In Western Herbalism Hawthorn is the best-known herb for treating heart conditions and has also been used for a wide range of other medicinal purposes around the world.
Hawthorn is a dense tree with small sharp thorns. It can grow up to 35ft (10m) tall and is often seen growing wild either as a lone tree or as ancient hedging.
There are over 1,000 different species and hybrids of Hawthorn throughout the world. The two species most commonly used for medicinal purposes in Western herbalism are Crataegus oxyacantha (now known as Crataegus laevigata) and Crataegus monogyna. This is because they contain the strongest quantity of Hawthorns' chemical constituents and are widely available. They are fully interchangeable medicinally and share many of the same characteristics, as well as common names - for example, they are both referred to as English Hawthorn. In Eastern disciplines, both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine use their own native medicinal species.
Crataegus laevigata is also known as Midland Hawthorn or May. The Bread and Butter Tree is another name, derived from farmers' practice of nibbling on the leaves and flowers in order to take the edge off their hunger before breakfast. The oxygen that Hawthorn releases would have eliminated feelings of tiredness and dizziness and helped to ease yawning and general difficulty in waking up.
Now that Hawthorn's healing abilities are becoming more widely recognised, more land is being given over to properly managed sustainable resource areas.
Hawthorn is a hardy shrub that grows in almost all temperate regions of the world. It can be found in Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, India, China and North America and was introduced to Tasmania and other parts of Australia by early British settlers. It prefers full sunlight but will tolerate most conditions.
Hawthorn is an aggressive settler on disturbed sites and consequently can often be found growing on abandoned fields and overgrazed pastureland, or on the periphery of hedgerows and forests. However, seedlings will rarely become established in pastures that are regularly grazed.
Hawthorn is sometimes considered a nuisance, especially when it encroaches on farmland, because it can be tenacious and difficult to remove permanently.
In Britain and Germany during the period 450-1520CE, when farming was at its most widespread, Hawthorn was often laid to make hedging which, before the invention of modern fencing, was an excellent way of keeping farm animals in their fields. In Tasmania, Hawthorn hedges are considered to be part of the country's cultural heritage.
Commercial Growers
Because it is so prolific and easily obtainable, Hawthorn is not often grown commercially for medicinal use. Some areas where harvesting for commercial use does take place have been designated 'organic' or 'wildcrafted' but usually these are long-established sites that have been claimed by commercial growers. Many of these areas are in National Parks in Europe, predominantly in Hungary, France and Spain.
The British and European Soil Association has set up a committee to encourage more wild and certified organic herb-collecting areas. France, Hungary, China and India all export Hawthorn commercially. In the United States and Canada, commercial collection areas are in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
Over the centuries, a lot of folklore and traditions have grown up around the Hawthorn tree and, as with much folklore, they are sometimes contradictory. Hawthorn is, more often than not, seen as a tree that brings good luck to the owner and prosperity to the land where it stands.
According to legend the god Thor created Hawthorn in a bolt of lightning. Because of this it was believed that Hawthorn would protect against lightning and storms at sea.
Traditionally the Greeks and Romans used Hawthorn blossoms in wedding decorations to increase fertility and bring happiness. The Roman's also believed that if you placed Hawthorn in babies' cradles it would protect them against evil. Both these traditions carried over to England. In addition, the tree was thought to protect the house from evil spirits.
Hawthorn was the Sacred Tree of the sixth month for the Celts who called it 'Utah' meaning 'beauty' and the blossoms were used in the May Queen rituals. In the Middle Ages it was seen as a symbol of hope.
The tree was once regarded as sacred, probably from a belief that the Crown of Thorns worn at the crucifixion of Christ was made from Hawthorn and it was believed that placing a branch above the door would ward of negative forces.
However, some people believed that Hawthorn's link to the crucifixion meant that it was a sign of bad luck and that bringing any part of the tree, especially the flowers, into the house would result in a death in the household.
