A Herb for the Heart: Hawthorne

One of my favorite herbs for the heart is Hawthorne, Latin name: Crataegus. Hawthorn is a common shrub that grows up to five feet tall on hillsides and in sunny wooded areas all over the world. Did you know that hawthorn is in the same botanical family as roses? Why not give your loved one Hawthorne this Valentine’s Day? The flowers grow in small clusters and are white, red, or pink. Small berries, called haws, sprout after the flowers. They are usually red when ripe, but they may also be black. The parts of the plant most commonly used are the berries, leaves, and sometimes the white flowers. Medicinally, Hawthorne can be taken as a solid extract, tincture, in a capsule, or tea. Hawthorne is a great antioxidant and heart protective herb. It is useful for the treatment and prevention of heart and circulatory problems. It helps maintain healthy arteries, veins and heart tissue by providing resiliency against injury, disease and the normal wear and tear of aging. Most cardiovascular conditions can benefit from Hawthorne, but if you are on other medications, it is important that you talk to a naturopathic physician before taking this or any other herb. Do not use Hawthorne during pregnancy.

If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure or Athlerosclerosis, Hawthorne can be very beneficial. Check and see how Hawthorne can help you!

Dr. Alison Vandekerkhove