How Hawthorn Heals the Heart

“Ancient Greeks and Romans regarded the hawthorn as a symbol of hope and happiness.” Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.

Hawthorn is listed as one of the natural ways to lower blood pressure and assist the heart in the article Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure.

Hawthorn dilates blood vessels allowing the blood to flow more freely. Not only does it work on the blood vessels but it also aids the heart in working more efficiently. In Germany doctors have been already prescribing heart medications containing hawthorn according to James A. Duke, Ph.D. author of The Green Pharmacy.

Some historical facts about the herb Hawthorn are:

• This beautiful tree/shrub is found throughout North America, Europe, North Africa and western Asia

• It grows to a height of up to 15 feet.

• In the United States alone there were between 800 to 900 species counted during the 1980s.

• The shrubs and berries often are used to create Christmas decorations.

• Because it flowers in the spring it has been called May or May blossom

• The ship Mayflower was named after the Hawthorn

• The clusters of flowers are usually white or cream but sometimes pink or red

• It has thorns

• It grows well in a variety of soils but prefers a limestone that is rich, loamy and moist

• During the middle ages people thought the shrub was evil. When a branch was brought inside it was an omen of impending death for a member of the household.

• Before that ancient Greek brides carried them on their wedding day as a symbol of hope and love believing the herb would protect their hearts.

• The small reddish berries are edible and used for food in many countries.

• The flowers, leaves, and fruits are all used for medicinal purposes.

Varro E. Tyler, PhD., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, Indiana compares the arteries to a garden hose explaining that with hawthorn the blood flows more freely, just like opening a nozzle wider on a hose. It also has a direct effect on the heart when taken over the long term in that it restores the heart muscle.

Those with heart problems should always consult their primary care physician.

Dr. Tyler warns about the possible problems that can arise from self medicating, not seeking proper medical care (especially for something as important as the heart) and taking herbs when one is already prescribed medications as there may be an adverse reaction. Often times medications are meant to mimic herbs and if already taking medication a doctor should be monitoring the effect of the medication on the illness. By tossing something else into the equation that the doctor is not aware of he cannot correctly monitor and advise. One should keep a list of supplements and herbals and present it to their doctor at each visit. Also discuss herbal remedies prior to taking them to get his/her opinion.

Hawthorn has been used to for the following:

• Dilate blood vessels

• Regulate high and low blood pressure

• Lower high cholesterol

• Restore damaged heart muscles

• Decrease fat deposit levels

• Aid Vitamin C and calcium

• Help in treatment for anemia

• Help build the immune system

• Aid in the treatment of sore throats

• Aid in the treatment of skin sores

• Abdominal distention

• Diarrhea

• As a mild sedative, reducing nervous tension

• Angina and cardiac arrhythmia

• Mild diuretic

• Blood thinner

• Hardening of the arteries

• Improve digestion

The Chemical and Nutrient Compound according to Prescription for Nutritional Health

• Amino acids

• Beta-carotene

• Calcium

• Choline

• Chromium

• Citric acid

• Cratagolic acid

• Essential fatty acids

• Flavanoid

• Glavone

• Glycosides

• Inositol

• Iron

• Magnesium

• Manganese

• PABA

• Phosphorous

• Potassium

• Purines

• Saponins

• Selenium

• Sugar

• Tartaric acid

• Vitamins B-1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 12

• Vitamin C

• Zinc

  • Phytochemicals:

    • Acetylcholine

    • Adenine

    • Adenosine

    • Anthocyanidins

    • Beta-sitosterol

    • Caffeic acid

    • Catechin

    • Chlorogenic acid

    • Epicatechin

    • Esculin

    • Hyperoside

    • Prctin

    • Quercitin

    • Rutin

    • Ursolic acid

    • Vitexin

In the chapter Enhancing Rejuvenation written in Total Wellness by Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Pizzorno writes “Just like any other tissue of the body, the heart will regenerate given proper nutritional and herbal care.”

He prescribed coenzyme Q 10, vitamin B complex, antioxidants and Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn berry) for a heart patient that consulted with him. This combination worked to improve the blood supply to her heart while assisting the contractions of the heart muscle. Six months later a re-evaluation found no problems whatsoever with the patient's heart.

One should research to find ways to improve health but not to replace a physician's advice. Herbals and proper nutrition can work hand in hand with sound medical care to promote healing and wellness.