Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is a spiny shrub that is native to Europe. The leaves, berries and flowers of the hawthorn plant contain flavonoids such as anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins that are the active ingredient. Hawthorn flavonoids have a very strong “vitamin P” activity that includes the ability to increase intracellular levels of vitamin C and strengthen blood capillaries. These flavonoids also possess significant collagen-stabilizing action. In addition, hawthorn extract also contains cardiotonic amines, choline and acetylcholine, purine derivatives, amygdalin, pectins and triterpene acids. Hawthorn flowers and berries have been primarily used by cardiologists to strengthen the heart and as a mild diuretic with no side effects. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies have extracted a single ingredient from hawthorn to create a drug called digoxin that has many side effects. 

Effective for: 

• Angina 
• Atherosclerosis 
• Congestive heart failure 
• High blood pressure 

Supplements: 

Hawthorn supplements available as fluid extract, freeze dried berries, flower extract and as berries or flowers. 

Recommended Dose: 

• Hawthorn fluid extract 1-2 ml daily 
• Hawthorn flower extract 100-250 mg daily 

Side effects and precautions: 

Hawthorn has been shown to have a low toxicity.