Crataegus genus (Hawthorn) - The Doctor of the Heart

Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn) - The Doctor of the Heart

The plant

This herb is a member of the rose family, a flowering tree native to the temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Asia. 

Health Benefits

Heals heart-related conditions

The very first mention of this herb healing the cardiovascular system was noted by the Greek physician Dioscorides, in the first century. Even in ancient times, this herb was already used to treat heart failures, with great success. 

The very first study was made in 1896 about Hawthorn. Researchers observed the effect of the plant's extract on 43 people who had heart various types of heart diseases. The results were very promising.

Later studies obviously proved the benefits of this plant for the heart. 

A two-year long observational study proved that people who used hawthorn supplements had less fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations than people who did not use this supplement. 

Another study proved that people who used hawthorn supplements required fewer medications to manage their heart failures.

Finally, the most important study of them all proved that using hawthorn supplements can reduce the risk of SUDDEN HEART-RELATED DEATH.

Here are the berries.

(paid link)

In modern times these supplements are recommended for people with hearth issues, most commonly for:

        -Angina:

              Chest discomfort or pain, which is the result of the fact that the heart doesn't get enough                      oxygen

       -Congestive heart failure:

              A condition which affects the pumping power of the heart

       -High Blood pressure

       -Atherosclerosis (Coronary heart disease, Carotid artery disease, Peripheral artery disease):

              the build-up of plaque in the arteries

       -Post-Heart-Attacks

       -Elevated blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides)

       -Heat, Inflammation

       -Restlessness, anxiety, AD(H)D

It can decrease blood fats

As I mentioned above, the supplements are used to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels. In a study made about this proved that hawthorn does reduce LDL cholesterol levels alongside a 28-47% decrease in triglyceride levels. 

It can lower blood pressure

Many studies prove the fact that this supplement relaxes constricted blood vessels, resulting in a blood pressure lowering effect.

Helps to prevent hair loss

Many commercial hair growth medications use this herb as an ingredient. In an animal study, it was proven that hawthorn stimulated hair growth and increased the number and size of hair follicles.

Rich in antioxidants

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidant compounds, which can help you neutralize unstable molecules called free radicals that can be very harmful to you. This study explains this well.

The high amount of polyphenol intake lowers the risk of the forming of some type of cancers, type 2 diabetes, asthma, heart problems, some infections, and skin aging.

(paid link)

It can reduce anxiety

Since hawthorn has a blood vessel relaxing effect, it can reduce anxiety as well, stated by this study. Also, it has a mild sedative effect too.

It can boost your immune system

Hawthorn may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. One study proved that the extract has moderate antibacterial effects against several bacteria.

It is used to treat digestive issues

Its fiber content can help relieve constipation and it works as a prebiotic too. It can speed up the transit process of food in your system. Here's the study that proves it.

To sum things up, this is a truly amazing herb. If you read my gurmar post then you know that I have heart issues, so I do use this supplement. You need to take a minimum of 300 mg a day from it to be effective, although I take 3 pills a day so the pain in my chest doesn't come back.

You can order it HERE. (paid link)

Follow me on facebook.