The first Pilgrims emigrating to America named their boat The Mayflower after using Hawthorn wood to make some of the vessel.
Many Hawthorns grow to a great age as landmarks or boundary trees. There is a beautiful example in Hethel, near Norwich in England.
When the tree was measured in the 18th century it had a girth of 9ft (2.8m); it still stands but has now been reduced to a bush.
The tree was called the 'Witch of Hethel', possibly because of its curiously contorted branches.
According to ancient folklore, it was thought that witches had the power to transform themselves into Hawthorn trees and that they held their rituals under Hawthorns.
During World War I, young Hawthorn leaves were used as a substitute for tea and tobacco and the seeds were ground and used instead of coffee.
Hawthorn was used to decorate the Maypole because the trees traditionally flowered in May Day.
During mid-summer festivities, Hawthorn trees were decorated with flowers and ribbons and people danced around them. Blossoms were strewn on paths. Women believed that Hawthorn would keep them looking youthful.
Taking Hawthorn on fishing trips ensured a good catch.
Dioscorides, a Greek herbalist, used Hawthorn in the first century CE. In his writings he referred to it as Crataegus Oxuakantha and the name was partially retained by the 18th century Swedish physician Linneus in C. oxyacantha. The first written record of Hawthorn may be by Petrus de Crescentis, who used it for gout in 1305.
In 1695 an anonymous healer - a woman practitioner - used the berries to treat someone showing the symptoms of hypertension.
In Europe many botanical texts first recorded Hawthorn in the 15th century. Dr. Leclerc Green has stated that the use of Hawthorn for heart conditions dates back to the 17th century. An unnamed Irish doctor is known to have used it secretly in the late 19th century to treat heart ailments. It was only after his death in 1894 that his secret was revealed by his daughter.
In the 19th century in Lorraine, France, an infusion of Hawthorn flowers was used for insomnia and palpitations. The first article about the herb appeared in 1896.
Hawthorn faded from use in the 1930's, although herbalists continued to prescribe it.
Hawthorn is documented as a useful diuretic, to treat kidney and bladder stones and dropsy. The astringent berries were effective in cases of diarrhoea and a decoction of the flowers and berries was said to be a cure for sore throats.
Hawthorn was also used in the treatment of a wide variety of other disorders including; gout, fever, pleurisy, hypertension, nervous tension, insomnia and depression. Before recent scientific findings proved it to be a fine cardiac herb, it was always considered to be a 'digestive'.
Glastonbury Hawthorn
The 'Glastonbury Hawthorn' is a type of Hawthorn found in parts of Palestine and England. The tree is said to have been brought to England by Joseph of Arimathea. In his pilgrimage to spread the word of God he carried a staff made from Hawthorn, which he had acquired in Palestine. He is said to have visited Glastonbury in Somerset, England. Weary from traveling, he rested on 'Weary-all Hill' (now called 'Worral Hill'). He stuck the staff in the ground where it took root and grew into a tree. A church was later erected on the sport, now Glastonbury Abbey. The tree was regarded as sacred and was reputed only to blossom on Christmas Day (January 6th which was the day of Christ's birth before the Gregorian calendar was officially adopted). Although Hawthorn trees can still be found in the Abbey, it is believed that the original tree was cut down during the English Civil War in the mid-17th century.
Hawthorn's wide-ranging chemistry affects the body in many ways. Research scientists have found that it is able to inhibit natural enzyme responses in the blood vessels.
How Hawthorn Affects the Body
These 'angiotensin converting enzymes' (ACES) are responsible for constricting blood vessels, which help to move the blood along efficiently. The various chemical compounds of Hawthorn override these enzymes and keep the blood vessels open, thus improving circulation. This is vital in a situation where blood vessels lack tone and have become inert because they are clogged up with fat and calcium deposits. In this situation, an enzyme that 'shuts down' the blood vessels further and restricts what little available space there is will contribute to a dangerous situation.
Hawthorn helps to lessen pain in the heart and adjacent areas and increases warmth in cold hands and feet where the drop in temperature is due to poor circulation.
