Hawthorn
- Scientific name Crataegus monogyma Jacq. (or Crateagus laevigata)
- Family Rosaceae (Rose Family)
- Common name English Hawthorn, Haw, Maybush, Whitethorn
- Part(s) used Leaves, flowers and fruits.
- Contains Amines, flavonoids, tannins, cyanogenetic glycosides, saponins.
- Avoid using with Digitalis (digoxin).
- Special precautions Hawthorn may affect the
existing therapy of patients with various cardiovascular disorders such as
hypertension, hypotension and cardiac (heart) disorders. Should not be taken
during pregnancy and lactation.
Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the leading causes of death in Malaysia.
Contributing to this trend are lifestyle factors such as smoking and inactivity,
as well as an unhealthy diet high in fat and salt. Being overweight, increasing
age and diabetes are other factors that increase the risk of heart diseases.
One of the foremost herbal supplements for the heart is Hawthorn. A plant
native to Asia, Africa and Europe, Hawthorn's usage for heart conditions
dates as far back as the 17th century. Hawthorn is currently used as an
effective nutritional support to alleviate mild to moderate heart problems,
as well as to prevent heart disease.
Gentle cardiovascular protector
Hawthorn's main constituents have been found useful for regulating heart rate,
reducing blood pressure, increasing blood flow to the heart and strengthening
blood vessels. These effects of Hawthorn can be helpful as part of the treatment
of palpitations, chest pain (angina), hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms
(arrhythmias), inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) and high
cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn can also be beneficial for congestive heart failure, a condition
where ineffective pumping of the heart leads to an accumulation of fluid
in the lungs. Symptoms of congestive heart failure include shortness of
breath (with exertion), difficulty in breathing, and leg or ankle swelling.
Hawthorn also acts as an antioxidant to provide protection against free radicals
that contribute to the narrowing and hardening of arteries in atherosclerosis.
Clinical studies show that Hawthorn:
- Improves heart rate, blood pressure, shortness of breath and oedema
(swelling in the body due to presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid).
- Enhances exercise blood pressure and pulse.
- Strengthens the pumping ability of the heart muscle.
- Enhances the flow of blood to and from the heart.
- Is both effective and safe, demonstrating good tolerability.
A widely used herb, Hawthorn is included as an official drug in the
pharmacopoeias (book of authoritative standards for describing drugs
used in medicine) of several countries such as France, Germany,
Switzerland, Brazil, China, Czechoslovakia and Russia.
In Germany, following a four-year study by the German Federal Ministry of
Health, Hawthorn became a fully recognized herbal remedy for heart health.
The study supports the benefits of Hawthorn, mainly for its effects on the
rhythm of the heart, blood circulation and arteries. This is particularly so
in cases of mild heart conditions brought about by ageing.
