Heart Helping Hawthorne Herb
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The medicinal values of herbs is due to the presence of certain active ingredients such as amino acids, enzymes, alkaloids, vitamins etc. Hawthorne herb or Crataegus species is one of the most popular medicinal herbs used to treat the most vital part of a human body i.e. heart. The use of Hawthorne Herb dates back way back to the 1st century. Traditional medicine practitioners used Hawthorne berries to treat arrhythmia, frequent chest pain, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and heart failure. The leaves and flowers of Hawthorne Herb are still prescribed for treating mild to moderate heart failure. Hawthorn herb has also been endorsed by the German Commission E (therapeutic guide that approves herbal formulations). This powerful medicinal herb has diuretic, sedative, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, cardiotonic, stimulant and vasodilator properties. Different species of Hawthorne Herb are used as ornamental plants. Hawthorns are amongst the plants highly recommended for water conservation landscapes.
What is the classification of the Hawthorne Herb?
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Rosaceae (It belongs to the rose family )
- Subfamily: Amygdaloideae
- Tribe: Maleae
- Subtribe: Malinae
- Genus: Crataegus
What does the Hawthorne Herb look like?
Where does the plant grow: Hawthorne Herb thrives well in the temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. Hawthorns commonly grow in hilly areas and sunny wooded areas across the world.
Looks: Hawthorne plants are basically thorny shrubs. Hawthorn leaves are glossy and grow in a variety of sizes and shapes.
How tall: The plants are generally tall with an approximate height of 5–15 meters.
Flowers: Small red, white, or pink flowers bloom in the month of May. After the flowering season, small berries (haws) containing 1 to 5 pyrenes sprout. Interestingly, Hawthorns provide shelter for many species of birds such as thrushes and waxwings. Nectar-feeding insects collect pollen from their flowers. Larvae of the Lepidoptera species feed on Hawthorne leaves.
Fruits: Ripe fruits are deep red or blackish in hue. The tart fruits of Hawthorne Herb are used to make popular Chinese snacks, including tanghulu and haw flakes. The fruits are also used to produce jellies, jams, marmalades, juices and alcoholic beverages. In South Korea, bright-red fruits are made in liquor called "sansachun". In Mexico, the fruits known as "tejocotes" are eaten raw, or cooked during the winter months. Rielitos, popular Mexican candy is made from Hawthorne fruit paste, sugar, and chili powder.
What are the health benefits of Hawthorne Herb?
- Strengthen immunity system: Several laboratory studies have revealed that the Hawthorne Herb is packed with active ingredients including flavonoids (2.2%), flavones, tannins, and OPCs (18.75%). Important flavonoids present in Hawthorne Herb are rutin, hyperoside, vitexin, and quercetin. Procyanidin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B-2 are the key oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds. Hawthorne Herb also constitutes triterpene acids such as oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and phenolic acids. These antioxidants help to destroy free radicals and prevent DNA damage and premature cell death. Hawthorn also prevents premature aging and wrinkling. Regular intake of Hawthorne herb decreases the risk of cancer and heart diseases.
- Reduces chest pain: Angina occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the heart. It has been seen that regular intake of 180 mg of hawthorn extract for 3 weeks strengthen blood vessels, improves blood flow to the heart, reduce palpitations, prevent embolism phlebitis (blood clots), and vascular insufficiency.
- Decreases high cholesterol and high blood pressure: Hawthorn tincture (extracted from the berries) decreases LDL ("bad") cholesterol level in the bloodstream. Additionally, hawthorn drastically reduces the production of LDL cholesterol in the liver. Herbalists recommend 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract daily for atleast 16 weeks to lower blood pressure. Hawthorn herb can be safely taken by hypertensive patients along with other blood pressure medications.
- Combats gastro-intestinal ailments: Hawthorne Herb aids digestion abd other abdominal disorders like cramps and bloating. It is considered good for kidney disorders, dropsy and insomnia.
- Nicotine Substitute: Herbalists recommend Hawthorne leaves as a wonderful nicotine substitute for those who are willing to give up smoking.
What are the side-effects of Hawthorne Herb?
Dosage: Large doses of hawthorn herb can cause dizziness.
Seek Medical Advice: Individuals suffering from poor heart conditions must seek medical supervision before using Hawthorne herb extract.
Existing conditions: Patients suffering from colitis or ulcers must avoid this herb.
Pregnancy & children Safety: It is not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Drug Interaction: Hawthorne Herb should not be taken along with medicines containing Digoxin or Phenylephrine.
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