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™ – 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™ – 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.