What is the benefit of hawthorn leaf and flower?
The blossoms were used as a heart tonic and a diuretic, and the berries and leaves were made into an astringent tea to soothe throats. The bright red sumptuous berries were also made into a tasty brandy cordial. Hawthorn is given orally (by mouth) and comes in various forms, including capsules, soft gels, liquids extract, and dried berries and leaves. Oral doses may be given with or without food. If vomiting occurs when given on an empty stomach, give future doses with a small meal or treat.Hawthorn is a cherished tonic in herbal medicine, used traditionally for supporting and strengthening the cardiovascular system. Its deep red berries have a sour, yet slightly sweet taste and a warming quality, while the leaves and flowers are more cooling and astringent.
How to use hawthorn leaves and flowers?
There are several ways to enjoy the benefits of hawthorn: Tea: Dried flowers, leaves, or berries can be brewed into a tea. The berries add a lovely tartness! Tincture: This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to take hawthorn for heart health. Several trials have reported small reductions in blood pressure in people with early stage congestive heart failure taking hawthorn. Hawthorn has been used traditionally to reduce the frequency of arrhythmias.Previous experimental study of our group showed that hawthorn can ameliorate fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, abnormal liver enzymes, and oxidative stress in rats [3,4]. A clinical study suggested that hawthorn can reduce body weight, improve insulin resistance, and NAFLD [5].Hawthorn seems safe for most adults when it is used for a short time (four to eight weeks). In some people, it can cause nausea, stomach upset, tiredness, sweating, headache, dizziness, an abnormal heartbeat, insomnia, agitation, and other problems.Overall, hawthorn is well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects associated with hawthorn include dizziness and vertigo. Other less common side effects include nausea, fatigue, sweating, fast heartbeat, headache, shortness of breath, and nose bleeds.It may also slow down the central nervous system. Hawthorn may also relieve chronic insomnia. It may also help circulation in swollen legs and feet.
What are the healing properties of hawthorn?
Rich in amino acids, minerals, pectin, vitamin C, chlorogenic acid, epicatechol, and choline, hawthorn has a high therapeutic and health value. Many studies have shown that hawthorn has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-cardiovascular disease, and digestive enhancing properties. Hawthorn Tea (Crataegus monogyna) It is also good for irregular heartbeats and palpitations and may help prevent heart disease in older people. These effects are developed over many months. Therefore, the tea should be taken daily over a long period. Even with prolonged use, no side effects have been reported.Derived from the flower, leaves, and fruits of the plant, hawthorn is also known in Asia as Shan Zha. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve digestion and treat heart problems. Hawthorn also has a long history in European medicine as a heart tonic.Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if hawthorn is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Heart disease: Hawthorn can interact with many prescription drugs used to treat heart disease.Regular consumption of hawthorn berry tea may support heart health by preventing the buildup of plaque in the arteries, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
How much hawthorn to take daily?
Hawthorn is found in multiple commercial forms, the recommended daily dose ranging widely from 120 to as high as 1800 mg of extract daily. Hawthorn is generally well tolerated without adverse events; minor side effects may include diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and nausea. Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Hawthorn. Hawthorn might slow blood clotting. Taking hawthorn along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
What time to drink hawthorn tea?
It is a caffeine-free herbal tea that can be enjoyed any time of the day, either hot or brewed hot then served cold. Like coffee, black and green teas both contain caffeine and are diuretics. Avoid these teas for four to six hours before bedtime.