Need A Throbbing, Robust Heart? Take Hawthorne!
Herb Hawthorn
Hawthorn trees are originally from Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia and North Africa, but are now grown almost everywhere in the world. Although Hawthorn fruit grows throughout Europe, it is most frequently used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the British Isles. Many cultures throughout history have recognized Hawthorn’s heart-healing properties, including the ancient Greeks and Native Americans. Hawthorn was initially documented by the first century Greek herbalist Dioscorides and later by the Swiss physician Paracelsus. By the early 1800s, American doctors were using it to treat circulatory disorders and respiratory illnesses. Used for centuries in folk and clinical medicine alike, berries from the Hawthorn tree show a number of beneficial properties that have put them at the forefront of herbal medicine. Clinical studies have backed up this folk medicinal knowledge in the past couple of decades. Hawthorn flowers, leaves and berries have long been used to prepare medicinal teas and tinctures, and in recent years Hawthorn has become popular with natural healers for treating heart ailments. Hawthorn is widely regarded in Europe as a safe and effective treatment for the early stages of heart disease, and is endorsed by Commission E- the branch of the German government that studies and approves herbal treatments. It is also used to decorate the Queen’s table at Christmas in the United Kingdom, for example, and is sent as a gift that symbolizes health and power elsewhere.
Health Benefits of Hawthorn Tea
Animal and laboratory studies have found that Hawthorn contains active compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals, the damaging compounds in the body that alter cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can also increase their number. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the ageing process as well as the development of a number of health problems including heart disease. Antioxidants found in Hawthorn can neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damages they cause. Before using it for medicinal purposes, it’s best to consult with a health care professional to be sure that you are able to take it.
Heart Ailments
Hawthorn has been found to be useful in the treatment of congestive heart failure. One of the main health benefits of Hawthorn is its ability to help the circulation system and assist the heart in its daily functions. Hawthorn can be used as a heart tonic, because it may improve cardiovascular function in many people. The berry’s leaf and flower from the plant can aid the opening of the arteries which improves the blood supply to the organs and tissue in the body. The effect of Hawthorn tea is that it increases the blood supply and oxygen to the heart, so that the body’s blood circulation improves. That in turn can help people recover more quickly from heart attacks or other ailments that have to do with this part of the body. The mechanism of action is thought to be Hawthorn’s antioxidant content, which causes the dilation of smooth muscles in the heart and blood vessels, lowering their resistance and increasing blood flow. The herb also increases calcium concentration in the heart muscle, which has a strengthening effect. It is used to promote the health of the circulatory system, treat angina (chest pain caused by low blood flow to the heart), high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia and has been found to strengthen the heart. Additionally, consuming Hawthorn tea can increase the strength and frequency of your heart’s contractions.
Hawthorn has also been indicated for strengthening blood vessels, vascular insufficiency and blood clots, restoring the heart muscle wall, lowering cholesterol and to aid digestion. Drinking the tea daily can help strengthen arteries, and reduce the level of inflammation or clogging inside of them, cleansing the system so that the heart can do its job better. Taken regularly, Hawthorn improves blood circulation in the coronary vessels, strengthening the heart and helping to restore a regular heartbeat. Further proof was discovered by doctors in Bulgaria in the late 60s who were treating patients with coronary problems with the extract from Hawthorn. The result was that after a six week period, 75% of the patients made a full recovery. Hawthorn tea may help to relieve palpitations, chest pains or other heart problems that can arise during menopause. In one early study, 60 people with angina were given either 180 mg/day of Hawthorn berry leaf flower extract or placebo for 3 weeks. Those who received Hawthorn experienced improved blood flow to the heart and were also able to exercise for longer periods of time without suffering from chest pain. However, more studies are needed to say for sure whether Hawthorn is effective.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis remains a major cause of death in the United States. The good news is the proanthocyanidins in Hawthorn help reduce cholesterol levels and decrease the size of existing atherosclerotic plaques. This is probably due to their ability to stabilize collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Cholesterol is deposited within the artery when the collagen matrix of the artery is weakened, and scientists believe that atherosclerotic plaques will not form if the collagen matrix remains strong. Studies in which laboratory animals were fed proanthocyanidin extracts showed a decrease in serum cholesterol levels and the reversal of atherosclerotic lesions.
