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Red Clover

Red CloverThe medicinal herb Red Clover as an alternative herbal remedy – Like peas and beans, red clover belongs to the family of plants called legumes. Red clover contains phytoestrogens–compounds similar to the female hormone estrogen. Trifolium pratense (red clover) has anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antispasmodic properties and is also well known as a cleansing herb for skin complaints, including eczema and psoriasis. Its ability to improve lymph functioning and reduce lymphatic swellings helps to purify and detox the system.

Red clover has been cultivated since ancient times, primarily to provide a favorite grazing food for animals. But, like many other herbs, red clover was also a valued medicine. Although it has been used for many purposes worldwide, the one condition most consistently associated with red clover is cancer. Chinese physicians and Russian folk healers also used it to treat respiratory problems. In the nineteenth century, red clover became popular among herbalists as an “alterative” or “blood purifier.” This medical term, long since defunct, refers to an ancient belief that toxins in the blood are the root cause of many illnesses. Cancer, eczema, and the eruptions of venereal disease were all seen as manifestations of toxic buildup. Red clover was considered one of the best herbs to “purify” the blood. For this reason, it is included in many of the famous treatments for cancer.Common Names–red clover, cow clover, meadow clover, wild clover

Latin Name–Trifolium pratense

What Red clover Is Used For

  • Historically, red clover has been used as an herbal remedy for cancer and respiratory problems, such as whooping cough, asthma, and bronchitis. *Current uses of red clover are for menopausal symptoms, breast pain associated with menstrual cycles, high cholesterol, osteoporosis, and symptoms of prostate enlargement. Red Clover is also well known as a cleansing herb for skin complaints.

How Red clover Is Used

  • The flowering tops of the red clover plant are used to prepare extracts available in tablets and capsules, as well as in teas and liquid forms.

What the Science Says about Red clover

  • Although several small studies of red clover for menopausal symptoms had mixed results, a large study found that red clover had no beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms.
  • There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether red clover is effective for any other health conditions.
  • NCCAM is studying red clover to learn more about its active components and how they might work in the body, including a clinical trial investigating the safety and effectiveness of red clover for menopausal symptoms.

Side Effects and Cautions of Red clover

  • Red clover seems to be safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. No serious adverse effects have been reported.
  • Because red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, there is a possibility that its long-term use would increase the risk of women developing cancer of the lining of the uterus. However, studies to date have been too brief (less than 6 months) to evaluate whether red clover has estrogen-like effects on the uterus.
  • It is unclear whether red clover is safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or who have breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
  • Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including red clover. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Peppermint Oil

The medicinal herb Peppermint Oil as an alternative herbal remedy – The herb Peppermint is often used to flavor foods, and the leaves can be used fresh or dried in teas.Common Names–peppermint oil

Latin Names–Mentha x piperita

What Peppermint oil Is Used For

  • Peppermint oil has been used for a variety of health conditions, including nausea, indigestion, and cold symptoms.
  • Peppermint oil is also used for headaches, muscle and nerve pain, and stomach and bowel conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

How Peppermint oil Is Used

  • Essential oil of peppermint can be taken in very small doses in capsule or liquid forms. The essential oil can also be diluted with another oil and applied to the skin.

What the Science Says about Peppermint oil

  • Results from several studies suggest that peppermint oil may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • A few studies have found that peppermint oil, in combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary. *Although there are some promising results, there is no clear-cut evidence to support the use of peppermint oil for other health conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions of Peppermint oil

  • Peppermint oil appears to be safe for most adults when used in small doses. Possible side effects include allergic reactions and heartburn.
  • Capsules containing peppermint oil are often coated to reduce the likelihood of heartburn. If they are taken at the same time as medicines such as antacids, this coating can break down more quickly and increase the risk of heartburn and nausea.
  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Passion Flower

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a tropical herb which has been used since the 19th century for nervous conditions. Modern research supports traditional usage and clinical trials have demonstrated the relaxing and anti-anxiety effects of Passiflora. Passiflora is often recommended to treat anxiety and reduce tension and is also very useful in reducing the withdrawal symptoms of recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. Medical analysis has shown that Passiflora contains flavonoids which are responsible for its calming and anti-anxiety effects.

Passion Flower Herb is very highly regarded by traditional herbalists for its soothing properties and support of the nervous system. Passion flower is used for insomnia, anxiety, and adjustment disorder with anxious mood. It is also used orally for preoperative anxiety and sedation.

