Hawthorn Medicinal Properties

Hawthorn medicinal properties include the following:

1. Cardiovascular Support: Hawthorn is commonly used to support cardiovascular health. It may help improve blood flow, strengthen the heart muscle, and regulate blood pressure. It is believed to enhance the overall health of the cardiovascular system. It contains lipid-lowering and cardiovascular protective properties to boost heart health. Hawthorn also has anti-atherosclerotic effect.
2. Antioxidant Effects: Hawthorn contains antioxidants that help protect the body from harmful free radicals. The antioxidants found in the plant are oligomeric procyandins and quercetin. These antioxidants may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting overall wellbeing.
3. Lowers Cholesterol: Hawthorn has been associated with lowering cholesterol levels. By inhibiting certain enzymes involved in the synthesis of cholesterol, it may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
4. Supports Digestive Health: Hawthorn has been used to promote digestive health by soothing the digestive tract and relieving symptoms like indigestion, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It also tones the spleen to promote digestion and activate blood circulation.
5. Mild Sedative Properties: Hawthorn has mild sedative properties and can help calm the nervous system. It is often used to alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. Studies have shown it improves anxiety, but additional research needs to be conducted before it’s established as a supplement for anxiety.
6. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Hawthorn possess anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body. These properties include flavonoids. These are a type of plant compound. Flavonoids are beneficial for various health conditions involving inflammation and reduce inflammation.

Possible Side Effects and Precautions

While hawthorn is generally considered safe for most people when used in recommended doses, it is important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Here are some things to consider:

Gastrointestinal Upset: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea when taking hawthorn supplements. If you experience any discomfort, it is advised to reduce the dosage or discontinue use.

Low Blood Pressure: Hawthorn has been reported to have blood pressure-lowering effects. If you are already taking medication for high blood pressure or have low blood pressure, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using hawthorn. They can monitor your blood pressure and adjust your medication accordingly. Low blood pressure may also cause dizziness.

Interaction with Medications: Hawthorn may interact with certain medications, including beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrate medications such as nitroglycerin. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about any herbal supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to hawthorn. If you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is limited research on the safety of hawthorn during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a precautionary measure, it is best to avoid using hawthorn during these periods unless recommended by a healthcare professional.

Surgery: Hawthorn may affect blood pressure and blood clotting. If you are scheduled for surgery, it is important to inform your healthcare provider about your use of hawthorn supplements, as it may need to be discontinued prior to the procedure.

Please note that while hawthorn has shown positive effects in traditional use and preliminary research, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal treatment. The information included in this post are for educational purposes and is not meant to treat or replace any traditional medication.

Resources

https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/hawthorn#:~:text=Animal%20and%20laboratory%20studies%20report,and%20even%20cause%20cell%20death.

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/hawthorn-uses-and-risks

Martinelli, F., Perrone, A., Yousefi, S., Papini, A., Castiglione, S., Guarino, F., Cicatelli, A., Aelaei, M., Arad, N., Gholami, M., & Salami, S. A. (2021). Botanical, Phytochemical, Anti-Microbial and Pharmaceutical Characteristics of Hawthorn (Crataegusmonogyna Jacq.), Rosaceae. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(23), 7266. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237266

Wu, M., Liu, L., Xing, Y., Yang, S., Li, H., & Cao, Y. (2020). Roles and Mechanisms of Hawthorn and Its Extracts on Atherosclerosis: A Review. Frontiers in pharmacology, 11, 118. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00118