonic, in addition to centuries.
3. One-Seed Hawthorn
The Crataegus Monogyna One-Seed Hawthorn is just a common hawthorn creating red, delicious fruits and bright flowers. they are furthermore tasty to people although they’re very popular alongside chickens just like a supply of food. The fruits might be dried in addition to floor to utilize like a coffee alternative, and sometimes even contained in cooking, as well as being consumed in jellies, saves in addition to jams. Leaves and the fruits are used medicinally to cope with cardiovascular disease, enhance deal in addition to storage with malaria.
4. Douglas Hawthorn
Douglas Hawthorn and sometimes even Dark Hawthorne (Crataegus douglasii), is really a quantity of hawthorn that actually reaches a peak of 30-feet. As being a quantity of hawthorns, C’s fruits. douglasii have been employed to produce a combination helpful just like a heart tonic. The fruits may be selected off the pine and are often manufactured in large groups and eaten simmered to produce a jam and sometimes even treat in addition to natural and sometimes even boiled. It certainly will begin to keep fruit of five to eight years such as the most of hawthorns and is truly a simple and durable place to develop.
- Hawthorn Berry Benefits
Hawthorn is commonly considered in Europe like an effective and safe therapy for that first stages of cardiovascular disease and it is recommended by Payment E- the department of the government that grants and reports herbal remedies. It’s applied to advertise the healthiness of the system and it has been identified helpful with managing congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, angina and arrhythmia. Secure it and it’s been discovered to reinforce the center.
There’s also proof of heart enhancement, especially in scientific guidelines related to congestive heart failure angina and myocardial infarct. This can be due to the antioxidant activity of the plant. the display of hepatoprotective action in animal studies supports its use for treating hepatitis in contemporary Oriental medicine.
1. Congestive heart failure
Hawthorn has mainly been analyzed in individuals with congestive heart failure (a health where the center is not able to push sufficient levels of blood to different areas in the torso). Of six well-created tests, four reports figured hawthorn significantly enhanced three and heart function unearthed that individuals’ capability to exercise enhanced. Individuals in five of the six studies noted that hawthorn significantly increased signs of the condition (for example shortness of breathing and exhaustion). One study discovered that hawthorn extracts (900 mg/time) obtained for just two weeks was as efficient as low amounts of captropril (a number one center medicine) in increasing signs of congestive heart failure. A sizable-level global research is underway to find out whether hawthorn extracts decreases the chance of death in individuals with this disease.
2. Ejection Fraction
If endured center check up at cardiologist, when compared with your physician probably have calculated your ejection fraction. Ejection fraction is the small percentage of blood moved from the right and remaining ventricles with every pulse. It enables you to understand how poor condition will likely be your heart and sometimes even in how great. Balanced people ordinarily have ejection fractions between 50-70%. Even exceptionally low or reduced E.F. might be indicator of heart muscle injury that might with time, lead to heart failure. Hawthorn fruit is unquestionably among several herbs that might improve ejection fractions, especially when along with exercise and CoQ10.
3. Atherosclerosis
Laboratory and pet studies show this plant has antioxidant qualities that help drive back the forming of plaque that leads to some health conditions called atherosclerosis. Plaque accumulation within the ships that give you the center with air-rich body could cause chest discomfort (angina) and heart problems while plaque accumulation within the veins that offer body towards the mind might lead to swing.
4. Sedative
Sedative results of hawthorn fruit and vegetables were proven inside a review on lab animals launched inside the August 2010 problem of the diary “Pharmaceutical Bulletin.” Inside The study, doses between 10 and 1000 milligrams of hawthorn pulp and seed ingredients produced opiate-like relaxing effects round the central nervous system that decreased anxiety in addition to extreme motion and relieved pain. Scientists decided that their research may help conventional uses of hawthorn to help ease pain, sleep issues in addition to pressure. Moreover study will likely be necessary before hawthorn might be ideal for these uses for people to confirm these kinds of initial results.
5. Pain
Hawthorn fruit products have already been proven to fight chest discomfort (angina), a health condition due to inadequate blood circulation of the center. In one single early research, 60 angina patients received both 180 mg/evenings of hawthorn berry-leaf- placebo or rose extract for 3 months. People who acquired the hawthorn preparation were ready to workouta for longer amounts of time for struggling with chest pain and experienced enhanced blood circulation towards the center.
6. High cholesterol
Reports using mice claim that a hawthorn tincture (produced from the fruits) can be a potent adviser for that elimination of blood (“poor”) cholesterol in the system. Hawthorn berries’ tinctures also decreased cholesterol’s manufacturing within subjects who have been being given a higher-cholesterol diet’s liver. Reports to find out if hawthorn may consult the exact same results in individuals are required.
7. Fat Metabolism
Hawthorn berries may help using fat’s metabolism. Within the research launched in August 2009 inside the “Journal of The Korean Culture of Food Science and Nutrition,” subjects given fermented vinegar made from hawthorn fruits for 6 months, as well as a high fat diet, shown cuts in weight in comparison with mice given the identical high fat diet without any hawthorn vinegar. Quantities of cholesterol decreased.
8. Blood pressure
Substantial research supports the aerobic advantages of this plant though hawthorn hasn’t been examined particularly in individuals with high blood pressure. Reports suggest that people can take properly hawthorn with hypertension that is also getting blood pressure medicines.
9. In treating insomnia assists
Hawthorn it is used just like a gargle for painful throats and can also be used melted form for insomnia in addition to anxious circumstances. In people medicine, hawthorn is used just like therapy in addition to a heart tonic, to handle blood pressure stage, as well as in studies, nevertheless it hasn’t been impressive however like a tranquilizer.
Hawthorn: Heart Healing from Physical to Spiritual
- By Dr. Mahalia Freed
Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.) is medicine for the heart on all levels. Indigenous to countries across the northern hemisphere, this small thorny tree has a long-recorded history of medicinal use in both Europe and China, as well as in North America. Poetically – and significantly – Hawthorn is a member of the Rose family.
Hawthorn’s place as heart medicine was noted by Greek physician, Dioscorides, in the first Century AD. Medical herbal research has validated this use, finding hawthorn to be effective for increasing the strength of heart contractions, increasing blood flow to the heart, decreasing blood lipids (ie decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides) and modulating blood pressure (AltMedReview, 2010). A Cochrane review of trials on hawthorn for chronic or congestive heart failure found that Crataegus extract decreased fatigue and shortness of breath and improved exercise tolerance relative to placebo. And while the traditional context is different, the Traditional Chinese Medicine use of Hawthorne for fat or rich meal digestion highlights the ability of Haw/berry antioxidants to prevent cholesterol deposits from oxidizing.