Herbal Remedy Products with Passion Flower as part of the ingredients

Pure Calm
PureCalm™ for Naturally Soothed Nerves

Natural supplement for calm, relaxed moods & maintaining a positive outlook.

  • Herbal supplement for promoting feelings of calm during times of pressure, stress, or nervous tension.
  • Supports soothed nerves for managing busy schedules and everyday worries.
  • Promotes harmony, balanced emotions, and addresses nervousness.
  • Supports feelings of well-being and relaxation.
  • Promotes health and balance in the brain and nervous system.

 

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Mistletoe

The medicinal herb Mistletoe as an alternative herbal remedy – European mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on several types of trees in temperate regions worldwide. Where the term “mistletoe” is used in this fact sheet, it refers to European mistletoe. (European mistletoe is different from American mistletoe, which is used as a holiday decoration.)Common Names–European mistletoe, mistletoe

Latin Name–Viscum

What Mistletoe Is Used For

  • Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat seizures, headaches, and other conditions.
  • Mistletoe is used mainly in Europe as a treatment for cancer.

How Mistletoe Is Used

  • The leafy shoots and berries of mistletoe are used to make extracts that can be taken by mouth.
  • In Europe, mistletoe extracts are prescription drugs that are given by injection. In the United States, mistletoe by injection is available only in clinical trials.

What the Science Says about Mistletoe

  • Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe kills cancer cells and stimulates the immune system.
  • The use of mistletoe to treat cancer has been studied in Europe in more than 30 clinical trials. Although improvements in survival or quality of life have been reported, almost all of the trials had major weaknesses in their design that raise doubts about the findings. For example, many of the studies had a small number of participants or did not have a control group.
  • NCCAM is sponsoring a clinical trial of mistletoe, given in combination with the drug gemcitabine, for cancer. The study will look at toxicity, safety, and immune system effects of mistletoe extract when combined with this chemotherapy drug.

Side Effects and Cautions of Mistletoe

  • Raw, unprocessed mistletoe is poisonous. Eating raw, unprocessed European mistletoe or American mistletoe can cause vomiting, seizures, a slowing of the heart rate, and even death. American mistletoe is unsafe for medicinal use.
  • In countries where commercial mistletoe is available by injection, such as Germany, those extracts are considered to be generally safe when used according to product directions and under the supervision of a health care provider.
  • Injected mistletoe extract may cause itching or redness in the area of the injection. Less commonly, side effects may include more extensive skin reactions, low-grade fevers, or flu-like symptoms. There have been very rare reports of more serious allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing.
  • Because mistletoe has not yet been proven to be a safe and effective cancer treatment, it should not be used outside of clinical trials.
  • It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including mistletoe. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Milk Thistle

This fact sheet provides basic information about milk thistle—common names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and resources for more information.

Milk thistle is a flowering herb native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for a variety of ailments, and historically was thought to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. Today, its primary folk uses include liver disorders such as cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, and gallbladder disorders. Other folk uses include lowering cholesterol levels, reducing insulin resistance in people who have both type 2 diabetes and cirrhosis, and reducing the growth of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer cells.

Silymarin, which can be extracted from the seeds (fruit) of the milk thistle plant, is believed to be the biologically active part of the herb. The seeds are used to prepare capsules, extracts, powders, and tinctures.

Latin Name–Silybum marianum

information from NCCAM verbatim
  • Milk thistle (Silybum marianus) is regarded as one of the most important herbal liver tonics and restoratives. As is the case with Feverfew, medical use of Milk thistle may be traced back more than 2,000 years. Like Feverfew, Milk thistle has been subject to many clinical trials which clearly demonstrate its effectiveness. It is frequently recommended to counteract the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs on the liver and clinical studies have shown that it helps the liver to return to normal functioning once drinking has stopped. Scientific analysis of Milk thistle shows that it contains a flavonoid complex called silymarin, which is largely responsible for the medical benefits of this herb. Silymarin is a powerful anti-oxidant and can block the entrance of toxins into the liver and remove toxins at a cellular level, thereby resulting in regeneration of liver cells and improved liver functioning. This would have a direct impact on overall systemic health as the liver is one of the most important organs in the body.

