Although hawthorn has not been studied specifically in people with high blood pressure, some people think its benefits in treating heart disease may carry over to treating high blood pressure (hypertension). After 12 weeks, the researchers found that the combination of aerobic exercise and hawthorn supplementation werean effective complementary strategy to significantly lower the risk of atherosclerosis and heart problems. (13). Am Fam Physician. Hawthorn (Crataegus species) has been used to treat heart disease as far back as the 1st century. Click here for additional information. Hawthorn is approved for congestive heart failure by Germany's Commission E, an expert panel that evaluates herbal remedies. Hawthorn is a thorny, flowering tree or shrub of the rose family. One study found that hawthorn extract (900 mg/day) taken for 2 months was as effective as low doses of captopril (a prescription heart medication) in improving symptoms of heart failure. Its active components were found to cause vasorelaxation (reduction in tension of the blood vessel walls) in rat studies (8), (9). Hypotensive effects of hawthorn for patients with diabetes taking prescription drugs: a randomised controlled trial. Hawthorn berries are rich in the triterpene carboxylic acid crataegus acid considered responsible for coronary vasodilating effects noted. All rights reserved. Although the consumption of hawthorn berries is generally safe, there have been reports of these berries causing headaches, nausea, dizziness, sweating, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Lets look closer at exactly how a tiny little hawthorn berrycan actually make huge improvements in many peoples health. Constituents and 2000;62(6):1325-1330. 1998;158(20):2200-2211. (2), What makes hawthorn berries so medicinal? What are the health benefits of acai berries? (15). The 2008 animal study also demonstrated how hawthorn berry extract has protective effects forthe gastrointestinal system and it appears to successfully kill off various types of unwanted bacteria. However, there is not enough research to conclude whether hawthorn is effective at lowering blood pressure, and if so, by how much. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. 2009 Oct;11(10):990-9. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2003;114(8):665-674. [Epub ahead of print]. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Both animal and human studies suggest hawthorn increases coronary artery blood flow, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure. Learn about the potential benefits of aronia. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. Some people refer to these as haws. Haws are not technically berries, as they contain stones, similar to plums. For centuries, people have used the hawthorn berry as a herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart problems, and high blood pressure. OPC stands for oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Common symptoms include blurred vision and dizziness. Studies suggest they may help boost cognitive function, protect heart health, and prevent cancer. Generally, Hawthorn berry enhances heart, liver, and skin-related functions. They help improve blood flow, metabolism, cardiovascular health, and nutrient absorption. Hawthorns berries, leaves and flowers are all used medicinally. You can also freeze these fruits in the refrigerator. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. : a systematic review. 2011 - 2023 IncNut Stylecraze Private Limited. The efficacy and safety of Crataegus extract WS 1442 in patients with heart failure: the SPICE trial. These berries are edible. "The New Healing Herbs.". Boil 2 cups of water and place the hawthorn berries into a pot. This hawthorn tincture recipe is based on a larger quantity recipe provided in the course. It has also been used on the skin to treat boils and skin sores. Free radicals occur naturally in the body and grow in number as we age. However, the jury is out on whether hawthorn can help all heart and blood vessel The researchersconcluded that "there is a significant benefit in symptom control and physiologic outcomes from hawthorn extract as an adjunctive treatment for chronic heart failure. Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, free-radical-scavenging, and antimicrobial activities of hawthorn berries ethanol extract. You may not notice any improvement for 6 to 12 weeks. Hawthorn berries may have potential health benefits relating to the heart, diabetes, and cancer. If you are taking prescription or nonprescription medicines, talk to your health care provider before taking herbal supplements. In one rat study, the group that received hawthorn berry drinks showed significantly lowered body weights after the 10th week of treatment (26). With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Zapfe JG. Daniele C, Mazzanti G, Pittler MH, et al. Hawthorn berries are rich in several vitamins and plant nutrients (5). Ask your doctor if hawthorn is right for you. Individual hawthorn extracts that retailers sell will typically provide instructions on how often to take the preparation. Doses found to be safe were from 160 to 1,800 mg daily, and from 3 to 24 weeks in length. [Review]. Consult your doctor before you start using any hawthorn berry supplements. Another study conducted on hamsters found that the triterpenic acid in hawthorn extracts can lower plasma cholesterol levels (17). 2006;56(527):437-43. Sample preparations and dosage . Around 7000 BC, the ancient Chinese used beverage made of hawthorn berries for medicinal and religious use because of its therapeutic properties. Prev Cardiol. However, more human studies are warranted to further understand this benefit of the hawthorn berry. 