For Gastric Disorders
The digestive system can benefit from the flowers and foliage of Hawthorn that are proven to improve appetite and assist the flow of food through the intestines. Hawthorn berries are also gastro-protective. They help to treat stomach ulcers that are caused due to excess of acid content. Further health benefits of Hawthorn are the use of the berries in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhea.
For Menopause
The night sweats that might be experienced during menopause can also be reduced by Hawthorne.
For Stones
Hawthorn helps with the reduction of fluid retention and the dissolution of stones in the body.
For the Nervous System
The nervous system benefits from the relaxing effect that Hawthorn can have and therefore relieving stress and anxiety.
Against Virus and Bacteria
Hawthorn berries are full of antioxidants which help us defend against viruses and bacteria.
For Weight Loss
The health benefits of Hawthorn include weight loss too. Hawthorn berries work to reduce water retention in our bodies, helping us get rid of that pudgy look.
For Inflammation
Inflammation in the body is characterized by redness, swelling, pain and heat. Hawthorn berries are also known to have anti-inflammatory functions.
For Hepatitis
Its use in the treatment of hepatitis in modern Chinese medicine is supported by the demonstration of hepatoprotective activity in animal studies.
For Anxiety
Hawthorn tea is also useful for treating anxiety. The primary symptoms of anxiety that Hawthorn effectively treats are chest tightness and heart palpitations. Hawthorn may have the same mechanism of action for anxiety as it does for heart conditions, which is lessening the resistance of blood flow in your body, thus lowering blood pressure and tension.
Preparation and Dosage of Hawthorn Tea
Traditionally, a hot infusion is one of the simplest ways to prepare most dried herbs for use as a tea. A decoction is the method used for herbs such as roots, bark, twigs and berries. Hawthorn tea can be made from the berries as well as the leaves and flowers for a more potent effect. These should be dried and then steeped in boiling water until the desired strength is achieved. To soften fresh or dried Hawthorn berries before using them, soak them at room temperature for at least 12 hours in lukewarm water. Use 2 tsp. of berries per cup of water. Prepare Hawthorn tea by simmering 1 tbsp. of dried berries in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Sweeten the berry liquid with honey to taste and heat to the desired temperature. Drink 2-3 cups of the tea daily. Alternatively, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of Hawthorn flowers or leaves – or a mixture of the two. Steep the tea for 10 minutes, strain the liquid and reserve it. The liquid will retain the berries’ active ingredients. Drink 1 cup of tea every morning and evening over many months (the onset of its action is very gradual). An alternative method of preparing this tea would be to purchase tea bags that have the prepared dried plant already in them. When drinking this tea several times a day, the tea bags may be a more economical and easier solution for your tea drinking needs. You can drink the tea up to three times a day. Store any excess tea in a tightly sealed container with 1 tbsp. of lemon juice added to preserve the active constituents. The leaf bud of the Hawthorne can be cooked and eaten, the leaf can be chewed to nourish and relieve hunger, the berries can be used to make jellies and fruit sauces and the flowers can be added to salads.
Side Effects, Precautions
Side effects of Hawthorn are rare, but may include headache, nausea, and palpitations (a feeling of a racing heart). A review of 29 clinical studies with more than 5,500 patients found that Hawthorn was safe when used in recommended dosages. Doses found to be safe were from 160 – 1,800 mg daily and from 3 – 24 weeks in length. Although there are very few side effects for this tea, it could cause diarrhea in some. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use Hawthorn. There are no known scientific reports on the pediatric use of Hawthorn. Therefore, it is not currently recommended for children. If you are taking prescription or nonprescription medicines, talk to your health care provider before taking herbal supplements. Though non-toxic, Hawthorn can produce dizziness if taken in large doses. Hawthorn contains heart-affecting compounds that may affect blood pressure and heart rate. Do not use Hawthorn tea as a treatment concurrently with blood pressure-lowering medication without medical supervision because it can enhance the performance of these drugs. Seek medical supervision if you suffer from a heart condition or are taking heart related medication. Avoid if colitis or ulcers are present.
Category: HERBAL TEAS
