Table of Contents
What is it and what is it for
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus laevigata) is a small tree of the Rosaceae family widespread in temperate climate regions. The young hawthorn shrubs have a smooth and light gray trunk, which then becomes brown and covered with scales in the adult specimens. The branches are thorny and bear leaves divided into lobes and bright green. One of the main differences between the two species concerns precisely the leaves which in the monogyna variety have from three to seven lobes with little teeth, while in the laevigata variety they have from three to five finely toothed. THE hawthorn flowers they are white or tinged with pink, small and gathered in corymbs and then the drupes and fruits develop from the flowers. In herbal medicine and phytotherapy leaves, flowers and fruits of the hawthorn they are mainly used for their benefits on the heart and cardiovascular system, as well as to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and agitation and counteract insomnia.
Benefits
The benefits of hawthorn include hypotensive, sedative, muscle relaxant, cardiotonic, vasodilator and antispasmodic activity. Herbal and phytotherapeutic preparations that contain hawthorn are therefore indicated for the well-being of the heart and cardiovascular system, to relieve the symptoms of anxiety and agitation and to promote rest. In the heart, the intake of infusions and other preparations based on hawthorn acts by inhibiting an enzyme known as ACE and this involves a mild diuretic action and above all the dilation of the coronary vessels. To this is added an action on the calcium channels present on the blood vessels, which further increases the vasodilation. As a result, the resistance of the blood vessels is reduced and this leads to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in the blood supply to the heart. At the same time, there is a slowing of heart contractions which, however, are stronger and there is a protection of blood vessels thanks to the reduction of levels of cholesterol LDL (the “bad cholesterol”) and triglycerides. In addition, given the sedative action of this remedy, it is possible to relieve hypertension, palpitations, tachycardia, abdominal pain and sleep disturbances that depend on emotional states such as anxiety and agitation. Finally, hawthorn flowers are used externally in case of wounds and skin inflammations to promote vasodilation and improve skin healing. The action of this natural remedy is attributed to the phytocomplex consisting of flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, organic acids and essential oil, present in the leaves, inflorescences and fruits; the substances responsible for the cardiovascular effects of hawthorn seem to be mainly flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
How to use it
Hawthorn can be taken in the form of herbal tea, fluid extract or mother tincture. There hawthorn tea it is prepared by infusing about one gram of dried leaves and flowers or fruits in a cup of boiling water. After fifteen minutes, it is filtered and drunk; you can consume three cups a day. The dosage ofextract it is instead between 200 and 900 milligrams per day. The tincture is administered from one to three times a day by diluting 30 drops of the product in a little water. In herbal medicine you can also buy the hawthorn bud extract, which is taken once or twice a day, at a dosage of 40-50 drops in water.
For the treatment of insomnia, hawthorn is generally associated with valerian, passion flower or chamomile, which enhance its sedative power. For the well-being of the heart, however, hawthorn is generally included in formulations that also include garlic extracts, a natural remedy capable of regulating pressure, thinning the blood and reducing LDL cholesterol levels. However, it must be borne in mind that the beneficial action of hawthorn on the heart and cardiovascular system is not immediate but can be observed after prolonged use of this remedy; indicatively, the reduction in blood pressure occurs after two to four months of treatment.
Contraindications
The intake of hawthorn preparations is considered safe and free of relevant side effects or contraindications. In case of overdose or in sensitive people, mild intestinal disorders, headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds and hot flashes may appear, symptoms which disappear within a few days if the intake is stopped. Clearly the use of this remedy is not recommended in case of allergies towards the plant. On the other hand, administration limited in time and on medical prescription is also possible in pregnancy and during breastfeeding. It is a good idea to consult your doctor before using this remedy even if you are on any treatment, particularly if you are taking beta-blockers and medicines for high blood pressure.
Read also