Other chemical components help to re-elasticate the blood vessel walls and in-turn assist their peristaltic and flexing action, thus promoting good blood flow and circulation throughout the entire body. The plant chemical rutin, which is a flavonoid, is partly responsible for this and also helps to re-build the collagen fibres that maintain the outer layers of the vessels.
Hawthorn's antioxidant and vitamin-C rich chemistry assists in keeping all the circulatory components (the veins, vessels and capillaries) young, active and functioning properly, revitalising, rebuilding and helping to prevent further deterioration. Many peoples' physical condition does not reflect their biological age - for example, a 40 year old can be aged 60 physiologically, simply due to the deterioration of the body. Antioxidants can help prevent and sometimes even reverse this trend. Elderly people who have naturally age-related heart weaknesses will also find Hawthorn beneficial. The antioxidants in the herb help to reduce inflammation, which in turn can contribute to relieving congestion, stagnation, pain, sluggishness and associated conditions and symptoms.
The triperpene acids contained in Hawthorn can help balance low blood pressure.
Hawthorn can also play a part in lowering cholesterol levels and removing plaque that has accumulated in the arteries.
Normalises and gently strengthens the contractions of the cardiac muscle.
Reduces atherosclerotic plaque (fatty deposits, calcium and other debris that block the free flow of blood).
Opens up (dilates) all the blood vessels, thus improving the entire circulatory system and those organs, systems, tissues and cells supplied with blood, potentially helping to prevent a wide range of diseases and conditions such as arteriosclerosis.
Relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus, intestines and other areas where contractions are abnormal and constrictive and where congestion is building up.
Reduces abnormal retention of water in the body, such as the bloating commonly experienced before a period.
Aids digestion and the assimilation of nutrients from food and helps curb an over-enthusiastic appetite.
Dilates the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen, blood and fuel. The result is a more efficient heartbeat.
Steadies irregular heartbeat and can be taken regularly with no side effects.
Protects the heart against harmful effects of oxygen depletion - it is a powerful free-radical scavenger.
Mild sedative action; this is useful in situations where stress affects the heart and vascular, digestive and nervous systems.
Helps to lower cholesterol and decrease the amount of plaque (fatty and calcium deposits) in the arteries.
Aids digestion and eases sore throats and oedema.
Hawthorn works differently from other cardiac herbs: it enhances activity and nutrition by directly affecting the cells of the cardiac muscle and peripheral circulatory system. Other cardiac herbs such as; Foxglove and Lily-of-the-valley, contain cardiac glycoside components, which have a reaction on the contractile fibres of the heart.
Hawthorn and the Heart
Since the late 19th century, Hawthorn has been used for various disorders of the cardiovascular system and as a heart tonic to regulate circulation. Today Hawthorn is an official drug in the Pharmacopoeias of Brazil, China, France, Germany, Hungary, Russia and Switzerland.
As a testament to its' popularity, it is an ingredient in 213 European commercial herbal formulas, designed mainly for the treatment of the heart and cardiovascular system and sold in Europe and the United States
Heart problems often arise out of poor dietary habits, where toxins and waste products collect and congest in the bloodstream. If a lack of exercise is coupled with this problem, then the already overly thick blood will move even less efficiently and this poor circulation further inhibits sufficient blood supply from reaching the extremities of the boxy. The heart and digestive system become burdened and vital components become weakened with the strain. Cholesterol and calcium plaque can slow the flow even further. Further problems can develop from this clogged situation, such as high or low blood pressure. The bloodstream is prevented from carrying enough basics of life - oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, heat, antibodies and enzymes - through the body.
Hawthorn strengthens the pumping action of the heart and reduces its workload, partly by steadying the beat itself and also by increasing the hearts' tolerance to oxygen deficiency. Hawthorn will normalise and gently strengthen muscle contractions of the heart, thus balancing any heart irregularities present. It does this partly by 'binding' to the heart cell receptors, enabling them to use less oxygen and blood by depressing their actions. This is particularly helpful if conditions such as blocked coronary arteries or angina pectoris exist.
