Native to North America, Europe and Asia, hawthorn, or Crataegus laevigata, is a valuable member of the holistic family of healing herbs and is often used in the form of an extract. Extract of hawthorn is available in health foods stores and online, but the FDA does not oversee the production or sale of this herbal remedy. Consult your doctor before using hawthorn extract to treat any medical condition.
History
The thick growth habit and thorny branches of the hawthorn shrub made it popular as a border planting to keep out unwelcome visitors. Once considered a sacred tree with religious implications, according to the website, Botanical.com, the herbal extract derived from its flowers and berries treated heart troubles, soothed throats and reduced water retention. The benefits of the historical uses of hawthorn extract are unconfirmed by scientific studies.
Features
Hawthorn extract, unless combined with another herb or flavoring, may have a bitter, disagreeable taste and odor, according to the PDR for Herbal Medicines. The extract contains flavonoids and procyanidins, which may increase blood flow in the heart. Do not treat a heart condition with hawthorn extract unless directed to do so by your physician.
Uses
Preliminary studies support the potential benefit of hawthorn extract in the treatment of heart disease. A 2003 project, conducted at the Peninsula Medical School in the United Kingdom, researched the findings of random studies and concluded that hawthorn extract presented a “significant benefit” in the treatment of heart failure. The result of this project, however, does not guarantee that the quality or strength of hawthorn extract found in health food stores will produce the same results. Use this herbal remedy only under a doctor’s supervision.
Dosage
The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine suggests a standard dose of up to 900 mg of hawthorn extract daily, divided between two or three separate doses. The beneficial effects of hawthorn extract may be cumulative, requiring up to six weeks of use before seeing physical benefits. There is no recommended dosage for children. Talk to your doctor before using this herbal remedy.
Safety
Hawthorn is generally safe when the standard dosage is not exceeded, according to the Gale encyclopedia, but in some individuals, the extract may cause a blood pressure drop, irregular heartbeat, or drowsiness. Extract of hawthorn may interfere with high blood pressure and heart medications. Pregnant women or nursing mothers should not use hawthorn. Do not use the extract if you are sensitive to plants in the Rosaceae family.
References
- Botanical.com: Hawthorn
- “PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition”; Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
- “Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2”; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- PubMed.com: Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure: meta-analysis of randomized trials.
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