Medicinal Benefits Of Hawthorn

Hawthorn berries have been used for centuries as an herbal medicine for the heart. Hawthorn berries grow on the hawthorn shrub that is native to the Mediterranean. Current scientific studies show that Hawthorn berries have the potential to benefit health in a number of ways. However, consult with a medical practitioner before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with hawthorn berries.

Heart Health

Hawthorn helps to increase blood flow, according to an article published in 2007 in the "Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology." Researchers suspect that this occurs through relaxation of the coronary arteries. The high bioflavanoid content in hawthorn berries makes them useful as a heart tonic. Bioflavanoids are pigmented plant chemicals that provide a variety of health benefits. In the heart, these bioflavanoids help increase the efficiency of calcium usage, which is an important component of heart health.

Fat Metabolism

Hawthorn berries may help with the metabolism of fat. In a study published in August 2009 in the "Journal of The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition," rats fed a fermented vinegar made with hawthorn berries for six weeks, along with a high fat diet, showed reductions in body weight compared to rats fed the same high fat diet without the hawthorn vinegar. The hawthorn vinegar also lowered cholesterol levels.

Hot Flushes

Hawthorn berries may help women who experience menopause-related hot flushes. According to Chinese medicine theory, the hawthorn berry nourishes the ovaries and uterus by increasing blood circulation in the tissues of these organs, according to an April 2009 article published in "Progress in Modern Biomedicine." The berries also help to boost the function of aging ovaries.

Antioxidants

Hawthorn berries are rich in antioxidants, according to a study published in 2008 in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." Antioxidants have the ability to scavenge free radicals. Although free radicals are natural byproducts of cellular metabolisms, they bind to and damage or destroy cells.