Additionally, hawthorn is used in the form of an energy medicine for the heart.
As a flower essence, Hawthorn helps open the heart to giving and receiving love, and can help in healing heartache. It encourages self-love and self-acceptance. As with many heart-acting energy remedies, hawthorn helps us to develop courage. The very etymology of the word courage draws our attention to the heart: cor is Latin for heart. And courage is truly an open-hearted state.
Hawthorne flower essence is further indicated for helping someone come into their strength and power (courage again?); and for calming a type A personality.
There is great lore surrounding hawthorn. Beltane and May Day rituals have long included hawthorn (or May) flowers and branches. For more about Hawthorn, magic and ritual, see http://www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/hawthorn.htm.
Parts Used: Berries (or haws) and flowers. Sometimes leaves. Most species flower in May. Spring leaves and flowers may be eaten.
Actions: cardiac tonic, hypotensive/blood pressure normalizing, antioxidant (rich in bioflavonoids and proanthocyanidins – protects myocardium against oxidative damage, prevents oxidized cholesterol from accumulating in vessel walls)
Conditions Treated:
- • Coronary artery disease
- • Congestive Heart Failure (NYHA II and below)
- • Post-Heart Attacks
- • Elevated blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides)
- • Heat, inflammation
- • Restlessness, anxiety, AD(H)D (per Matthew Wood)
Energetics: for protection and healing of the heart, opening the heart, expressing, giving and receiving love.
Interactions/Side Effects: Hawthorn is a gentle medicine that – when indicated – is safe and effective for long term use. It is also safe to use with common cardiovascular medications, although you should always check with your ND or medical herbalist before embarking on an herbal treatment plan.
Health Benefits of Hawthorn Herb
- (The Lifescript Editorial Staff)
A Key Supplement for Women's Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States, according to the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease. But eating less saturated fat and avoiding salt aren’t the only ways to protect your heart. Find out the heart-healthy benefits of hawthorn herb. Plus: Test your supplement IQ...
- What is Hawthorn Herb?
Hawthorn is a tall-growing shrub that bears white flowers and red berries.
But don’t be fooled by its pleasant appearance.
Those shrubs are hiding large, vicious thorns, which are rumored to have been used to weave the crown of thorns that Jesus Christ wore at the crucifixion.
This belief long associated use of hawthorn with bad luck, until the ancient Greeks and Native Americans discovered its heart-health benefits.
The popular use of hawthorn herb wasn’t established until the 19th century, thanks to an Irish doctor who treated heart disease for years with a closely-guarded formula. After his death in 1890, the key ingredient of his secret tincture was revealed – hawthorn berries.
- How Does Hawthorn Herb Protect Your Heart?
Hawthorn herb’s cardio-protective benefits work in three ways:
1. Dilates blood vessels by blocking the ACE enzyme, which constricts blood vessels. This in turn improves blood flow through arteries and may lower blood pressure.
2. Blocks certain enzymes that can deteriorate heart muscle, thus correcting irregular heartbeat.
3. Prevents plaque buildup in the coronary arteries by working as an antioxidant.
By supporting and protecting the health of the heart in these three ways, hawthorn herb can be especially useful to those suffering from mild hypertension, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, and congestive heart failure.
The benefits of using herbs to improve health are many. However, use of any type of supplement, whether herbal or not, should be carefully considered and evaluated.
Let your doctor know if you are considering taking supplements. And make sure he or she approves their use along with your current prescription medications and medical condition.
Certain heart medications, like digitalis, work to increase the pumping power of the heart, but may also increase the incidence of irregular heart beat.
Hawthorn increases the heart’s pumping power and prevents irregular heartbeat.
- What Else Can Hawthorn Herb Do for You?
Besides acting as an amazing heart remedy, hawthorn is also often used to treat insomnia with its power to calm.
Hawthorn herb has also been found to preserve collagen, a type of connective tissues, which is very beneficial to those suffering from arthritis.
- Are There Any Safety Issues Surrounding Hawthorn Herb?
Use of hawthorn herb, hawthorn berries or hawthorn extract is generally regarded as safe.
However, it may produce mild side effects in those with already low blood pressure, including nausea, sweating, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting.
Allergic reaction to hawthorn may also occur in the form of a skin rash, but is quite uncommon.
Hawthorn appears to be safe to use alongside prescription heart medications. But as always, talking with your doctor first is the safest route to take before adding supplements to your current prescription medication regimen.
- How Can I Make the Most Out of Hawthorn Herb?
The recommended dosage of hawthorn is 300-450 milligrams every day for those with an existing heart condition.
For preventative measures, taking 100-150 mg every day may put you at a lower risk for heart disease.
Like many other supplements, the effects of hawthorn herb may take up to three months to show. Herbs must build up first in the body before they can start to work.
Amazing health benefits of hawthorne fruit
- By Dr Tracey-Ann Brown
Hawthorne fruit is a berry used in traditional Chinese medicine for a number of health benefits. It is primarily used to relieve digestive problems, particularly those characterised as food stagnation. Food stagnation is a sluggishness in the free flow of food through the digestive tract resulting in symptoms such as abdominal bloating and distension, belching, and a feeling of food being stuck in the chest or abdomen.
Herbs that resolve food stagnation work to reduce, dissolve and digest food stagnation and guide out accumulations through the digestive tract. Accumulations are characterised by palpable abdominal masses, distension and/or pain.
- DIGESTIVE DISHARMONY
In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorne fruit may be combined with other herbs to resolve abdominal bloating and distension, belching associated with stagnation of food, and sluggish digestion with a feeling of the food being stuck and not moving down smoothly. These herbs include:
- Barley sprout (Mai Ya)
- Radish seed (Lai Fu Zi)
- Chicken gizzard (Ji Nei Jin)
It is especially effective in the digestion of red meat or oily, greasy and fatty foods. In the case of palpable abdominal masses, it is combined with herbs such as:
- Fructus aurantii immaturus (Zhi Shi)
- Rhizoma sparaganii (San Leng)
- Rhizoma curcumae (E Zhu)
- Flos carthami (Hong Hua)
- REDUCES CHOLESTEROL AND BLOOD PRESSURE
Hawthorne fruit has been used to reduce elevated blood pressure and serum cholesterol in the treatment of angina and coronary artery disease.
