Hawthorn leaf & flower | Crataegus spp | Organic
$8.00 – $30.00
Hawthorn leaf & flowers are a valuable cardiac tonic with a long history of traditional use and is found in many European Pharmacopoeia including the German Comission E. Its many constituents benefit the whole cardiovascular system including the blood vessels. Its main action is to support the lowering of the blood pressure and it can be used alongside cardiac medications so long as it is prescribed initially by a qualified medical herbalist or doctor as blood pressure needs to be monitored initially.
The flavonoids, OPCs and anthocyanins are the main phytochemiclas and these help strengthen and support the blood vessels with potent antioxidant action. Blood flow to the heart is increased by Hawthorn. Hawthorn will help lower blood pressure but it may not be enough on its own so please do not self-treat. This information is for educational purposes only. It can however be safely used preventativley where there is a family history of cardiac problems as a daily tonic. Hawthorn is relatively well-researched.
Research:
- Hawthorne may reduce oxidation of LDL & VLDL
- Hawthorn may protect vascular cells exposed to hypoxic conditions
- Hawthorn may cause blood vessel vasodilation
- Hawthorn may prevent plaque formation
- Hawthorn may have ACE inhibition activity
- Hawthorn may inhibit neutrophil elastase activity which is responsible for ischemic damage to the heart
- Hawthorn may interact with cardiac glycosides
- Hawthorn may inhibit thromboxane A2 a vasoconstrictor and platelet activator
- Hawthorn may inhibit the enzyme responsible for cyclic AMP breakdown in the heart tissue
Hawthorn has been clinically trialled in NYHA II patients and no effect was found to prevent cardiac failure (short term or long term) but symptoms were improved even in the short term such as shortness of breath, exercise tolerance, ankle oedema reduction, palpitations and fatigue (alongside medications compared to placebo). Therefore even in late stage heart failure, quality of life can be improved with Hawthorn extracts, a relativley low cost solution. Hawthorn may also be useful in anxiety disorders. (Fisher, C, 2009)
Hawthorn leaf & flower is also found in our Internal Shower tea for water retention.
All of our teas are organic or wild harvested from natural surroundings. Enjoy!
Additional information
| Ingredients | Dried Hawthorn leaf & flowers organic |
|---|---|
| Constituents | Flavonoids – flavonol-o-glycosides, flavone-c-glycosides, vitexin-2-rhamnoside, acetylvitexin-2-rhamnoside, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, quercetin, apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin, Oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs) inc epicatechin, Anthocyanins – leucocyanidin, Triterpenoids – crataegus lactone, cycloartenol, cinnamic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, Trimethylamine, Vitamin C, carotenes |
| Actions | Cardiac tonic, Coronary vasodilator, Hypotensive |
| Contraindications | This herb has GRAS rating {Generally Recognised as Safe}. Those taking blood pressure lowering medications should consult with a medical herbalist before self-prescribing. |
| Instructions | Steep 1 teaspoon of herb for 10-20 minutes. Reuse and drink 2-3 times a day. |
| Size | 20 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams |
| Country of origin | This is harvested in Canterbury, New Zealand, subject to seasonal availability. |
