Hawthorn is a good example of an herb from folk and botanical
medicine whose benefits to the heart and circulatory system have been
confirmed by modern research. It's great advantage as a first line of
defense against these conditions are due to it's very non-toxic,
nutritional healing properties.
Hawthorn is a small tree or shrub found in many parts of the
U.S., Europe and Asia, with many varieties known. It is often planted
as an ornamental for its profuse and beautiful white to pink-shaded
flowers. The medicinal properties are found in the ripe berries and
young leaves and flowers. To make a fresh-herb extract I gather the
flowers and young, light-green leaves, which come on at the same time.
In the late summer/early fall I gather the ripe berries. A very good
extract is made by combining all three, for the widest variety of
beneficial constituents. The liquid extract and decoction are the best
forms to use it in.
Hawthorn has been shown to provide nutrition to the heart
muscle itself by its many flavanoids. Here is an example of the amazing
way in which the body's own intelligence can direct nutritional
substances to where they are needed in the body. These flavanoids also
provide anti-oxidant and other effects that aid in arterial health.
Hawthorn also has anti-spasmodic, nerve sedative, anti-coagulant, and
anti-hypertensive properties.
Hawthorn, as stated, is used in many heart and circulatory
conditions; especially as a preventative. It dilates the arteries
feeding the heart, increasing blood flow without raising pressure. It
lessens inflammation in the arteries, while aiding in dissolving plaque
and reducing harmful cholestero (athero- and aretriosclerosis). Used
for peripheral arterial insufficiency and essential hypertension.
Thrombosis.
Hawthorn has nerve sedative properties, and is useful where
stress and nervous response affects the heart: angina pains, irregular
and racing heartbeat, with symptoms of fear/anxiety, insomnia; possible
dizziness and/or vertigo. Heart problems with anxiety/hot flashes in
menopause.
The Hawthorn is used for effects of inflammatory and infectious
diseases on the heart: rheumatic heart; myo/endo/peri-carditis. An aid
in valvular problems. Cardiac edema and dropsy.
Hawthorn is not necessarily a cure, but can have many beneficial
effects in a wide-range of degenerative heart problems: heart weakness,
fatty degeneration, enlarged heart.
For degenerative problems Hawthorn can and should be used over several months or longer.
Due to its strengthening effects on the heart, and its aid in
blood-flow, it is also used by athletes and those who do strenuous
exercize.
Combinations could include 2 parts hawthorn, 1 part Lily of the
Valley for cardiac edema (incl. as aid in congestive heart failure).
With Motherwort for nervous heart conditions. With Mistletoe for
hypertension/high blood pressure. With Cayenne and/or Prickly Ash as
circulatory stimulant. With Fenugreek, Dandelion for cholesterol.
Hawthorn is thought to have a potentizing effect on
digitalis-derived drugs (like digoxin, lenoxin), so care is to be taken,
although it may also indicate one could lessen the dose of the drug.
Anecdotal evidence suggest it can be used with beta-blockers.
In any case of heart disease, or use with any other medications
it is advised to start with a smaller dose and work your way up; as it
is something to be used over a period of time anyway, and its effects
are cumulative.
The dosage of the liquid extract (1:2) is 10 to 30 drops 2 to 3 x a day.