Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat ailments that are today treated with traditional medications. Crataegus laevigata, or hawthorn, is a thorny shrub indigenous to northern areas of Europe, Asia and North America. Hawthorn is currently used for the management and treatment of heart failure, angina and high blood pressure. Before taking any herbal supplement or remedy, please discuss your options with a health care professional.
History
The hawthorn shrub has has been used for heart disease as early as the 1st century and remnants of hawthorn were found in pots dating back to 7000 B.C. The medicinal portions of the plant include the thorn flowers, leaves and fruits including berries. In the 1800s, western medicine caregivers were utilizing the medicinal portions of the plant for chest pain and irregular heartbeat in addition to kidney, lung and digestive conditions. In 1896, In "The New York Medical Journal," Dr. Green of Ireland treated and "cured" heart disease with a medicine later found to be hawthorn. Today's studies demonstrate the use of hawthorn to be helpful in low doses in the treatment of less severe heart failure.
Angina
Angina is the symptom of pain in the chest created when the heart muscle is unable to obtain adequate amounts of oxygen. This is due to inadequate blood flow to areas of the heart requiring increased oxygen demand due to increased activity, such as exercise. This situation is most commonly a result of poor circulation from coronary artery disease or plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries supplying the heart. Buildup of plaque on the artery walls can prevent adequate blood flow to meet the demands of the heart, resulting in chest discomfort. Some people experience varying forms of angina such as a chest pressure sensation, chest pain, shortness of breath or simply nausea when they increas their activity.
Hawthorn and Angina
Hawthorn has been studied and is thought to increase blood flow through the flavonoids in the plant. Increased blood flow is thought to be accomplished by the dilation of arteries and veins, allowing more efficient circulation. People with underlying coronary artery disease who suffer from angina are thought to benefit because the compromised portions of the heart receive the blood and oxygen needed to meet the demands of the heart.
Other Uses
Hawthorn, in addition to being used as an anti-anginal herb, is being used to treat both high blood pressure, or hypertension, and congestive heart failure. People who suffer from high blood pressure can take hawthorn, however, there has not been a large amount of research to support or refute the claims of being beneficial in the management. In addition to high blood pressure, hawthorn has been used for the treatment of congestive heart failure. The use of hawthorn has been found to relieve some symptoms associated with congestive heart failure, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
Warnings
Before taking any supplement or herbal remedy, please discuss all options with your health care provider. Hawthorn should not be used if you are under the age of 18, breastfeeding or pregnant. While hawthorn is considered safe, it should be used with caution, and has been found to potentiate the effects of some heart medications. The addition of hawthorn can cause precipitous drops in blood pressure if used in conjunction with digoxin, beta blockers or calcium channel blockers. Other side effects include nausea, headaches and fast heart rate.
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