Hawthorn Berry for a Healthy Heart
What is Hawthorn?
Hawthorn (Crataegus Oxycantha) is an amazing heart tonic. It is full of complex flavonoids that work together to support the circulatory system. Hawthorn is also an adaptogen, meaning it counteracts stress on the body. (3)
Hawthorn trees grow all over Eurasia and the United States. The main parts of the hawthorn tree; berries, leaves, and flowers all have therapeutic value. (2)
Therapeutic Dosing of Hawthorn
Hawthorn can be purchased as a tincture or capsule. Please obtain your supplements from a reliable source that uses non-GMO, organic products and is third party tested.
The therapeutic dose of Hawthorn is 250-600mg per day, although dosing can be adjusted as needed. (1) Please consult with a holistic nutritionist or naturopathic physician if you are currently taking medication for your heart.
The Benefits of Hawthorn for the Heart:
Hawthorn has antioxidant flavonoids, in particular anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins that improve blood flow, protect and dilate blood vessels, and amplify the contraction of the heart. These benefits allow Hawthorn to treat the following heart conditions:
· Hypertension-high blood pressure.
· Atherosclerosis-blood vessels become thick and stiff.
· Heart failure- progressive heart disease that affects the pumping action of the heart.
· Angina -chest pain or discomfort caused by narrowing or restricted blood supply to the heart.
· Heart arrhythmias- abnormal or irregular heartbeat.
Contraindications:
As a general precaution, women who are pregnant or nursing and children should not take hawthorn berry. If you are currently taking heart medication, please discuss taking Hawthorn with a physician you can trust before stopping or adding Hawthorn to your prescribed medication. Never take more than the recommended dosing and if you are taking Hawthorn for blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure at home with a blood pressure monitor for home use.
In Summary:
Hawthorn has phytonutrient properties that dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow as well as protecting the inside of the blood vessels from oxidation. Hawthorn is a cardioprotective herb that can alleviate cardiac disease burden.
Sources:
1.Organic Hawthorn Capsules | Oregon's Wild Harvest
2.Hawthorn Berry Benefits: The Ultimate Heart Supporting Herb
3.https://thepracticalherbalist.com/advanced-herbalism/herbalencyclopedia/hawthorn-the-heart-healer/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7047282/
5. https://www.ukherbals.co.uk/is-an-herbal-tincture-better- thancapsules/
6. Hawthorn, a Cardioprotective Herb Powerhouse - Medicine With Heart