In a study, patients with angina related to coronary artery disease were treated with a preparation of Hawthorne fruit (Shan Zha) three times daily, for four weeks per treatment course. Out of 219 patients, the study reported an overall effective rate of 92.2 per cent, with 47.1 per cent showing improvement based on ECG evaluation.
In another study, 127 patients were treated with a powdered extract of Hawthorne fruit (Shan Zha) and barley sprout (Mai Ya) twice daily for two weeks per treatment course. 92 per cent of the participants experienced a reduction in their cholesterol levels.
- PROMOTES WEIGHT LOSS
It is often used as part of weight-loss formulas to reduce or control appetite, and commonly combined with herbs such as kelp/seaweed (Kun Bu) and green tea (Lu Cha), which improve fat metabolism. These herbal formulations are usually taken as teas daily before meals.
- MENSTRUAL AND POSTPARTUM PAIN
Hawthorne fruit is used to alleviate menstrual pain and is often combined with Chinese herbs such as:
- Turmeric (Jiang Huang,
known locally as yellow ginger).
- Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui/Tang-Kuei)
- Red Peony root (Chi Shao)
- Myrrh (Mo Yao - processed for internal consumption)
- Safflower flower (Hong Hua)
This herb may also be safely used to relieve abdominal pain following delivery of a baby.
- PREPARATION AND DOSAGE
10-15g may be used to prepare a tea which is boiled for 20 minutes and consumed over the course of two days. The berries may also be dry fried for a stronger digestive aid function.
- CAUTION
It is to be used with caution by pregnant women and persons with gastritis, peptic ulcers or heartburn.
What Are the Health Benefits of Hawthorn Tincture Drops?
- By K.T. Parker
Hawthorn is a member of the rose family. Its medicinal use goes back to the first century, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. By the 1800s, physicians frequently used hawthorn to treat disorders of the heart. Germany's Commission E, which is a government body that researches and approves herbal remedies, approves its use for early heart disease. Hawthorn comes in several forms, including tea, powder or capsules. Drops of hawthorn tincture are just one way to ingest the herb.
- Antioxidant
Hawthorn probably works as an adjunct treatment for heart disorders, because it has antioxidant properties. Free radicals damage DNA and cell membranes. They naturally occur in the body, but their levels increase with age. Environmental toxins can also create more free radicals. These particles can influence cancer or heart disease. Antioxidants help counter the damage caused by free radicals. Compounds in hawthorn called flavonoids make it a strong antioxidant. The leaves and flowers contain higher concentrations of flavonoids than hawthorn berries.
- Improves Chronic Heart Failure
Chronic heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart slows down and fails to pump enough blood throughout the body. A meta-analysis published in the June 2003 issue of "The American Journal of Medicine" showed patients with chronic heart failure who received hawthorn had an improvement in shortness of breath and fatigue. Another study published in the June 1994 issue of "Phytomedicine" showed study participants receiving 600 milligrams of hawthorn daily had an increase in heart activity, along with lowered blood pressure, by the end of the eight-week study.
- Additional Heart Benefits
Though further studies are necessary to confirm its efficacy, hawthorn might be beneficial for high blood pressure and chest pain (angina), according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hawthorn might also lower high cholesterol levels. In the January 2002 edition of "The Journal of Nutrition," a study of rabbits fed a high-cholesterol diet found the group receiving hawthorn had 50 percent less cholesterol at the study's conclusion than the group not receiving supplementation. Researchers believe hawthorn may partially block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.
- Warnings
Hawthorn shouldn't be used by children or pregnant or breastfeeding women, per the University of Maryland Medical Center. Hawthorn may cause mild side effects, such as nausea, rapid heart beat or headaches. The herb might possibly interact negatively with prescription medications like nitrates, digoxin, calcium-channel blockers or beta-blockers. Hawthorn could also interact with other herbs, like cat's claw or fish oil. Hawthorn in conjunction with medications for erectile dysfunction could cause blood pressure to drop too low. Always consult a healthcare provider before using hawthorn to determine suitability and your ideal dose.
The Difference in Hawthorn Berries, Leaves & Flowers
- (San Francisco Gate)
The berries, leaves and flowers of the 200 species of hawthorn trees vary enough to give each a dash of distinction all its own. Whether you're partial to color or shape or looking for a particular utilization when designing your landscape, the many varieties of hawthorns offer both diversity and versatility.
- Berries
Hawthorn trees bear fruit called haws that resemble tiny apples or berries, most of which are bright red. The black hawthorn (Crataegus douglasii Lindl), also known as the Douglas hawthorn, found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 9, produce purplish-black fruit. Certain hawthorn trees, such as the black hawthorn, produce fruit no bigger than one-half inch, while others, including the "Autumn Glory" (Crataegus "Autumn Glory"), growing in USDA zones 6 to 9, produce fruit between 1 1/2 and 3 inches.
- Leaves
Most hawthorn leaves are ovate or oblong with slight variations. The ovate leaves of the English hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), found in USDA zones 4 to 8, are shallowly lobed. The oblong leaves of the "Carriere" (Crataegus × lavallei "Carrierei"), also found in zones 4 to 8, are toothed. Some hawthorns, such as the "Autumn Glory" and the Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnitifida), which grows in USDA zones 6 to 10, produce pinnate leaves. The Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), found in USDA zones 4 to 8, has lobed deltoid leaves. Leaf color ranges from medium to dark green and all hawthorns produce fall color before shedding. The "Autumn Glory" has dark green leaves that change to red or orange, while the Russian hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua), found in USDA zones 4 to 8, has medium green leaves that not only turn red or orange, but also gold or mulitcolored.
- Flowers
The showy flowers of the hawthorn range from white to pink to rosy red and typically blossom in the spring. The "Autumn Glory" and the Russian hawthorn are among those that produce only white flowers. The English hawthorn variety "Crimson Cloud" (Crataegus laevigata "Crimson Cloud") produces red or lavender blossoms, while its other variety, the "Double Pink" (Crataegus laevigata "Double Pink") blooms in pink. Some hawthorns flower in others seasons as well as spring, including the Washington hawthorn, which may bloom in the summer, and the "Majestic Beauty" Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis × "Montic"), which blooms in the fall, winter or spring in USDA zones 7 to 11.
