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HAWTHORN BERRY:
AN OLD GENTLE REMEDY FOR THE
HEART
Article by herbalist Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
February being healthy heart
month I thought the reader might be interested in one of my
favorite herbs when it comes to issues of the heart.
The Greek herbalist Dioscorides
has used hawthorn berries since the first century A.D. Its
early medicinal uses were used for stomach ailments to
dropsy (excess fluid accumulations). However, in modern
times it has been shown to be successful in treating
cardiac ailments including angina, congestive heart
failure, arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and generally
weak heart. This article will deal with the many aspects of
the uses of hawthorn and its tonic effects.
Hawthorn (crataegus
oxyacantha,
laevigata, and
monogyna) is a small shrub-like
tree with sharp thorns found in woodlands.
It is indigenous to
West Virginia and has a long
folkloric history. Hawthorn has small
white or pink flowers and dark red berries. The berries
were first used, but modern scientific discoveries now have
proven that the leaves and flowers also contain the active
properties as well as the fruit. These active compounds
have been attributed to the cardiac actions of this plant.
The main compounds are a class of substances called
flavanoids. These flavanoids are also found in other foods
such as cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and grapes.
Let's explore how hawthorn
works in the body. Most of hawthorn’s actions are related
to the flavanoid compounds, and
they work, to put it simply, by making the heart a more
efficient pump. This is achieved by increased blood flow to
and from the heart. This herb has what is called a strong
vitamin P activity. This works with vitamin C and works to
stabilize it at the cellular level. This offers support to
the capillaries and is why hawthorn has been shown to
strengthen the heart muscle itself. We
call this collagen stabilizing activity. It also is
considered a powerful anti-oxidant thus reducing damage
done to arteries from free radicals.
Hawthorn has been used
clinically in Europe for
many years, and the documentation has shown the
effectiveness of hawthorn extracts to lower blood pressure,
angina attacks, and to help lower serum cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn’s ability to dilate coronary vessels, which supply
the heart with vital oxygen and nutrients, appears to be
due to its ability to relax the smooth muscle components of
blood vessels. This plant has also shown to have ace
inhibiting properties thus helpful in lowering blood
pressure.
Hawthorn also has been shown
to improve the energy metabolism of the heart by managing
oxygen utilization and decreasing lactic acid build up.
Recovery of heart function is inversely related to these
levels of lactic acid in the heart.
Let's look at how hawthorn
can be useful in cardiac conditions of congestive heart
failure and angina. In the last ten years hawthorn extracts
have been used to treat early stages of congestive heart
failure. The studies used a
standardized extract of 160 mg three times a day.
The conventional treatment for this condition once
it becomes chronic has been the use of digitalis. Digitalis
has a narrow margin of safety due to its toxicity. Hawthorn
is much milder and safer to use, and it has been shown to
slow the progression of advanced stages. However, it is
most important that one consult with their physician before
trying any hawthorn preparation if taking digitalis.
Hawthorn can be taken, but it potentates the effectiveness
of digitalis making the dosage a possible concern. Usually
a decrease in the drug dosage is seen. The results of
studies showed improvement in shortness of breath, less
fatigue after mild exercise, and improved ECG. It has also
been compared to the drug Captopril
and shows similar activity and results.
Angina results from insufficient blood flow
reaching the heart muscle and it spasms when there are low
oxygen levels. This is often due to arteriosclerosis (the
build up of plaque on the artery wall).
From a natural perspective, there are two primary goals in
treating angina therapeutically. The
first is to improve energy metabolism within the heart, and
second to improve blood supply to the heart. These two
goals are interrelated in that they rely on each other.
Other nutrients that have helped this condition are
Carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and
magnesium.
Hawthorn has also been shown
to improve patients suffering form the detrimental effects
of heart attacks and has been shown to improve recovery
time.
How does
one use hawthorn berries? There are many
preparations of hawthorn from powdered capsules, liquid
tinctures, and standardized extracts. Potencies will be
stated on the label. Traditionally, it was taken in brandy
with the berries being soaked in it and taken as an
aperitif. Because of its safety, it is designed for
long-term use with benefits over a period of time. There
are no known interactions with prescription drugs other
than digitalis preparations and there are no known
contraindications during pregnancy or lactation.
Of course, it is always
necessary to consult with a health care professional before
considering herbal therapies.
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