What Milk thistle Is Used For

  • Milk thistle is believed to have protective effects on the liver and improve its function. It is typically used as an herbal remedy to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), and gallbladder disorders.
  • Treatment claims also include:
    • Lowering cholesterol levels
    • Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis
    • Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers

Herbal Remedy Products with Milk thistle as part of the ingredients

MiGone Plus.jpg
  • MiGone Plus™ – Natural herbal remedy to relieve all types of headaches including migraines and ocular migraines, plus reduce anxiety and muscle tension
    • Prevents migraines and chronic headaches
    • Stops tension headaches before they start
    • Reduces muscle tension and spasms
    • Relieves the symptoms of arthritis
    • Relaxes and reduces anxiety and tension

How Milk thistle Is Used

Milk thistle is a flowering herb. Silymarin, which can be extracted from the seeds (fruit), is believed to be the biologically active part of the herb. The seeds are used to prepare capsules containing powdered herb or seed; extracts; and infusions (strong teas).

What the Science Says about Milk thistle

  • There have been some studies of milk thistle on liver disease in humans, but these have been small. Some promising data have been reported, but study results at this time are mixed.
  • Although some studies conducted outside the United States support claims of oral milk thistle to improve liver function, there have been flaws in study design and reporting. To date, there is no conclusive evidence to prove its claimed uses.
  • NCCAM is supporting a phase II research study to better understand the use of milk thistle for chronic hepatitis C. With the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, NCCAM is planning further studies of milk thistle for chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (liver disease that occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol).
  • The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Nursing Research are also studying milk thistle, for cancer prevention and to treat complications in HIV patients.

Previous laboratory studies suggested that milk thistle may benefit the liver by protecting and promoting the growth of liver cells, fighting oxidation (a chemical process that can damage cells), and inhibiting inflammation. However, results from small clinical trials of milk thistle for liver diseases have been mixed, and two rigorously designed studies found no benefit.

A 2012 clinical trial, cofunded by NCCAM and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, showed that two higher-than-usual doses of silymarin were no better than placebo for chronic hepatitis C in people who had not responded to standard antiviral treatment.

The 2008 Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment Against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) study, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that hepatitis C patients who used silymarin had fewer and milder symptoms of liver disease and somewhat better quality of life but no change in virus activity or liver inflammation.

Side Effects and Cautions of Milk thistle

  • In clinical trials, milk thistle generally has few side effects. Occasionally, people report a laxative effect, upset stomach, diarrhea, and bloating.
  • Milk thistle can produce allergic reactions, which tend to be more common among people who are allergic to plants in the same family (for example, ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, and daisy).
  • It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including milk thistle. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Licorice

LicoriceThe medicinal herb Licorice Root as an alternative herbal remedy – Most licorice is grown in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin (or glycyrrhizic acid).Common Names–licorice root, licorice, liquorice, sweet root, gan zao (Chinese licorice)

Latin Name–Glycyrrhiza glabra, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice)

What Licorice Root Is Used

  • For Licorice root has been used as a dietary supplement and as an herbal remedy for stomach ulcers, bronchitis, and sore throat, as well as infections caused by viruses, such as hepatitis.

licorice rootHow Licorice Root Is Used

  • Peeled licorice root is available in dried and powdered forms.
  • Licorice root is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts.
  • Licorice can be found with glycyrrhizin removed; the product is called DGL (for “deglycyrrhizinated licorice”).

What the Science Says about Licorice Root

  • A review of several clinical trials found that glycyrrhizin might reduce complications from hepatitis C in some patients. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm that glycyrrhizin has this effect.
  • There are not enough reliable data to determine whether licorice is effective for stomach ulcers.

Side Effects and Cautions of Licorice Root

  • In large amounts, licorice containing glycyrrhizin can cause high blood pressure, salt and water retention, and low potassium levels, which could lead to heart problems. DGL products are thought to cause fewer side effects.
  • The safety of using licorice as a supplement for more than 4 to 6 weeks has not been thoroughly studied.
  • Taking licorice together with diuretics (water pills) or other medicines that reduce the body’s potassium levels could cause dangerously low potassium levels.
  • People with heart disease or high blood pressure should be cautious about using licorice.
  • When taken in large amounts, licorice can affect the body’s levels of a hormone called cortisol and related steroid drugs, such as prednisone. *Pregnant women should avoid using licorice as a supplement or consuming large amounts of licorice as food, as some research suggests it could increase the risk of preterm labor.
  • Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including licorice root. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Kava

The medicinal herb Kava as an alternative herbal remedy – Kava is native to the islands of the South Pacific and is a member of the pepper family.Common Names–kava kava, awa, kava pepper Latin Names–Piper methysticum

What Kava Is Used For

  • Kava has been used as an herbal remedy and as a ceremonial beverage in the South Pacific for centuries.
  • Kava has also been used to help people fall asleep and fight fatigue, as well as to treat asthma and urinary tract infections.
  • Topically (on the skin), kava has been used as a numbing agent.
  • Today, kava is used primarily for anxiety, insomnia, and menopausal symptoms.

