Hawthorn

What is Hawthorn? 

Hawthorn is a deciduous hardwood shrub that is commonly found in the woods and thickets, roadsides and fields and easily grows in most soils. Other common names of the plant include Mayflower, May Bush, Whitethorn and Quickset. Legend has it that the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus was made of Hawthorn. The herb is indigenous to the northern temperate zones of Asia, Europe and North America. It is a shrubby tree that has glossy leaves and white flowers. The garden hawthorn, which is a cousin, has red flowers and has no medicinal use.

Effects of Hawthorn 

Hawthorn has a long history of medicinal value. Its uses have included the treatment of digestive ailments, kidney stones, dyspnea and cardiovascular disorders. It is considered to be a strong diuretic. Traditionally, it has been valued for its astringency and has been used to treat diarrhea and heavy menstrual bleeding. In the middle ages, it was even considered to be a symbol of hope and was used to treat a number of ailments. Currently, it is known to have the following key effects on the body:

• Antioxidant
• Astringent
• Relaxant
• Cardiac tonic, and
• Vasodilator.

Use of Hawthorn

An excellent cardio tonic that supports the health of the heart and protects it in many ways, hawthorn has rich flavonoids that relax, dilate and open up the blood vessels. This allows oxygen rich blood to reach the heart and thus prevents the occurrence of heart attack. It is considered to be especially useful at the beginning stages of a heart disease. It also speeds up the recovery time after a heart attack. Its strong antioxidant properties also prevent or reduce the degeneration of blood vessels.

As we age the muscles of the heart become tight and weak. Hawthorn is supposed to strengthen the heart muscles and relieve pressure in the chest. It eases angina and inflammation of the heart. Large doses, given as injection, have been effective in curing irregular heartbeat. Since it is effective in blocking the formation of plaque in the heart, it is used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, heart attack and strokes. Because of its effect on the heart, it is one of the most common cardiac herbs in use today.

Hawthorn has been shown to lower high blood pressure. Because of its vasodilating properties, it stimulates blood circulation to the brain also. Thus, herbalists have used it to treat memory and retention problems associated with age. It also acts to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood. Its action appears to increase the liver’s ability to convert LDL (bad cholesterol) to HDL (Healthy cholesterol). The high amount of vitamin C present in Hawthorn strengthens the tiny capillaries in the brain and results in an increased supply of nutrients and oxygen to the brain.

Research has proved that people suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder may benefit from the use of hawthorn. Some studies have shown that hawthorn may even lead to acceleration in the death of leukemia cells and may have some arresting effect on the spread of cancer in the body.

Hawthorn Cautions