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Hawthorne
(Crataegus oxycantha) berries are gathered from the small tree Crataegus laevigata of the
family Rosaceae. Also known as Mayblossom and Whitehorn, Hawthorne was known to
Dioscorides in the first century A.D., but was not widely used until recent times. The
edible berries are often made into marmalade, and herbal preparations made from the
flowers, fruits, and leaves are very prominent in contemporary European medicine.
Currently about three dozen different preparations containing extracts of Hawthorne are
marketed in Germany.
Hawthorne is described in most modern herbals as
a valuable treatment for various heart ailments and circulatory disorders, as well acting
as a mild astringent to be used for treating sore throats. Hawthorne is most often used to
protect against the beginning stages of heart disease, for mild heart muscle weakness, for
pressure and tightness of the chest, and for mild arrhythmia. It is also used as a tonic
for an aging heart.
Standardized extracts improve myocardial and coronary
circulation, raising the myocardial tolerance for oxygen deficiency. Hawthorne is also
used for hypertension, nervous disorders and insomnia. It may potentiate the action of
digitalis, and does potentiate cardiotonic glycosides. Hawthorne should not be used as a
substitute for medical care when an "organic cause" for one of the conditions
listed is present, so cause should be diagnosed prior to use. |
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Modern researchers have revealed some interesting properties of
hawthorne and confirmed that hawthorne contains compounds which support the heart and
circulatory system. Hawthorne works to dilate the blood vessels, especially the coronary
vessels, reducing peripheral resistance and thus lowering blood pressure and reducing the
tendency to angina attacks. Though hawthorne's action is not immediate, but develops very
slowly, apparently it has a direct effect on the heart itself, especially in cases of
heart damage. Its toxicity is low as well, becoming evident only in large doses. It's
therefore a relatively harmless heart tonic which apparently yields good results in many
conditions where this kind of therapy is required.
Hawthorne contains leucoanthocyanins, flavonoids,
hyperoside,
vitexin 2-rhamnoside, glycosylflavones, amines, catechols, phenolcarboxylic acids,
triterpene acids, sterols, inositol, PABA, saponins and purines. The main activity of
hawthorne is derived from the potent mixture of pigment bioflavonoids, as well as
oligomeric procyanidins (dehydrocatechins) that seem to be particularly active. Some of
the flavonoid glycosides are thought to work in a similar way to digitoxin, having a
vasodilating effect that could be helpful in the treatment of angina. They also produce
marked sedative effects which indicate an action on the central nervous system. Hops Strobile
(Humulus lupus) Sedative;
hypnotic. Reduces nervous irritability and tension; promotes restful sleep. Astringent,
for mucous colitis.
Horehound (Marrubium
vulgare) Expectorant;
used for respiratory congestion.
Horseradish (Cochlearia
armoracia)
Stimulant; for flu, fevers, sinus and respiratory congestion. Sialagogue, carminative;
mild laxative, diuretic.
Horsetail (Equisetum
spp.) High in silica and
calcium, strengthens hair, skin and nails. Styptic, diuretic. Helps correct bedwetting in
children.
Hyssop (Hyssopsus
officinalis) Anti-spasmodic; nervine; expectorant; diaphoretic, sedative, carminative. For chronic congestion.
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