How Kava Is Used

  • The root and rhizome (underground stem) of kava are used to prepare beverages, extracts, capsules, tablets, and topical solutions.

What the Science Says about Kava

  • Although scientific studies provide some evidence that kava may be beneficial for the management of anxiety, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that using kava supplements has been linked to a risk of severe liver damage.
  • Kava is not a proven therapy for other uses.
  • NCCAM-funded studies on kava were suspended after the FDA issued its warning.

Side Effects and Cautions of Kava

  • Kava has been reported to cause liver damage, including hepatitis and liver failure (which can cause death).
  • Kava has been associated with several cases of dystonia (abnormal muscle spasm or involuntary muscle movements).
  • Kava may interact with several drugs, including drugs used for Parkinson’s disease.
  • Long-term and/or heavy use of kava may result in scaly, yellowed skin.
  • Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery while taking kava because the herb has been reported to cause drowsiness.
  • Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including kava. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Horse Chestnut

The medicinal herb Horse Chestnut as an alternative herbal remedy – Horse chestnut trees are native to the Balkan Peninsula (for example, Greece and Bulgaria), but grow throughout the northern hemisphere. Although horse chestnut is sometimes called buckeye, it should not be confused with the Ohio or California buckeye trees, which are related but not the same species.Common Names–horse chestnut, buckeye, Spanish chestnut

Latin Names–Aesculus hippocastanum

What Horse Chestnut Is Used For

  • For centuries, horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers have been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions and diseases. *Horse chestnut seed extract has been used as an herbal remedy to treat chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins in the legs do not efficiently return blood to the heart). This condition is associated with varicose veins, pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching, and nighttime leg cramping.
  • The seed extract has also been used for hemorrhoids. How Horse Chestnut Is Used Horse chestnut seed extract standardized to contain 16 to 20 percent aescin (escin), the active ingredient, is the most commonly used form. Topical preparations have also been used.

What the Science Says about Horse Chestnut

  • Small studies have found that horse chestnut seed extract is beneficial in treating chronic venous insufficiency and is as effective as wearing compression stockings.
  • There is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of horse chestnut seed, leaf, or bark for any other conditions.

Side Effects and Cautions of Horse Chestnut

  • Homemade preparations of horse chestnut should not be used. Raw horse chestnut seeds, leaves, bark, and flowers contain esculin, which is poisonous.
  • When properly processed, horse chestnut seed extract contains little or no esculin and is considered generally safe. However, the extract can cause some side effects, including itching, nausea, or gastrointestinal upset.
  • Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including horse chestnut. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Hoodia

The medicinal herb Hoodia as an alternative herbal remedy – Hoodia is a flowering, cactus-like plant native to the Kalahari Desert in southern Africa. Its harvest is protected by conservation laws.Common Names–hoodia, Kalahari cactus, Xhoba

Latin Names–Hoodia gordonii Picture of Hoodia

What Hoodia Is Used For

  • Kalahari Bushmen have traditionally eaten hoodia stems to reduce their hunger and thirst during long hunts.
  • Hoodia gordonii is a natural cactus like plant that grows naturally in Africa. Hoodia Gordonii has been known to produce major appetite suppression for many years in the South African region.
  • Today, hoodia is marketed as an appetite suppressant for weight loss.

How Hoodia Is Used

  • Dried extracts of hoodia stems and roots are used to make capsules, powders, and chewable tablets. Hoodia can also be used in liquid extracts and teas.
  • Hoodia products often contain other herbs or minerals, such as green tea or chromium picolinate.

What the Science Says about Hoodia

  • There is no reliable scientific evidence to support hoodia’s use. No studies of the herb in people have been published.

Side Effects and Cautions of Hoodia

  • Hoodia’s safety is unknown. Its potential risks, side effects, and interactions with medicines and other supplements have not been studied. The quality of hoodia products varies widely. News reports suggest that some products sold as hoodia do not contain any hoodia. Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Hoodia Gordonii

Hoodia gordonii is one of the most sought after succulents due to its medicinal properties. It has been called one of the wonder plants of the twenty first century. Trade in this plant is restricted. See Information document on trade in Hoodia gordonii and other Hoodia species for further details.

