Hawthorn

Hawthorn has been used in folk medicine in Europe and China for centuries for its benefical effects on the cardiovascular system. Hawthorn is one of the primary heart tonics in traditional medicine and is used to protect against the early states of heart disease, for pressure or tightness in the chest, and for mild arrhythmia as well as for those recovering from a heart attack. The flowers, leaves and berries of the hawthorn all have a vasodilatory effect, opening the arteries and improving blood supply to all tissues of the body which helps to balance blood pressure, making hawthron an excellent remedy for high blood pressure particularly when associated with hardening of the arteries. Hawthorn opens the coronary arteries in the heart which, in turn, improves blood flow and softening deposits, making it useful in treating angina. In addition, hawthorn benefits the heart in its action on the bgagus nerve which influences the heart, slowing an over-fast heart rate and settling down heart irregularities. Hawthorn can also be used to improve poor circulation associated with aging arteries, poor ciruclation to the leges and poor memory and confusion related to poor blood supply to the brain. Herbalists have used hawthorn to treat nervous conditions and insomnia. Hawthorn can be gargled to soothe a sore throat. Precautions: A dangerous drop in blood pressure can result if you take large doses of hawthorn. Other side effects can inc lude headache, nausea and palpitations. Do not self-treat heart conditions with hawthorn without telling your health care practitioner. Do not use hawthorn if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Hawthorn may have an interaction with medications like digoxin and phenylephrine. NOTE: These descriptions are provided for information purposes only. Before taking any herb or supplement, it is recommended that you consult your health care professional to ensure it is safe for you to take and will not interact with any medications you may be taking.