The Power of Hawthorn and the Cardiovascular System

Hawthorn Crataegus oxyacantha of the Rosaceae family 

Hawthorn’s affinity for the human heart never ceases to amaze me. This thorny shrub-like tree works on and improves every aspect of the cardiovascular system. Working to fight off oxidative stress, to lower inflammation, to prevent and even reverse blood vessel damage, to relax and tone the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels), reduce high blood pressure, improve circulation, and strengthen the heart itself. 

Hawthorn helps regulate and improve blood pressure, working slowly as a gentle ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitor and it has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels. However, where I feel it truly shines is in its ability to prevent, treat, and potentially reverse congestive heart failure! Hawthorn is one of the most researched herbs in supporting the heart and it proves to be incredibly effective and impressive. 

Its main medicinal benefits come from the high amounts of bioflavonoids and proanthocyanins. These constituents relax and dilate the arteries, especially the coronary arteries. This increases the flow of blood to the heart and reduces the symptoms of angina. Both the bioflavonoids and proanthocyanins are also strong antioxidants, helping to prevent degeneration of the blood vessels. 

Hawthorn works by gradually normalizing and restoring the vitality of the heart. It’s also shown to slowly lessen heart pains as well as hardening of the arteries. It may even prevent heart attacks and improve the body’s ability to heal after a cardiac event. It somehow manages to do all of this while being completely nontoxic and safe enough to eat as a food. Hawthorn berry jam is just delicious! 

This herb is also known to bring joy into the heart as well as calm the nervous system. It’s a perfect herb to add to a heart supporting blend including nervines and adaptogens when dealing with grief, a broken heart, hyperactivity, memory issues, high cholesterol, chest pain, hypertension, and more. 

Although hawthorn is incredibly safe with practically zero side effects, it can interact with multiple pharmaceuticals especially blood pressure medications. Some holistic doctors purposely prescribe them together as a means of lowering the pharmaceutical drug consumption along with side effects from said drug. However, if you are currently under the care of a doctor prescribing these drugs, it's important to work with your doctor so they can monitor you closely. 

Also keep in mind hawthorn is a tonic herb, meaning it works slowly over time, which is what makes it such a safe herb to use. However, when dealing with acute situations, it’s not going to act fast enough. Hawthorne works slowly over a period of months before you will start to really see its effects. 

Key Constituents

• Polyphenols

• Proanthocyanins

• Bioflavonoids

• Triterpenoids

Key Actions

• Cardiotonic

• Circulatory tonic

• Lowers blood pressure

• Antioxidant

Parts Used

• Berries (fresh or dried)

• Flowering tops (fresh or dried)

Key Preparations

• Tincture

• Decoction

• Powder

• Jam

Learn more about the cardiovascular system as a whole in this blog post!