Description of Hoodia Gordonii

Hoodia gordonii is a spiny succulent. In the early stages only one stem is produced but at a later stage the plant starts branching. Mature plants can have as many as 50 individual branches and weigh as much as 30 kg. Plants under ideal conditions can attain a height of 1 m. Flowers are borne on or near the terminal apex (top part of the plant). The flowers are large and have a carrion-like smell (smell similar to rotten meat). In some ways the Hoodia flowers resemble a petunia flower. Flowers vary in colour from pale straw to dark maroon. Flowers are normally borne in August or September. Flowers can reach a diameter of 75 mm. Seed is produced in October and November. The seed capsules resemble small antelope or goat horns hence the Afrikaans common name of bokhorings.

Distribution Hoodia gordonii has a very wide distribution. It occurs in the northeastern part of the Western Cape, the north and northwestern regions of the Northern Cape and southern Namibia . It is used to extreme heat (above 40°C), but it can survive in relatively low temperatures (-3°C).

The plant appears to have a wide tolerance of growing habitats, found in deep Kalahari sands, on dry stony slopes or flats and under the protection of xerophytic bushes.

source: www.plantzafrica.com/planthij/hoodgord.htm

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.

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Hawthorn

The medicinal herb Hawthorn as an alternative herbal remedy – Hawthorn is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree of the rose family. The species of hawthorn discussed here are native to northern European regions and grow throughout the world.Common Names–hawthorn, English hawthorn, harthorne, haw, hawthorne Latin Names–Crataegus laevigata (also known as Crataegus oxyacantha), Crataegus monogyna

What Hawthorn Is Used For

Hawthorn fruit has been used as an herbal remedy for heart disease since the first century. It has also been used for digestive and kidney problems.

  • More recently, hawthorn leaf and flower have been used for heart failure, a weakness of the heart muscle that prevents the heart from pumping enough blood to the rest of the body, which can lead to fatigue and limit physical activities.
  • Hawthorn is also used for other heart conditions, including symptoms of coronary artery disease (such as angina).
  • Hawthorn is also used as an herb to lower blood pressure, and treat some heart related diseases.

Herbal Remedy Products with Hawthorn as part of the ingredients

RectoRex Drops.jpg
  • RectoRex Drops™ – Herbal remedy supports health and circulation of rectal veins & capillaries in the anal area
    • Supports health of the surrounding tissue of the anal opening
    • Maintains routine circulation in the anal area while sitting
    • Supports vein and capillary health of the anal passage
High-Rite.jpg
  • High-Rite™ – Proven natural remedy to lower high blood pressure (hypertension)
    • Lowers high blood pressure
    • Protects the heart and cardiovascular system
    • Improves circulation, including chilblains and tingling
    • Improves the heart’s ability to pump blood
    • Reduces plaque buildup in arteries
    • Relieves symptoms of angina
  • What RectoRex Drops™ and High-Rite™ says: Hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha) is according to recent studies, beneficial for heart health (Schussler M, Holzl J, Fricke U. “Myocardial effects of flavonoids from Crataegus species”. Arzneimittelforschung 1995;45:842-5. ) (Walker, AF, Marakis G, Morris AP, Robinson PA. “Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension”. Phytotherapy Research. 2002;16(1):48-54). This herb also has flavonoids as an active constituent. (Kao ES, Wang CJ, Lin WL, Yin YF, Wang CP, Tseng TH. “Anti-inflammatory potential of flavonoid contents from dried fruit of Crataegus pinnatifida in vitro and in vivo”. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2005;53(2):430-436).

How Hawthorn Is Used

  • The hawthorn leaf and flower are used to make liquid extracts, usually with water and alcohol. Dry extracts can be put into capsules and tablets.

What the Science Says about Hawthorn

  • There is scientific evidence that hawthorn leaf and flower are safe and effective for milder forms of heart failure.
  • There is not enough scientific evidence to determine whether hawthorn works for other heart problems.
  • NCCAM is supporting research studying the mechanisms by which hawthorn may affect heart failure.

Side Effects and Cautions of Hawthorn

  • Hawthorn is considered safe for most adults when used for short periods of time. Side effects are usually mild and can include upset stomach, headache, and dizziness.
  • Drug interactions with hawthorn have not been thoroughly studied. It was once thought that hawthorn interacted with the heart medicine digoxin. However, a very small study in people without heart conditions found no interaction, but evidence is limited.
  • Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The wise man says:

January 12, 2024

The best diet is “just eat to maintain” and only indulge once a week.