Summary
Hawthorn can help treat a large number of diseases known to the medical profession. As a heart drug it can help in the treatment of heart failure, post-infarction recovery, heart valve diseases, lesions and leakages left by previous heart attacks, palpitations, angina, high and low blood pressure, heart inflammation, blood clots, arteriosclerosis, old age wear and tear on the heart and heart weakness following major febrile episodes.
In addition, it is valued for its' ability to support the nervous system and is often used for nervous tension and insomnia. Hawthorn is a prime digestive and will help to prevent abdominal distension and poor assimilation of food; it will also assist in stabilising nutritional levels and those diseases associated with these problems.
Another area that is assisted by Hawthorn is the working of the bladder and kidneys; it is a very safe and efficient diuretic, relieving the body of excess water in a gentle, non-exhaustive manner.
Proven Results
When the isolated chemical components of Hawthorn were individually tested in a laboratory, their separate effects proved to be insignificant, but like so many other herbs, the rainbow of Hawthorn's chemistry, kept together as a whole, proved to be an intriguing, powerful and very effective combination. In 1981, a four-year study of Hawthorn was commissioned by the German Ministry of Health. It was a controlled, multi-centre test using clinical trials to see whether the heart function of cardiac-insufficiency patients could be improved. It was acclaimed a huge success and Hawthorn regained its' old European status in the modern world as a heart herb.
Subsequently a monograph reporting these conclusions was published. It is long and detailed and strongly indicates that 'where a loss of cardiac function' is observed, then Hawthorn is an ideal treatment. It also suggests that 'where subjective feelings of congestion and oppression in the heart region' exist, then Hawthorn is a good choice and that it is useful for easing conditions in the ageing heart that do not warrant the use of digitalis (a strong heart herb that is derived from Foxglove
Caution
Hawthorn is a specific herb for heart conditions but in the event of any sign of a heart complaint, professional advice should always be sought.
Case Study : Menopause
Jessica was 50 years old and had been having heart palpitations, which were getting worse. They had begun two years earlier at the same time as her menstrual cycle became irregular and started to dwindle. Finally it became evident that she was entering the menopause.
She had told her doctor about her palpitations and menopause and the doctor confirmed that they were probably connected. Jessica wanted to try a natural way of treating her heart palpitations and, after looking at various options, decided to try a tincture of Hawthorn. In just one week of taking 1tsp (5ml) of berry and leaf tincture 3 times a day, Jessica noticed the difference and soon had her sister collecting Hawthorn leaves for her. After 3 months she switched over to Hawthorn herb tea as an alternative to the tincture and this worked equally well.
According to the same German monograph published on Hawthorn, following four years of trials, no adverse side effects were reported during the use of this remarkable herb.
Hawthorn can be used with many kinds of pharmaceutically produced drugs. However, it is suggested that is should not be combined with beta-blockers because this combination could potentially raise blood pressure.
More important, it has been suggested that Hawthorn should not be combined with heart-drug herbs containing cardiac glycosides, such as Foxglove (which contains digitalis) and Lily of the Valley (which contains convallaria). However, several studies exist where Hawthorn has been shown to increase the effectiveness of cardiac glycosides such as digitalis, without increased toxicity, allowing a lower dose of glycoside to be used. It has also been observed that, even with long-term medicinal use of Hawthorn, toxicity does not seem to accumulate in the body.
Hawthorn is considered by the qualified herbalists who prescribe it as extremely safe to take both in the long term and the short term. The British herbalist Simon Mills refers to Hawthorn as one of the safest plants available. Other practitioners refer to it as a 'heart food.'