- Other Differences
Most hawthorn trees are useful for screening, but some, including the Chinese, English, "Autumn Glory" and "Carriere" varieties, are also suitable for pleaching, or weaving together to create a living archway or wall. Others, such as the "Majestic Beauty" Indian hawthorn and the Washington hawthorn may be pruned into hedges. Hawthorn trees typically like full sun, although some, including the English hawthorn and the "Majestic Beauty," will tolerate partial shade. Hawthorns generally prefer moist soil, but the Indian and the Washington varieties are highly drought-resistant.
Hawthorn Vs. Crab Apples
- (San Francisco Gate)
Hawthorns and crab apples both grow tiny, apple-like fruit. Telling the two apart by fruit alone can be challenging. Thankfully, there are many other differences between the trees that can help you to determine which type you already have, or which type works best for your yard.
- Classification
Hawthorns and crab apples are not very closely related trees. While they share the same family Rosaceae and tribe Malinae, that is as far as the relation goes. Hawthorns come from the genus Crataegus, while crab apples are genus Malus. Both can be commonly found in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 8, with some species and cultivars extending beyond in either direction.
- Tree Structure
Identifying a hawthorn or crab apple by the tree shape alone can be quite difficult. Crab apples are most often tree-like, although they can be wide, tall, short, dense, weeping, conical or any other shape imaginable. Hawthorns can also be many shapes and sizes, with some species growing as tall as 30 feet. The "Common Hawthorn" (Crataegus monogyna) is perhaps the most common of the hawthorns in the United States. This deciduous tree is shrub-like and thorny, likely giving the species its common name. Conversely, crab apples don't have thorns.
- Blooms
Crab apple blooms are beautiful in sight and scent. The pink and white flowers are sweet and fragrant, drawing in bees and humans alike. Although similarly colored and equally lovely in appearance, some hawthorns can be quite unpleasant smelling. British legend held that bringing a Hawthorn into a home was a bad omen. The people believed it smelled like the Great Plague and its presence signaled death. Modern science uncovered that the hawthorn blossom contains the chemical trimethylamine, which is the first chemical produced in decomposition. Both crab apples and hawthorns are self-fertile, which means they will produce blooms and fruit without another species located nearby. If there are same species nearby, they can and often do cross-pollinate. This cross-pollination creates seeds that are not true-to-type and will not produce offspring identical to the parent tree.
- Fruit
Both crab apples and hawthorns produce fruit. Crab apples, true to their Malus genus, produce tiny apples. They are usually green and quite sour, but are excellent for making jellies. Hawthorn fruits, or haws, come in many colors from yellow to red and even black.They are berry-like in appearance and texture, but are technically pomes, just like crab apples. Some varieties are inedible, but others can be used for cooking or eaten raw by those who enjoy a tart flavor. However, the seeds contain a cyanide compound and should not be eaten, so the practicality of using the fruit in cooking is limited. Both types of trees are attractive to wildlife, from bees and butterflies during pollination season to birds and small animals when the fruits are ripe.
Hawthorn for a Healthy Heart
- By Annie B. Bond
This wonderful gift of nature is the most valuable tonic remedy for the cardiovascular system found in the plant kingdom. There are stronger herbs, but none that provide the nourishing regeneration that hawthorn does.
Hawthorn offers a way to strengthen the heart with a medicine that is remarkably free of side effects, effective in its actions and dramatically cheaper than equivalent synthetic preparations.
Hawthorn is a relevant remedy in most cases of cardiovascular disease. A tonic in the true sense, its therapeutic benefits are gained only when a whole-plant preparation is used. When the isolated constituents were tested separately in the laboratory, their individual effects were found to be insignificant, whereas the whole plant has unique and valuable properties. Herbal synergy again!
A double-blind clinical trial done in 1981 demonstrated marked improvement of heart function in patients with reduced cardiac output following treatment with hawthorn. Following a four-year study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry of Health, hawthorn has gained full recognition as a heart remedy in Europe. The monograph reporting this study concludes that the herb has three properties:
- 1. It increases the strength of contraction of the heart muscle.
- 2. It normalizes irregular heartbeat.
- 3. It increases coronary circulation through dilation of the coronary arteries.
- 4 Its chemical constituents make clear the importance of flavones and flavonoids in treatment of the cardiovascular system. This invaluable heart remedy does not contain cardiac glycosides.
- How to Take Hawthorn
As hawthorn is one of the better-tasting herbal remedies, a very pleasant tea can be made from 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb infused in hot water and ingested daily. Using the tincture is a convenient and effective way to gain the therapeutic benefits from this special remedy; for optimal results, take 30-40 drops three times daily, then morning and evening for as long as is needed as a maintenance dose once the desired lower blood pressure has been achieved.
Editor’s Note: If you have a heart condition, please consult with a doctor before following these recommendations.
Adapted from Herbal Prescriptions after 50 by David Hoffmann (Healing Arts Press, 2007).
Hawthorn Tree Facts
- (San Francisco Gate)
Hawthorn (Crataegus), an attractive deciduous tree that belongs to the rose family, consists of hundreds of varieties. Although most grow to mature heights of 15 to 30 feet, some varieties are suitable for shrubs while others reach heights of 45 feet. Among the most commonly grown hawthorns are Russian hawthorn (Crataegus ambigua), English hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata), and Carriere hawthorn (Crategus carrierel). Hawthorn is suitable for growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9.
- Characteristics
Hawthorn is distinguished by its sharp, woody thorns and serrated leaves. In spring, the tree is covered with clusters of flowers in shades of white or pink, depending on the variety. Small, yellow or red apple-like fruit, often called thorn apples or haws, ripen in autumn. The gray or reddish-brown bark of the hawthorn tree provides texture to the garden, and some varieties turn a vibrate shade of orange-bronze in autumn.
- Growing Requirements
Hawthorn is a versatile tree that thrives in full sunlight and any well-drained soil. Don't baby a hawthorn tree, as too much water and fertilizer promotes succulent growth that is susceptible to a disease called fireblight, which can kill entire branches very rapidly. Water a young tree during dry weather, but after the first year or two, natural rainfall is adequate. Avoid watering hawthorn while the tree is blooming. Fertilizer isn't required, but if growth appears sparse, apply a slow-release fertilizer in autumn. Remove damaged or broken branches in late winter.
