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What is Hawthorn?
Hawthorn (Crataegus species ) is a small tree or shrub and a member of the rose family. Hawthorn is commonly used to strengthen the heart.
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What is in Hawthorn berries?
Hawthorn contains flavonoids, procyanidins and other active compounds.
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What are the benefits of Hawthorn?
Hawthorn acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood supply to the heart and improving circulation to the extremities by decreasing arterial resistance. Hawthorn also has positive inotropic and beta-blocking effects. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In rodent studies, hawthorn was effective in reducing blood sugar in diabetic rats. One human study show hawthorn to be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with diabetes.
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Has Hawthorn been used since long?
Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) berries of this European species have been used since ancient times for well-being and as a cardiovascular tonic. Considered a "cardiotonic" herb or heart tonic, the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant were used in traditional medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of the arteries, and heart failure.
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Does Hawthorn have any side effects?
At therapeutic dosages, hawthorn side effects may include a mild rash, headache, sweating, dizziness, palpitations, sleepiness, agitation, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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