Medical uses of Hawthorn
Hawthorn is well known for the cardiac benefits it provides, including improved coronary artery blood flow (the arteries which supply the heart with blood) as well as improved blood flow to the extremities. Hawthorn may also be helpful when used with other conditions such as angina (reduced blood flow to the heart usually caused by clogged arteries), atherosclerosis (clogged arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure) and some arrhythmias (irregular heart beats). It is believed by most herbalists and researchers that the chemicals in hawthorn may act directly on the heart muscle to increase the contractile force of heartbeats and to relax the arteries around the heart. Hawthorn may also work indirectly by widening blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. As a result, it may assist in stabilizing blood pressure.

Congestive Heart Failure
Hawthorn has also been evaluated in people with congestive heart failure. In a study of 132 individuals, standardized hawthorn extract compared favourably to captopril, a member of a class of prescription medications known as ACE-inhibitors often prescribed for heart failure. In another study involving 136 patients, the hawthorn group showed improvement in the areas of heart function evaluated, whereas the placebo group did not.

Peripheral Circulation
Hawthorn is an excellent herb for improving circulation throughout the body. A condition known as Raynaud’s disease is a disease where the circulation to the hands and sometimes the feet are so compromised that the individual usually suffers severe pain and extreme intolerance to cold weather. Because Hawthorn promotes healthy collagen production, supportive effects have been found to extend to such disorders as Raynaud’s disease and varicose veins.

Circulation to the heart
The most common cause of death in Australia is a sudden reduction of blood circulated to the heart. In its most severe form, this results in a heart attack. Life saving medications, such as nitro-glycerine are usually given if someone is having a heart attack. The nitro-glycerine works by dilating the blood vessels to the heart and the patient (hopefully) survives. Hawthorn also achieves this feat, while also being free of the nasty side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. If taken many months before the heart attack, it may also help to prevent the ensuing heart attack.

Atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries)
The leading causes of reduced circulation to the heart is the clogging of the arteries (termed Atherosclerosis).This is caused by diets high in refined carbohydrates (such as breads, pastas and cereals) and trans fats (found in baked goods, donuts and some margarines). The arteries are clogged by oxidised LDL (bad) cholesterol and other immune and muscle cells. Hawthorn has been found to reverse this build up in the arteries, however taking the herb for a long period of time is required for this to occur.

Improving heart strength
Along with exercise, Hawthorn is one of the best things you can do to help strengthen your heart muscle. We have already learnt how Hawthorn can increase blood flow to your heart by improving artery dilation and help to clean out your arteries. Hawthorn also directly acts on your heart muscle to strengthen it. More specifically, Hawthorn improves the contractions of the heart in failing human myocardium (heart muscle).

Blood Pressure
A randomised, double-blind trial investigated whether Hawthorn would produce greater hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects than a placebo in type 2 diabetic patients taking prescribed medication and consuming a typical western diet. Participants were given a placebo or standardised Hawthorn extract (equivalent to 6 g/day) for 16 weeks. Treatment with Hawthorn resulted in a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure from baseline. This reduction in blood pressure was also significant compared with the placebo group.

Arrhythmia
Arrhythmia is a distressing and sometimes fatal condition where the heart becomes out of rhythm. Hawthorn has been found to help with the rhythmic contraction of the heart.

Drug Interactions with Hawthorn
Although Hawthorn, like any herbal medicine, can conflict with medications, no significant herb/drug interactions with Hawthorn have been reported. However as a precaution it is advised that before using this herb or any other herbal preparation, to consult your health care professional. It has been demonstrated that Hawthorn can alter blood pressure, thus it is essential that you inform your doctor when you take Hawthorn if you are on blood pressure medication.

Therapeutic/safe dosages of Hawthorn
The most commonly recommended therapeutic dosage for Hawthorn is 6,000-12,000 mg per day (taken as three divided doses of 2,000-4,000 mg each) and the usual therapeutic dosage of 1:1 fluid extract of Hawthorn is 6-12 ml per day (taken as three divided doses of 2-4 ml each). Studies have found that short and long term consumption is beneficial for the treatment of all of the cardiovascular benefits listed above. Longer intake of Hawthorn has been associated with enhanced circulation to the heart. Doses of up to 12 grams have been taken for extended periods of time (years) without adverse effects.

Other herbs that can be used with Hawthorn
As with many herbs, combinations can be used to add to the therapeutic value. The following is a list of herbs that can be prescribed with Hawthorn to boost its therapeutic properties:

Conclusion
Hawthorn is a highly popular herbal medicine for those of us who find ourselves having pretty much any sort of cardiovascular problem, including poor circulation, heart disease or arrhythmias. Probably the description of someone needing Hawthorn is someone who has a poor lifestyle, has blood pressure problems or any other circulation problem. As we all live in an environment that seems geared towards an early coronary, Hawthorn is an important herb for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system for years to come.

REFERENCES
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