Hawthorn Berries

Hawthorn Berries

Botanical name: Crataegus oxyacantha & C. monogyna (Rosaceae)

Parts used: flower tops, berries

Energetics: cooling, moistening

Taste: sweet, sour

Actions: cardio tonic, circulatory tonic, antioxidant

Constituents: polyphenols, proanthocyanins, bioflavonoids, triterpenoids, coumarins, amines (trimethylamine- in flowers only)

 

Medicinal Preparations:

Tincture: flowers/berries 1tsp 3 times a day

Tea: hot/cold Infusion with flowers; decoction with flowers or berries

Description:

Hawthorn is used today mainly for heart and circulatory disorders, in particular for angina. In the Middle Ages hawthorn was a valuable medical herb and was a symbol of hope and taken for many ailments.  

Research:

Bioflavonoids & proanthocyanins: these constituents relax and dilate the arteries, especially the coronary arteries. This increases the flow of blood to the heart muscles and reduces the symptoms of angina. Also helps to prevent or reduce degeneration of the blood vessels. 

Cardiac herb: several clinical trials have explored hawthorns's ability to lower blood pressure and support heart function.

Traditional Western Uses:

Historical uses: Used in Europe for kidney and bladder stones and as a diuretic.

Heart remedy: used today to treat angina and coronary artery disease. It specifically improves heart function and is useful for mild congestive heart failure and irregular heartbeat.

Blood pressure: best thought of as a remedy that normalizes blood pressure and is helpful in supporting blood pressure levels where these tend to be low.

Poor memory: used to enhance poor memory; it works by improving the circulation of blood within the head, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen to the brain. 

Caution:

Interactions with prescribed medicines can occur. Seek advice from medical professional if taking prescribed medicines, especially for high blood pressure and heart disorders. 

 

*Chevallier, Andrew, Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, New York City, Penguin Random House, 1996.