- Wildlife
In its natural environment, hawthorn trees are an important source of sustenance for wildlife. Birds, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons and deer dine on the rich fruit and seeds. Although the thorny twigs and foliage aren't high priority for deer, they become more attractive when other food is scarce. In the home garden, hawthorn attracts butterflies and a number of songbirds, including cedar waxwings, bluejays and northern flickers.
- Fireblight
Fireblight, a bacterial disease that afflicts a number of fruit trees, gives hawthorn a scorched appearance and can kill the tree if left untreated. Fireblight, most prevalent when hawthorn is planted near apple or pear orchards, often occurs when hot, dry weather is followed by humid conditions such as rain or hail. Avoid heavy pruning and excessive fertilization, which promote tender, susceptible new growth. However, careful pruning of diseased wood is critical. Blight control products containing copper are sometimes effective.
- Pests
Although hawthorn is relatively pest-resistant, the tree is sometimes bothered by aphids or scale. Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking insects that gather in masses on the undersides of the leaves. Avoid pesticides, which kill natural aphid predators such as lady beetles and lacewings. Instead, use an insecticidal soap spray, which isn't systemic and kills only on contact. Scale isn't always recognized as an insect, as the pests are covered by waxy shells that look like yellow, black or brown bumps. Like aphids, scale is controlled by predators such as beetles, parasitic moths and lacewings. In some cases, horticultural oils are effective but must be used strictly according to label specifications.
Herbs for Health: Hawthorn Benefits
- By Steven Foster
Few plant groups have perplexed botanists as thoroughly as the hawthorns (Crataegus), a genus of shrubs and small trees in the rose family native to temperate North America, Europe, and northern Asia. Unrestrained interbreeding and a lack of isolating mechanisms have produced hundreds of hybrids and other variants. During the late nineteenth century, botanists felt compelled to describe nearly every one of these as a species and named almost 1,000 species native to North America alone. Today’s botanists recognize a total of 100 to 200 variable species.
The generic name Crataegus is derived from the Greek kratos, “strength”, referring to the toughness of the wood. Plants range from 3-foot shrubs to 30-foot trees, most with dark brown scaly bark and stout or slender, straight or branched spines ranging in length from 1 to 8 inches. The leaves are usually 1 to 4 inches long, varying in shape from oval to deeply cut. In England, the nutty-tasting young leaves of one-seeded hawthorn (C. monogyna) were eaten in sandwiches. Clusters of delicate white (sometimes red, purple, or pink), usually foul-smelling, 1/2-inch, roselike flowers bloom in May and June. The fruits (haws) look like round, oblong, or pear-shaped rose hips. They may be 1/4 to 1 inch long and come in orange-yellow, scarlet, red, yellow, blue, and black. The flesh is mealy and dry like that of rose hips and contains one to several hard seeds. Some fruits are extremely astringent, but those of several species are reportedly quite tasty. The 1-inch, orange-yellow haws of the eastern Mediterranean azarole (C. azarolus) are apple-flavored and are used to make jams and liqueurs.
Many kinds of hawthorns are grown as ornamentals in parks and residential plantings. The showy fruits lengthen their season of interest, and tolerance of heavy pruning make some forms suitable as hedges. Hawthorns are generally more resistant to disease than other ornamental fruit trees.
- Traditional uses
Hawthorns have been used as medicine wherever they are native. They include the European one-seed hawthorn (C. monogyna) and English hawthorn (C. laevigata), the Balkan (C. pentagyna), Mediterranean (C. azarolus), and eastern European black hawthorn (C. nigra). In China, C. pinnatifida and C. cuneata have been used.
The Greek and Roman herbal writers mention hawthorn only in passing for its edible, though less than delicious fruit. English herbalists also paid it little attention. A few Western sources note it as a remedy for stomach ailments and diarrhea.
Native Americans including the Potawatomi, Ojibwa, Chippewa, Meskwaki, Cherokee, Omaha-Ponca, Winnebagos, and Kwakiutl used the fruit or decoctions of the root or bark to treat gastrointestinal disorders and as female and general tonics, heart stimulants, and poultices for wounds and sores.
In China, hawthorn was mentioned as a drug in the Tang-Ben-Cao, an herbal dating to a.d. 659. It was used to treat stomach disorders, heart disease, and scurvy.
Western medicine first acknowledged hawthorn’s utility in treating heart ailments in an 1896 article by J. C. Jennings, a Chicago physician. For the next fifty years, it was widely used in both Europe and the United States, but U.S. physicians have since forgotten it.
- A modern phytomedicine
Today, European and Asian practitioners prescribe hawthorn for treating early congestive heart failure, angina pectoris, and heart attacks, as well as sensations of pressure or anxiety in the heart, age-related heart problems not requiring digitalis, and mild arrhythmias. Pharmacological and clinical studies have shown that it increases the blood supply to the heart muscle and strengthens its contractions, enabling the heart to pump more blood to the rest of the body. Hawthorn extracts also improve circulation to the extremities by reducing resistance in the arteries.
Germany has approved preparations of the leaf with flowers of C. monogyna or C. laevigata but not drugs made solely from the fruits or the leaves. That’s because most clinical studies of hawthorn have used preparations that include both the leaf and the flower.
- Active constituents
Studies have confirmed that sterols, triterpenes, flavonoids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, and amines isolated from the flowers, leaves, and fruits affect the cardiovascular system. A combination of these compounds appears to be responsible for these effects.
Commercial preparations are standardized to flavonoids, oligomeric procyanidins, chlorogenic acid, and other constituents. Potency varies with the plant part used as well as the time of harvest. For example, procyanidins are three times as concentrated in the fall leaves as in leaves harvested in the spring.
- Preparations and cautions
The usual dose of a standardized product is 160 mg per day (divided into two doses); under a physician’s supervision, as much as 160 mg three times daily may be prescribed in Europe. A pleasant-tasting, slightly tart, astringent tea may be made by combining a teaspoon of the powdered fruits with a cup of boiling water.
Although no adverse effects from taking hawthorn have been reported, any heart condition is a serious matter. Don’t try to diagnose or treat yourself, but see a qualified health-care provider.
How Fast Does Hawthorn Grow?
