Hawthorn Heart Benefits Are
Scientifically Documented
A controlled scientific medical study was performed in Reading England in 2006 with 79 patients suffering from type-2
diabetes and Hypertension with the intent of determining the effects of on blood pressure. 56 of the 79 patients
were taking medication for High Blood Pressure. For 16 weeks, some of the patients were given hawthorn and some
were given a placebo. The results confirmed the Hawthorn Heart connection which has been known by less sophisticated medical
practitioners since the 1st century A.D.
That was
encouraging news, but as to date, there is no definitive medical evidence that Hawthorne lowers blood pressure
in the average person apart from those with type-2 diabetes. However, the benefits of Hawthorn on the heart in
general have been verifiably demonstrated, and many believe that if it is as good for the heart as it appears
to be, then it must have an effect on blood pressure as well, even if only indirectly. As we have seen, High Blood
Pressure is the result of a number of different variables, not the least of which is the health of the heart
itself. So, if Hawthorn is good for the heart, it certainly should be able influence your blood pressure.
Keep in mind though, that this is a hypothesis, always consult your physician before entering into the
world of herbal medicine.
What is Hawthorn?
Hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata) is a flowering, berry yielding plant native to North Africa,
 Europe, and Central Asia, and now in America as well, where it has been accepted for
centuries as an herbal remedy for cardiovascular diseases such as High Blood Pressure and Angina. In France,
it has been used to treat anxiety and insomnia, but is mostly known for its healthy heart benefits. The
flowers and berries are astringent, contracting body tissues, and have been used in to treat sore throats by
extracting the active ingredients in a boiling process. It has also been used as a diuretic, flushing out the
kidneys.
An all around useful plant, Hawthorn has been used for hedges along the boundaries of property
in Germany, and the wood from the bush has a very smooth texture with a fine grain making it ideal for carving and
building small wooden items. It is spoken of in several centuries old European legends and stories.
What Makes Hawthorn So Heart Healthy?
The active ingredients in Hawthorn that make it so heart healthy are simple flavenoids and
phytochemicals that are common in many other fruits and vegetables. Laboratory studys have confirmed
that Hawthorn contains antioxidants such as quercetin, which can also be found in grapes and can be
purchased in nutritional supplement tablets. Antioxidants such as this can destroy free radicals responsible
for cell and DNA damage. These radicals are naturally produced in our bodies as we age, and are also
introduced via environmental pollutants and toxins which accumulate over time. Many of these are directly
responsible for heart disease which makes Hawthorn so valuable.
How To Use Hawthorn
Its leaves can be made into a tea, and the fluid from the berries can be extracted with 10-15
drops being the typical dose. Hawthorn extracts in capsule form can be purchased from health food stores or online
nutritional supplement providers. Or, if you have a green thumb, you can grow your own bushes, but give them some space, they can grow from 15-30 feet high.
Hawthorn Heart healthy benefits are well worth considering. It is another
easy to apply and affordable method to lower our blood pressure. Just go out and plant your own Hawthorn hedge row
today :), or better yet get yourself some supplements!
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