“Ancient Greeks and Romans regarded the hawthorn as a symbol of hope and happiness.” Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs.
Hawthorn is listed as one of the natural ways to lower blood pressure and assist the heart in the article Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure.
Hawthorn dilates blood vessels allowing the blood to flow more freely. Not only does it work on the blood vessels but it also aids the heart in working more efficiently. In Germany doctors have been already prescribing heart medications containing hawthorn according to James A. Duke, Ph.D. author of The Green Pharmacy.
Some historical facts about the herb Hawthorn are:
This beautiful tree/shrub is found throughout North America, Europe, North Africa and western Asia
It grows to a height of up to 15 feet.
In the United States alone there were between 800 to 900 species counted during the 1980s.
The shrubs and berries often are used to create Christmas decorations.
Because it flowers in the spring it has been called May or May blossom
The ship Mayflower was named after the Hawthorn
The clusters of flowers are usually white or cream but sometimes pink or red
It has thorns
It grows well in a variety of soils but prefers a limestone that is rich, loamy and moist
During the middle ages people thought the shrub was evil. When a branch was brought inside it was an omen of impending death for a member of the household.
Before that ancient Greek brides carried them on their wedding day as a symbol of hope and love believing the herb would protect their hearts.
The small reddish berries are edible and used for food in many countries.
The flowers, leaves, and fruits are all used for medicinal purposes.
Varro E. Tyler, PhD., professor of pharmacognosy at Purdue University School of Pharmacy in West Lafayette, Indiana compares the arteries to a garden hose explaining that with hawthorn the blood flows more freely, just like opening a nozzle wider on a hose. It also has a direct effect on the heart when taken over the long term in that it restores the heart muscle.
Those with heart problems should always consult their primary care physician.
Dr. Tyler warns about the possible problems that can arise from self medicating, not seeking proper medical care (especially for something as important as the heart) and taking herbs when one is already prescribed medications as there may be an adverse reaction. Often times medications are meant to mimic herbs and if already taking medication a doctor should be monitoring the effect of the medication on the illness. By tossing something else into the equation that the doctor is not aware of he cannot correctly monitor and advise. One should keep a list of supplements and herbals and present it to their doctor at each visit. Also discuss herbal remedies prior to taking them to get his/her opinion.
Hawthorn has been used to for the following:
Dilate blood vessels
Regulate high and low blood pressure
Lower high cholesterol
Restore damaged heart muscles
Decrease fat deposit levels
Aid Vitamin C and calcium
Help in treatment for anemia
Help build the immune system
Aid in the treatment of sore throats
Aid in the treatment of skin sores
Abdominal distention
Diarrhea
As a mild sedative, reducing nervous tension
Angina and cardiac arrhythmia
Mild diuretic
Blood thinner
Hardening of the arteries
Improve digestion
The Chemical and Nutrient Compound according to Prescription for Nutritional Health
Amino acids
Beta-carotene
Calcium
Choline
Chromium
Citric acid
Cratagolic acid
Essential fatty acids
Flavanoid
Glavone
Glycosides
Inositol
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
PABA
Phosphorous
Potassium
Purines
Saponins
Selenium
Sugar
Tartaric acid
Vitamins B-1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and 12
Vitamin C
Zinc
Phytochemicals:
Acetylcholine
Adenine
Adenosine
Anthocyanidins
Beta-sitosterol
Caffeic acid
Catechin
Chlorogenic acid
Epicatechin
Esculin
Hyperoside
Prctin
Quercitin
Rutin
Ursolic acid
Vitexin
In the chapter Enhancing Rejuvenation written in Total Wellness by Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Pizzorno writes “Just like any other tissue of the body, the heart will regenerate given proper nutritional and herbal care.”
He prescribed coenzyme Q 10, vitamin B complex, antioxidants and Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn berry) for a heart patient that consulted with him. This combination worked to improve the blood supply to her heart while assisting the contractions of the heart muscle. Six months later a re-evaluation found no problems whatsoever with the patient’s heart.
One should research to find ways to improve health but not to replace a physician’s advice. Herbals and proper nutrition can work hand in hand with sound medical care to promote healing and wellness.
Written by HardworkinJudy
I work as a customer service rep and while I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to help others, my heart is truly in writing and alternative health.
See www.thenaturalguide.com – Naturopathic Doctor Arlan Cage – www.southbaytotalhealth.com – explains how Naturopathic Medicine is able to reverse Heart Disease. Produced by Larry Cook. Distributed by Tubemogul.
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