Description
Description
Hawthorn is known as “The Heart Herb” for its remarkable ability to treat heart conditions. The leaves, flowers, and berries of the plant are all beneficial but the berries are most well known, being used by native Americans for thousands of years for heart and digestive issues.
In the West, Hawthorn berries were widely used to treat heart conditions since the 1800s. Conditions like angina, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and even heart failure have been treated with Hawthorn berry.
Research has backed up its cardioprotective abilities, with numerous studies showing it can mitigate the risk of heart failure (in some cases, just as well as prescription drugs). It dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart – making it very useful in preventing angina.
Hawthorn berries can also reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol (also beneficial for heart health, and kill bacteria).
Laboratory analysis has revealed that Hawthorn is packed with beneficial compounds including flavonoids, anti-oxidants like quercetin, and vital vitamins. The anti-oxidant effect has been demonstrated by research (it can absorb free radicals which can damage our cells).
With an ageing population, heart health is one of the most important concerns at present – so Hawthorn berries could a very worthwhile addition to your diet. Also, given all the environmental toxins we are bombarded with anti-oxidants are very important and this is one of the best sources.
- Cardiovascular health
- blood pressure regulation
- anti-oxidant