- By Molly Allman
Hawthorn can refer to the deciduous hawthorn tree (Crataegus spp.) or the hawthorn evergreen bushes (Rhaphiolepis spp.), but both belong to the Rosaceae family. The rate of growth varies by each species of hawthorn and certain growing conditions may also have an effect on the growth rate of these trees and shrubs. Growth rates are often listed as slow, 12 inches or less per year; medium, 12 to 24 inches per year; or fast, 25 inches or more per year.
- Hawthorn Bushes
Hawthorn bushes are well suited to areas where temperatures never, or rarely, dip below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The shrubs bloom in late fall or mid-winter to late spring, depending on the variety. Hawthorn bushes are low-growing and the taller varieties usually do not grow taller than 6 feet. Growing hawthorn bushes in partial shade keeps them more compact, but they will bear fewer blooms compared to bushes grown in full sun. You can control the size of hawthorn bushes through proper pruning, maintaining a desired size indefinitely.
- Hawthorn Bush Growth Rate
The growth rate for hawthorn bushes vary by bush. Yeddo hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata) is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. The bush bears 3/4-inch-wide flowers and dark green leaves ranging from 1 to 3 inches long. It grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is a slow-growing bush also hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11 that grows 4 to 5 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet wide with blooms of varying colors.
- Hawthorn Trees
Hawthorn tree growth rates also vary by variety of tree and if the trees are given ideal growing conditions. The trees bear clusters of white flowers, usually in spring, and bear fruit that resembles tiny apples in summer, fall and sometimes in winter. The branches are thorny and the trees generally need pruning to thin them and remove excess twiggy growth. Hawthorn trees thrive in well-drained soil with regular moisture in full sun.
- Hawthorn Tree Growth
Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) grows at a medium growth rate, up to 30 feet tall with a 25-foot spread. The tree bears small red fruit through winter and the foliage changes from green to a scarlet or orange in the fall. Washington hawthorn is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8. Downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) is a slow-growing tree that is hardy down to USDA zone 3. The tree grows up to 30 feet tall and 35 feet wide with down-covered, 4-inch toothed leaves and 1-inch red fruits. The leaves change to a bronze color in the fall.
What Are the Health Benefits of Hawthorn Extract?
- By Tracey Roizman (DC)
Hawthorn, also known as mayflower, is a member of the rose family, whose flowers, leaves and fruits have been used for food and medicine since the Neolithic period. Ancient Greeks regarded hawthorn as a symbol of hope and fertility and featured the flowers in wedding ceremonies. In modern times, hawthorn is used primarily for its purported heart-healthy benefits.
- Antioxidants
Hawthorn contains a number of flavonoid compounds that may be useful for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. In particular, it boasts high levels of quercetin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs, which neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and promote arterial plaque formation, or atherogenesis. A laboratory animal study published in the March 2011 issue of the "China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica" found that four weeks of hawthorn supplementation caused changes that led the authors to conclude that hawthorn berry "could inhibit" atherogenesis. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
- Congestive Heart Failure
Hawthorn has been used successfully to treat mild to moderate congestive heart failure in several reliable studies, according to New York University Langone Medical Center. A review of 10 previously published studies that appeared in the January 2008 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" found that hawthorn supplementation in conjunction with conventional treatment decrease oxygen consumption and increased exercise tolerance significantly. Study participants also reported less shortness of breath and fatigue with hawthorn supplementation. Researchers concluded that hawthorn shows potential for considerable benefit in the treatment of chronic heart failure.
- Cholesterol
Cholesterol-lowering effects of hawthorn are possible due to the herb's ability to increase the liver's absorption of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL cholesterol, according to R. Watson, co-editor of the book, "Botanical Medicine in Clinical Practice." A laboratory animal study published in the July 2012 issue of the journal, "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine," found that supplementation with hawthorn leaves and flowers significantly reduced cholesterol levels. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
- Considerations
Side effects of hawthorn may include skin rash, nausea, headache, heart palpitations and dizziness. High doses may induce low blood pressure or irregular heart beat. Hawthorn can also increase the effectiveness of some heart medications and interfere with others. Consult your doctor before taking hawthorn to treat a health condition. Additionally, while you are taking hawthorn, avoid taking other herbs that affect heart function, such as cola, ginger, mate or shepherd's purse. Pregnant and nursing women, and children under 12 years, should not take hawthorn.
What Is the Benefit of Hawthorn?
- By Tracey Roizman(DC)
Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, produces small clusters of red, white or pink flowers that close to form berries, known as haws. Hawthorn berries, leaves and flowers are used in herbal medicine for a variety of purported health benefits. Consult with your doctor before using hawthorn or other herbs to treat a medical condition.
- Antioxidants
Hawthorn contains a range of antioxidants that make it especially beneficial for heart health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins, compounds famously found in grapes, and quercetin, a bioflavonoid, are both found in generous quantities in hawthorn. A tissue culture study published in the January 2009 issue of the "Journal of Chinese Materia Medica" found that hawthorn leaf procyanidins provided significant protective benefit to heart muscle cells that were stressed by low oxygen conditions. Heart muscle cells that received hawthorn showed less lipid oxidation and more antioxidant activity.
- Sedative
Sedative effects of hawthorn fruit and seeds were demonstrated in a study on laboratory animals published in the August 2010 issue of the journal "Pharmaceutical Bulletin." In the study, doses between 10 and 1,000 milligrams of hawthorn pulp and seed extracts produced opiate-like calming effects on the central nervous system that decreased anxiety and excess movement and alleviated pain. Researchers concluded that their study may support traditional uses of hawthorn to alleviate stress, sleep disorders and pain. Further studies will be needed to confirm these preliminary results before hawthorn can be recommended for these uses in humans.
- Blood Pressure-Lowering
Hawthorn may offer safe, natural blood pressure-lowering benefits for diabetics with high blood pressure, according to a study published in the June 2006 issue of the "British Journal of General Practice." In the study, participants with Type 2 diabetes on blood pressure medication took 1,200 milligrams of hawthorn extract per day for 16 weeks. Results showed that hawthorn reduced diastolic pressure, the lower number of the blood pressure ratio, which signifies the pressure in arteries during the rest phase, while the heart chambers are filling with blood. Hawthorn did not decrease systolic pressure, the upper number of the blood pressure ratio.
