Hawthorn (Crataegus) is said to help treat heart failure, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats, palpitations), atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure.
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to other organs in the body. Hawthorn is believed to be useful for heart insufficiency by strengthening heart contractions, lowering pulse rate, softening arteries, and improving physical work capacity and anaerobic capacity (the ability to continue functioning in low oxygen conditions).
A number of studies have found that, hawthorn significantly improved heart function. Studies also have found that the herb can improve the ability to exercise in a person with heart failure. In a large study of comparing hawthorn with conventional methods in treating heart failure. After 2 years, 952 patients who took hawthorn supplement significantly improved the clinical symptoms of heart failure (palpitations, breathing problems, and fatigue).
Another study found that patients who took hawthorn extract (900 mg/day) for 2 months needed less doses of captopril (a prescription heart medication) in improving symptoms of heart failure.
Researchers found that hawthorn may be beneficial in treating heart conditions, including arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats, palpitations), angina, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels. But the findings also suggest that hawthorn is a moderate herb which is generally not considered strong enough for class 4 in treating heart conditions.
A four year study on the benefits of hawthorn, commissioned by the German Ministry of Health, found that it improves contractions in the veins and heart while dilating the heart. This increases blood flow in the heart as well as flow speed throughout the body for increased circulation to organs and musculature. The researchers concluded that hawthorn is best used for low heart function, congestion, arrhythmia and angina with no side effects.
Hawthorn is available in the supplement market in forms of capsules, extracts, tinctures, teas and juices. You may also make your own decoction from dried fruits.
Please note, hawthorn is considered a safe herb, but overdose can cause nausea, sedation, cardiac arrhythmia and dangerously lower blood pressure. Ask your doctor before using hawthorn.
For more information about natural remedies for heart disease, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/heart-disease/
