Hawthorn Berries

Plant Description

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyancantha) is a small spiny tree or shrub belongs to rose family and native to Europe. ^{[1, 2]} It can grow up to 30 feet; flowers grow in small clusters having white, red or pink color and Hawthorn leaves are shiny and sprout in variety of sizes and shapes. Hawthorn contains small berries that are called haws usually red in color. ^[2]

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Folklore Use

Hawthorn is often grown as a hedge plant and also called as hedgethorn, because it was used in Germany to divide plots of land and its prickly branches were used to ward off trespassers and undesirable drifters. ^{[3, 4]} Hawthorn has been used for number of civilizations and has extremely sought-after in many European regions. ^[4] Medicinal properties of Hawthorn were eventually determined that it may serve a much greater purpose to help improve cardiovascular health, circulatory problems and respiratory function. ^{[2, 3]} Hawthorn berries are believed to be heart tonic or cardiotonic herb and has wholesome effects on cardiovascular health and circulatory problems. ^{[2, 3, 7]} This cardiotonic herb has positive effects on irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, hardening of arteries and other heart problems. ^[2] Hawthorn is commonly used to strengthen and improve the heart health. ^[2]

Chemical Compounds of Hawthorn

Hawthorn leaves, berries, blossoms contain a powerful class of biologically active flavonoids compounds that have antioxidant properties and may help scavenge free radical damage. ^[3] Studies suggest that standardized extracts of Hawthorn may have advantageous effects on promoting sound cardiovascular activity. ^[4] Hawthorn contains an antioxidant compound vitexin which can help increase the blood flow to the heart which results in more cardiovascular energy, stabilized heartbeat, stronger heart muscles and improve circulation. ^{[4, 5]}

Healthful Aspects of Hawthorn Berries

Cardiovascular Effects

Hawthorn is considered as cardiotoinic or heart tonic and hawthorn extracts have very potent effects and should be used widely to improve cardiovascular health and function. ^{[2, 3, 4, 7]}

Effective for High Blood Pressure

Hawthorn berries are effective in lowering blood pressure. ^{[2, 3, 6, 8]}

Cholesterol Lowering Effects

Hawthorn extracts may reduce cholesterol levels. ^{[2, 3, 4, 8]}

Improve Chest Pain

It might have advantageous effects to improve chest pain. ^{[2, 3, 6]}

Reduce Formation of Arterial Plaque

Hawthorn may have favorable effects in reducing the deposition of fatty material in the walls of the blood vessels. ^{[2, 3, 4, 7, 8]}

Strengthen Heart Muscles

Hawthorn promotes force of contraction in the heart muscles and eliminates rhythmic disturbances. ^{[3, 6]}

Improve Circulation

It causes improvement in blood supply to the heart by dilating coronary blood vessels. ^{[3, 5, 6, 8]}

Other Therapeutic Effects

Hawthorn berries may have healthful effects on low red blood cell, increases vitamin C levels and strengthen immunity. ^[8]

References:

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crataegus
2. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hawthorn-000256.htm
3. Michael T. Murray, N.D. (1995) The Healing Power Of Herbs. (Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition) Page No. 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209. New York: Gramercy Books.
4. Marcia Zimmerman, CN & Jayson Kroner, CSN. (2006). 7-Syndrome Healing. Page No. 143. Chico, California: Nutrition Solution Publications.
5. Daniel B.Mowrey, Ph.D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine. Page No. 40. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, Inc.
6. James A. Duke (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Page No. 44, 45, 118, 119, 254. Pennsylvania: Rodale Press Emmaus.
7. Norman Grainger Bisset (Ed.) (1994) Max Wichtl Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceutical. Page No. 162-163. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers
8. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC & James F. Balch, M.D. (2000). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. (3rd edition) Page No. 99. Penguin Putnam INC. New York: Avery.

Disclaimer

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat, or prevent any disease.