What Can Hawthorn Do to Heal The Heart?

“Ancient Greeks and Romans regarded the hawthorn as a symbol of hope and happiness.” Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.

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While researching natural remedies to lower blood pressure I discovered that one of the most recommended herbals was hawthorn. For more on this topic you can read Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure.

Hawthorn dilates blood vessels allowing the blood to flow more freely. Not only does it work on the blood vessels but it also aids the heart in working more efficiently. In Germany doctors have already been prescribing heart medications containing hawthorn.

Some facts about the herb Hawthorn are:

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  This beautiful tree/shrub is found throughout North America, Europe, North Africa and western Asia.

• It grows to a height of up to 15 feet.

• In the United States alone there were between 800 to 900 species counted during the 1980s.

• The shrubs and berries often are used to create Christmas decorations.

• Because it flowers in the spring it has been called May or Mayblossom.

• The ship Mayflower was named after the Hawthorn.

• The clusters of flowers are usually white or cream but sometimes pink or red.

• It has thorns.

• It grows well in a variety of soils but prefers a limestone that is rich, loamy and moist.

• During the middle ages people thought the shrub was evil. When a branch was brought inside it was an omen of impending death for a member of the household.

• Before that ancient Greek brides carried them on their wedding day as a symbol of hope and love believing the herb would protect their hearts.

• The small reddish berries are edible and used for food in many countries.

• The flowers, leaves, and fruits are all used for medicinal purposes.

Varro E. Tyler, PhD., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, Indiana compares the arteries to a garden hose explaining that with hawthorn the blood flows more freely, just like opening a nozzle wider on a hose. It also has a direct effect on the heart when taken over the long term in that it restores the heart muscle.

If you have heart problems or a medical condition consult your doctor!

Dr. Tyler warns about the possible problems that can arise from self medicating, not seeking proper medical care (especially for something as important as the heart) and taking herbs when one is already prescribed medications as there may be an adverse reaction. I have to agree completely with his warnings as often times medications are meant to mimic herbs and if you are already taking medication your doctor should be monitoring the effect of the medication on your illness. If you toss something else into the equation that the doctor is not aware of he cannot correctly monitor and advise. I keep a list of supplements and herbals and present it to my doctor at each visit. I also discuss herbal remedies prior to taking them to get his opinion.

Hawthorn has been used to treat the following:

• Dilate blood vessels

• Lower blood pressure

• Lower high cholesterol

• Restore damaged heart muscles

• Decrease fat deposit levels

• Aid Vitamin C

• Help in treatment for anemia

• Help build the immune system

• Aid in the treatment of sore throats

• Aid in the treatment of skin sores

• Relieve abdominal distention

• Relieve diarrhea

• As a mild sedative

• Angina and cardiac arrhythmia

• Mild diuretic

• Blood thinner

• Hardening of the arteries

The Chemical and Nutrient Compound according to Prescription for Nutritional Health

• Amino acids

• Beta-carotene

• Calcium

• Choline

• Chromium

• Citric acid

• Cratagolic acid

• Essential fatty acids

• Flavanoid

• Glavone

• Glycosides

• Inositol

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Manganese

• PABA

• Phosphorous

• Potassium

• Purines

• Saponins

• Selenium

• Sugar

• Tartaric acid

• Vitamins B-1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 12

• Vitamin C

• Zinc

  • Phytochemicals:

    • Acetylcholine

    • Adenine

    • Adenosine

    • Anthocyanidins

    • Beta-sitosterol

    • Caffeic acid

    • Catechin

    • Chlorogenic acid

    • Epicatechin

    • Esculin

    • Hyperoside

    • Prctin

    • Quercitin

    • Rutin

    • Ursolic acid

    • Vitexin

I research to find ways to improve my health but never to replace my physician or the advice he gives me. Please consult with your family care provider before taking anything other than natural foods or the medicines he or she prescribes for you. This information is meant to inform and enhance your health. Take care and stay well.