Pregnancy
High blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, varicose veins and thrombosis can sometimes accompany pregnancy; Hawthorn can safely support the mother in these situations, without causing any harm to the growing baby. However, small doses are always advisable. Dr. John Christopher, who practised herbal medicine for more than 50 years in the United States, prescribed a combination of Hawthorn, Garlic, Cayenne and cucumber for high blood pressure.
Children
Unless a child has been born with a heart problem, Hawthorn can simply be enjoyed as a jam or herb tea on occasions, because the flavonoid and vitamin C-rich content will benefit general health. If there are congenital problems, then Hawthorn is ideal to help repair and protect against a wide variety of conditions, such as, high inherited levels of cholesterol. In the UK a greater number of children are being born with heart related problems or developing them younger and younger. In the past, certain heart conditions seen by doctors and surgeons in patients over 40 years of age are now being seen in 20 year olds, due largely to poor nutritional habits. Many children's diets today are far less nutritious and decidedly more harmful in content than those provided in earlier times, even when compared to the diets of underprivileged children in, for example, 19th century Europe. In North America, however, some diet strategies are starting to reverse heart problems.
Elderly people
Hawthorn is one herb that everybody over 50 years old should use daily or weekly. It is an ideal treatment for people who become breathless when walking and who cannot bend down, for those with breathing problems, angina pains or experience of heart episodes (heart attacks).
The herb's qualities as an excellent digestive are also valuable: this can be a tricky area as we age. Hawthorn can safely be mixed with many drugs already being taken on a daily basis. However, there should be caution when heart drugs based on cardiac glycosides, for example digitalis, are being taken. The same can be said of beta-blockers.
Caution
Always consult a qualified herbalist or medical practitioner before embarking on any treatment for a serious illness, or if you are considering using other heart drugs or beta blockers.
Hawthorn is composed of a wide range of exciting plant chemistry that works best as a whole, allowing the 'herbal synergy' to work as a team rather than as isolated components.
Hawthorn can be used either long term or short term, but do not assume it is a slow herb; it is capable of dealing with situations very quickly.
Hawthorn preparations can vary in their potency, according to how they have been made.
Hawthorns flavonoid like complexes are responsible for the cardiac actions of the plant. They increase the use of oxygen by the heart and help metabolise enzymes. The complexes also act as a mild dilator of blood vessels away from the heart; this lowers blood pressure and relieves the burden on the heart.
Four such flavonoids (or bioflavonoids) in Hawthorn include; oligomeric procyanidins called vitexin, quercetin, hyperoside and rutin. The flavonoids also aid the stabilisation of collagen, helping to prevent and treat diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Flavonoids are very potent, particularly here where they help prevent the deterioration of the whole system. The walls of the blood vessels are kept elastic, flexible, dilated, strengthened and relaxed.
Cholesterol levels can be lowered and the amount of plaque in the arteries reduced.
Hawthorn also contains cardiotonic amines, a nitrogen-type derivative of amino acids; they include phenylalanine and tyramine, which are believed to help with all manner of cardiac balancing effects, for example promoting better circulation and lowering high blood pressure.
Pectin also occurs in large quantities in Hawthorn (it makes a solid jelly minutes after the berries are liquefied). Pectin is known both to remove all manner of toxins, including heavy metals and radiation and to enhance the physiological function of the digestive tract through its' physical, chemical and antibacterial properties.
Hawthorn contains phenolic acids, including crategolic acid, citric acid, chlorogenic acid, tartaric acid and triterpene acids, the last of which increase coronary blood flow. Citric acid is cleansing and cooling, having an alkalising and acid-balancing effect on the body; it also stimulates bile production and assists in good digestion. Foods that create a sick body are often highly acidic.
Hawthorn's ability to remove water is partly explained by its' tannin content, which helps promote the release of water by helping to 'rigidify' and dry out cell walls. Tannin is also useful as an anti-infection agent.
Hawthorn contains triterpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory, pain-killing and oxygen supplying effects.
The blood-thinning and plaque dissolving qualities of Hawthorn are partly due to its' coumarin content. In the plant world coumarin is prevalent in spring greens.