- Heart Failure
Hawthorn may be helpful in the treatment of heart failure, a condition characterized by weakness and inability of the heart to adequately circulate blood throughout the body. Doses of 900 milligrams per day are, for some people, as effective as conventional medications. A study published in the July 2001 issue of the journal "Phytomedicine" found that hawthorn resulted in an 11 percent increase in exercise tolerance and was safe and well tolerated.
Hawthorn Jelly Recipe
- (Eat Weeds)
This is a lovely, simple hawthorn jelly recipe that you can have with cheese or meats. Make it now and you’ll be in time for giving it away as Christmas presents.
If your celebrating is more earth-centric, then you’ll be in time for the return of the sun on December 21st.
Enjoy this autumnal hawthorn jelly recipe.
- Step 1
Find a nice Hawthorn bush (Crataegus monogyna) laden with lovely red haws.
- Step 2
Pick 1.5lbs of hawthorn berries (haws). This will make 1 jar of hawthorn jelly, so obviously if you need more jars, pick more fruit.
Make sure that you remove the stalks. A good way is to simply roll a clump of berries (stalks and all) in between your hands, and you’ll find the haws just roll off. It’s certainly easier than individually pulling off each stalk.
- Step 3
Now wash your haws and then drain.
- Step 4
Put the haws into a heavy saucepan, and cover with 1.5 pints of water.
- Step 5
Bring to the boil and simmer for 1 hour. Mash the berries with a potato masher every 20 minutes.
- Step 6
Now strain the mixture over night using some muslin, or as I did, a jelly bag.
To keep the jelly clear do not squeeze the jelly bag, just let the juice drip. If you’re not bothered whether your hawthorn jelly is clear or not then squeeze away.
- Step 7
For every 1 pint of juice measure out 1lb of sugar.
- Step 8
Now squeeze the juice of 1 lemon.
- Step 9
Mix the sugar and lemon juice into a heavy saucepan along with the hawthorn juice. Bring the mixture to the boil, stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved.
Now rapid boil for 10 minutes until …
- Step 10
… the jelly has reached setting point.
- Step 11
Now skim off any foam from the top of the jelly liquid, and pour into sterilised, warm jars and screw on the lids.
Eat at will. There is no need to leave the hawthorn jelly for a month or so.
Medicinal Benefits of Hawthorn (Crataegus)
- (Sasha, Vox Nature)
The term Hawthorn refers to an entire genus of trees and shrubs that are members of the rosaceae family. Alternate names for the plant include crataegus, may tree, thorn apple, hawberry, and whitehorn. Native to the northern hemispheres of Europe, North America, and Asia, Hawthorn only grows in temperate regions.
Often recognized by its bright red berries and delicate 5 petaled flowers, the thorns on the Hawthorn are very sharp. The leaves grow in a spiral, and the flowers hang in a graceful drop from medium sized stems.
As a food and shelter source for a number of small mammals and birds, Hawthorn also feeds many moths and butterflies, as well as providing pollen for many pollinators. The haw, or fruit of the Hawthorn is eaten by humans, as well as the leaves and flowers of the tree when young.
- Health Benefits of Hawthorn
For at least 2 millennium, the Hawthorn fruit have been used in medicines and concoctions. Since the famed Medieval times, Hawthorn has been associated with positive heart health. The flowers, leaves, and berries of the tree are all employed in holistic and homeopathic remedies.
The hypotensive properties inherent to the tree allow for the human blood vessels to relax or expand. Additional uses for Hawthorn include digestion, insomnia, and cough or sore throat pain.
- Using Hawthorn
Hawthorn is generally only taken as a tonic. By brewing the tree’s parts into a tea, or infusing it into a decoction, the important tannins, flavonoids, and purine derivatives retain their healing properties. If the tonic is taken daily, the overall strength of the tonic builds within the body over a period of time.
This means that the benefits of the supplement are not always immediately seen, but after a time they become very apparent. This also means that if a dosage is missed, the important aspects of the Hawthorn plant do not immediately bleed from the human system. Hawthorn can also be bought in capsules, tincture, and dried berries.
Lower your blood pressure in 2013 without prescription drugs
- Source:http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/12/lower-your-blood-pressure-in-2013-without-prescription-drugs/
- (Vanguard)
ONE of the most telling health hazards among Nigerians in 2012 was chronic high blood. In several cases, it led to heart disease and death. Many may not know it, but this condition can be tackled naturally without drug interventions. Here are four ways to help naturally lower your blood pressure in 2013 and beyond without the need for prescription drugs: Eat lots of garlic and onions Eating lots of garlic and onions can help thwart hypertension, lower circulating cholesterol, and prevent influenza and various other health conditions.
Garlic and onions quell the arterial inflammation that often leads to high cholesterol, as well as prevent the sticking together of blood platelets following high-fat meals that may lead to clotting. Fresh garlic cells contain the amino acid alliin, considered to be the most active garlic constituent. It appears allicin is effective in the treatment of hypertension by causing smooth muscle relaxation in arteries, as well as vasodilation, the widening of those arteries, allowing a freer flow of blood upon demand.
- Supplement with hawthorn herb
A member of the rose family, hawthorn (Crataegus species) has an extensive history of use as a natural medicine for prevention and treatment of heart disease. Hawthorn is a heart tonic. Specifically as it relates to blood pressure, both the berries and leaves of the hawthorn plant help not only to protect blood vessels from hardening, but also to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It is a mild coronary vasodilator, increasing the blood supply to the heart muscles and lessening the potential for spasms, angina, and shortness of breath in middle-aged or older individuals.
- Root vegetables
A primary cause of high blood pressure is mineral deficiency, which can quite easily be rectified through dietary modifications that incorporate more mineral-rich root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets could help drastically lower blood pressure. They are typically rich in potassium, a mineral that has been shown to help normalise blood pressure. . Reduce refined sugar, take more magnesium. Excess sugar consumption can lead to insulin resistance, which is directly linked to high blood pressure. Sugar also prevents magnesium from properly nourishing the cells. Cutting out sugar and supplementing with high-quality magnesium citrate, can help restore magnesium reserves and normalise blood sugar levels, which in turn will help balance blood pressure.
Hawthorn plant found to be helpful with some heart ailments: You Docs
- By Dr. Michael Roizen (Special to The Plain Dealer)
Does hawthorn lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular functioning?
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha), a flowering shrub, has been used to help heart problems since the first century. And guess what? It works. While the ancient remedy isn't a slam-dunk for congestive heart failure and high blood pressure, there's evidence that it helps.