2006 56(527):437-43. Health Effects of Hawthorn. (. Prized for its ability to uplift and strengthen the heart both emotionally and physically,the hawthorn berry hasbeen used for centuries as a natural remedy for all kinds of serious heart concerns. Crataegus laevigata; Crataegus monogyna; Crataegus oxyacantha; Hedgethorn. effect (7). In this study, 120 patients with heart failure were randomized to receive 450 milligrams of hawthorn twice a day or a placebo for six months. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Antioxidants in hawthorn may help stop some of the damage from free radicals, especially when it comes to heart disease. From heart tonic to anxiety relief, here are five health benefits of hawthorn berry. Hwang HS, Boluyt MO, Converso K, Russell MW, Bleske BE. Hawthorn Berries: Whole Herb Vs. Promising hypotensive effect of hawthorn extract: a randomized double-blind pilot study of mild, essential hypertension. So far, research is showing that hawthorn may be an effective natural remedy for avoiding and treating angina. Additionally, it answers some common questions about hawthorn berries. A study conducted by the University of Reading found that hawthorn extract can have a hypotensivei XA patient whose blood flow is lower than normal. Monk Fruit: Nutrition, Benefits, And Side Monk Fruit: Nutrition, Benefits, And Side Effects. Their berries are packed with nutrition and have a tart, tangy taste and mild sweetness, ranging in color from yellow to deep red to black (1). For centuries, hawthorn berry has been used as an herbal remedy for digestive problems, heart failure, and high blood pressure. 2004;11 Suppl 1:36-9. 2008;(1):CD005312. Hawthorn berries, ethnomedical uses, food products and health benefits of hawthorn by reviewing web of science, PubMed, Google Scholar in conjunction with the scattered information available. Stir the mixture constantly and boil it until it sets. A daily dose of blueberries could improve brain and heart health, having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially helping prevent endothelial dysfunction (narrowing of the, decrease triglycerides (fats in the blood) and, increase the antioxidant activity of certain, improve the health of certain cells in the. After examining studies from the last 20 years, the reviewers suggest that hawthorn may have the following health benefits for diabetes and its complications: It is important to note that the majority of the studies included in the 2022 review were animal studies, so their findings may not apply to humans. Hawthorn is often called the heart herb for its various cardio-protective abilities. The second group took a hawthorn extract. Rigelsky JM, Sweet BV. Hawthorn is known to be slow-acting, so a trial of at least four to eight weeks should be completed to determine if you'll benefit from its use. However, further studies on humans are necessary. 2008 Oct 15. Break the fruits using a potato masher and strain them through a jelly bat to get clear jelly. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. Hawthorn berry is said to possess anti-atherosclerosis properties and may prevent the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and plaque on the artery walls (6). The first study on hawthorn, published in 1896, reported on 43 patients suffering from various forms of heart disease who were treated with hawthorn with promising results.. These include angina, high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries, irregular heart beat and even congestive heart failure. The hawthorn group also showed a decrease in systolic blood pressure during physical activity. Arch Pathol Lab Med. Arzneimittelforschung. You should talk with your doctor before taking hawthorn if you have high blood pressure. They vary in color from yellow to dark red (. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Include hawthorn berries in moderation in your diet to reap their benefits. What's more, hawthorn-taking participants were found to have lower levels of anxiety., In a study published in 2006, scientists discovered that taking 1,200 milligrams a day of hawthorn extract helped lower blood pressure among individuals taking prescription drugs to treat their type 2 diabetes., However, a more recent study, published in 2012, found that taking 1,000 milligrams, 1,500 milligrams, or 2,500 milligrams of hawthorn extract twice daily for three and a half days did not affect blood pressure in hypertensive individuals., Hawthorn did show benefit for chest pain (angina) in patients with congestive heart failure. She has a bachelors degree in biotechnology from Acharya N more. Eatinga diet high inflavonoid-rich foods, beverages and herbs has been linked to prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. Asher GN, Viera AJ, Weaver MA, Dominik R, Caughey M, Hinderliter AL. The hawthorn group experiencedgreater reductions in diastolic blood pressure. There are various species of hawthorn, many of which arefound in North America. Am Fam Physician. Heart disease is a serious condition. Research shows that the flavonoids in hawthorn berries interact with enzymes that help enhance myocardial contractility (the ability of the heart muscle to contract) (5). The evidence for atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, is very preliminary: A number of animal studies, including one published in 2018, suggests that hawthorn may help reduce levels of blood fats (including cholesterol) and aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis. However, given the extremely serious nature of heart disease, it's imperative not to attempt to self-treat a heart condition with hawthorn (or any other herbal remedy). These dosages are highly dependent on the forms of hawthorn. