Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus oxyacantha, Crataegus monogyna)

Hawthorn is commonly found in Europe, western Asia, North America, and North Africa. Modern medicinal preparations make use of the leaves and flowers, whereas traditional preparations use the ripe fruit.

Hawthorn helps the heart because it tends to normalize blood pressure, prevent palpitations and arrhythmias and relieve angina.

Studies have confirmed that the plant is a rich source of healthy chemical compounds, including procyanidins and the flavonoids rutin, vitexin, quercetin, hyperoside, and vitexin, which have been shown to dilate blood vessels of the heart and thus improve blood flow (these cardiovascular effects result from taking the herb over a prolonged period). Clinical trials have confirmed that hawthorn is beneficial for people with stage II congestive heart failure. Researchers in Germany recently gave hawthorn extract to patients suffering from congestive heart  failure and found the patients experienced fewer overall symptoms and showed improvements in stamina and a reduction in blood pressure and heart rate during exercise. Hawthorn is also good for arthritis as it helps stabilize collagen, the protein found in joints, and thus protects the joints from damage inflicted by inflammatory diseases. The bioflavonoids present in hawthorn also have potent antioxidant properties.

Hawthorn is sold as dried berries, capsules, and tinctures. Extracts are often standardized for one of two different chemical compounds: total flavonoids (usually calculated as vitexin) or procyanidins. An average dose is 200mg of an extract standardized for approximately 1.5% vitexin or 2.0% flavonoids.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established

While the herb is considered non-toxic if taken as directed, consumers should be warned against taking this or any other natural remedy to treat a self-diagnosed heart condition. People taking medication for a pre-existing heart condition should consult their doctor before taking products containing Hawthorn. Hawthorn is not contraindicated during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.