In lab research, using hawthorn extract after a heart attack helps prevent the kind of damage that leads to congestive heart failure. After many small human studies suggested that hawthorn lowers high blood pressure, a double-blind trial in 2006 found that when diabetics taking prescription medicine for high blood pressure also took hawthorn extract daily, their pressure was even lower.
Hawthorn's lovely pink and white flowers, leaves and berries all contain a host of plant nutrients called flavonoids. These substances increase blood flow, protect blood vessels and, in animal studies, make bad blood fats skedaddle like bad guys in a Western when the new sheriff hits town.
Despite all of this encouraging info, talk to your doctor before taking it. Even though hawthorn extract is widely available without a prescription, it interacts with some prescription drugs, making them dangerously potent.
5 Nutrients That Can Reduce Blood Pressure Naturally
- By Sylvia Booth Hubbard (Newsmax Health)
High blood pressure kills. That's a hard fact. High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about 1 in 3 adults, and, according to the American Heart Association, is listed as a primary or contributing factor in around 350,000 deaths every year.
High blood pressure damages the heart, blood vessels and kidneys, as well as other organs, often with no obvious symptoms. Some risk factors for developing high blood pressure, such as age and family history, can't be altered, but you are in control of other factors, including your weight.
Most doctors use medication to control hypertension, but many patients don't stick to meds because of side effects. Fortunately, there are also all-natural ways to help get your blood pressure under control. Check out these nutrients that can help you bring your pressure levels down naturally and without side effects.
Hawthorn. "Hawthorn is accepted by cardiologists to be as effective as powerful drugs," says Dr. Russell Blaylock, author of The Blaylock Wellness Report. "In addition to lowering blood pressure, hawthorn extract also increases the strength of the heart muscle." A British study found that giving hawthorn to hypertensive diabetic patients lowered their diastolic blood pressure readings significantly.
Hawthorn berries are loaded with flavonoids and are used to treat several cardiovascular conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic heart failure and irregular heartbeat. Some experts recommend a form of hawthorn called Crataegus oxyacantha. The most common dosage used in hawthron studies range from 160 mg to 1800 mg.
Quercetin. Studies of individuals sensitive to salt found that the flavonoid quercetin lowered elevated blood pressure better than a common antihypertensive drug. In a study published in the journal Pharmacological Reports, the authors wrote: "Since raised blood pressure is the major cause of stroke as well as an important risk factor for ischemic heart disease, we propose that the blood pressure-lowering effect of quercetin could be an important mechanism contributing to the reduced risk of myocardial infarction and stroke observed with fruit and vegetables-rich diets, and possibly with flavonoid-rich diets."
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that giving healthy men a quercetin supplement of 200 mg a day increased their blood levels of nitric acid, which helps vessels dilate and lower blood pressure.
Melatonin. The "sleep hormone" melatonin may increase the normal drop in blood pressure that occurs during sleep, perhaps protecting the heart from damage. Italian researchers recruited healthy women and also women with high blood pressure. They were divided into two groups, and one group was given melatonin for three weeks while the other group was given a placebo. After three weeks, the two groups switched treatments. The study, which was published in the American Journal of Hypertension, found that blood pressure dropped more at night when the women were taking melatonin, but had no effect on daytime blood pressure.
Celery. According to information published by the National Institutes of Health, celery reduced high blood pressure in more than 87 percent of patients participating in a Chinese study. Patients mixed celery juice with honey and took the mixture three times a day for up to a week. The difference in blood pressure after treatment with celery—both systolic and dystolic—was significant, says the NIH.
Celery contains phthalides, a type of phytochemical that relaxes muscle tissue in arteries, and lowers blood pressure by increasing blood flow. Like some prescription blood pressure drugs, it also increases urine flow. Some experts recommend eating four stalks or one cup chopped celery (about 4 ounces) daily.
Pomegranate juice. Drinking pomegranate juice can significantly lower blood pressure. Researchers at Scotland's Queen Margaret University found that when patients with high blood pressure drank about 16 ounces of pomegranate juice daily for four weeks, 90 percent of them experienced a "significant" drop in blood pressure. Another study found that drinking about eight ounces of juice daily reduced the blood pressure of patients with hardening of the arteries from an average of 174 systolic to an average of 162 mm Hg in only one month. After a year, it had fallen to an average of 152 mm Hg.
And while patients on placebo saw an increase in the thickness of their carotid arteries after a year, those drinking pomegranate juice reduced the thickness of their carotid arteries by 35 percent. (Check with your doctor since pomegranate juice can react with some medications.)
7 Herbs for Asthma
- By Jesse Wolf Hardin
Asthma is a condition that troubles many people in this country, but it can often be effectively eased by the use of natural plant medicines. Kiva and I have sought to address the problem both in Plant Healer Magazine, and in a class taught at our annual classes and celebration The Traditions In Western Herbalism Conference by the increasingly popular herbalist teacher Sean Donahue. A detailed essay and notes from that class and many others are available on Amazon in the newly released book Traditions in Western Herbalism, but we also want to share the helpful wisdom with all of you here. Sean tells us:
“From a purely physiological standpoint, asthma is a misfiring of the immune response within the respiratory tract. When the body perceives a threat, the inflammatory aspect of the immune system gears up to heal any potential injuries. In someone with asthma, that aspect of the immune system in the respiratory tract is on a hair trigger alert, and any perceived threat — an infection, an allergen, or emotional stress can kick it into high gear, releasing inflammatory cytokines and histamines at levels far above normal. This in turn causes the mucous membranes to swell up and the smooth muscles of the airway to spasm. Over time this exaggerated immune response can cause damage to bronchial tissue, which in turn exacerbates the response because the body now also has a real set of injuries to respond to.
- 7 herbs I Use Most Often for Asthma Relief
• Hawthorn: If we look at breath as the thread that connects us to the world, it makes sense that in moments of intense stress, for some people the airways can close, keeping the outside world from entering. In many people with asthma, this pattern gets established early on in response to a specific trauma and then becomes the default mode — because the body views any response to stress as successful if a person survives it. And if the body has learned that closing the airways will allow it to survive, then until it learns another equally successful strategy with regards to br
Photo Gallery of Hawthorn
Fruits of the Hawthorn tree
Hawthorn in the meadow