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. Hawthorn provided no symptomatic or functional benefit when given with standard medical therapy., Studies with hawthorn are conflicting for its effectiveness in reducing high blood pressure. Side effects of Hawthorn are rare, but may include headache, nausea, and palpitations (a feeling of a racing heart). Trials conducted on 855 patients with chronic heart failure showed that hawthorn improved heart function when used in combination with conventional treatments (2). However, more studies are needed to understand this benefit of hawthorn berries in humans. Again, this is very helpful to discourage angina. The benefits of hawthorn berries can be attributed to their rich nutrients profile. Wang Song-zi, Wu Min, Chen Ke-ji, Liu Yue, Sun Jing, Sun Zhuo, Ma He, and Liu Long-tao. Its usefulness was discovered as early as the first century and it continues to be used today, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. There is no recorded recommended dosage of hawthorn berries. (14). A minimum dose of 300 mg of hawthorn extract daily is recommended for treating heart failure (19). Angina is the technical term for chest pains, which can be indicative of a heart attack or can be a However, the effect may not be the same in humans, so scientists need to study this potential benefit further. Studies show that hawthorn berry is used as a combination drug to treat heart failure (a condition where the heart cant pump as much blood as it should) (1). A member of the rose family, hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a thorny, flowering tree or shrub native to temperate regions of Europe, North America, and northern Asia. However, it mentions one study that indicated hawthorn worsened heart failure in study participants. Herbs and dietary supplements in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The petite hawthorn berries appear after the flowers have bloomed. Multiple studies have shown that hawthorn supplementation has resulted inimproved in cardiac function based on a number of parameters. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018; 18(1): 2536. Miller L. Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing on known or potential drug-herb interactions. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2, Zick SM, Vautaw BM, Gillespie B, Aaronson KD. The berries can help treat many different health conditions, one of which is angina. In addition, the polyphenols in hawthorn berries help in lowering cholesterol levels. 2003;43(6):637-642. Although there are hundreds of species of Crataegus, when people refer to the common hawthorn, they typically mean Crataegus monogyna. The authors noted that researchers should further investigate hawthorn for potential diabetes treatments. Hawthorn berries also have traditionally been used to treat digestive issues, including constipation. The plant is called by a variety of other names including haw, hawthorne, harthorne and English hawthorn. Uses have included the treatment of digestive ailments, dyspn When Jesus was crucified, the crown of thorns Only take it under your healthcare provider's supervision if you've been prescribed blood pressure medication or Lanoxin (digoxin), and don't take it with other herbs or supplements that have cardiac effects.. 17 In another animal study using rats with stomach DO NOT self treat heart conditions without telling your doctor. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product. After two months, the patients receiving 200 milligrams of hawthorn three times per day had an increased working heart capacity, as well as a reduction in symptoms. Helps Treat Angina. However, some people have complained about nausea, dizziness, headache, mild rashes, sweating, and cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms. Phytomedicine. After her graduation, she decided to combine her knowledge of science and love for writing to Clinical Nutrition, Medical Nutrition Therapy, and Sports Nutrition, 6 Impressive Health Benefits Of Hawthorn Berry. 2009;37(5):903-8. They include: Phenylephrine: In a laboratory study, an alcoholic extract of hawthorn fruit reduced the effects of phenylephrine, a medication that constricts blood vessels and is commonly found in nasal decongestant products. In a 10-week study in 36 people with mildly elevated blood pressure, those taking 500 mg of hawthorn extract daily experienced no significant decreases in blood pressure, although they showed a trend toward reduced diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number of a reading) (16 Chin J Integr Med. Supplementing with hawthorn is recommended for short-term use by adults. A hawthorn plant has berries as well as flowers that bloom in May. She has a masters degree in nutrition and dietetics and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator. Read on to know the key nutrients in these berries. Hawthorn berries are known for their numerous health benefits, including their ability to improve heart health and regulate blood pressure. People have used hawthorn berries, leaves, and flowers for traditional herbal remedies for centuries. Walker AF, Marakis G, Simpson E, Hope JL, Robinson PA, Hassanein M, Simpson HC. Not Castleman M. The New Healing Herbs, The Essential Guide to More Than 125 of Nature's Most Potent Herbal Remedies. The uses, pharmacology, clinical efficacy, dosage and administration, adverse effects, and drug interactions of hawthorn are discussed. Even if you do not experience any of these symptoms, see your provider if your condition has not improved after 6 weeks of hawthorn treatment. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 4. They are antioxidants and protect healthy cells. LaValle JB, Krinsky DL, Hawkins EB, et al. Calming properties. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The tiny red hawthorn berries are commonly found in North America, Asia, and Europe. Hawthorn berries and extracts have been used in traditional medicine for treating digestive problems. You can take two cups of hawthorn tea every day post your meals to help reduce anxiety. This fiber content can also act like prebiotics, which improves your gut health by letting the good bacteria thrive in your stomach. Hawthorn might interact with: Beta blockers, such as atenolol (Tenormin), nadolol (Corgard) or propranolol (Inderal LA, Innopran XL) Calcium channel Morelli V, Zoorob RJ.