01/30/2024
Hawthorn, the Heart-Healthy Herb
Botanical medicine encompasses the judicious use of proven medicinal plants to treat ill health and disease. It is an ancient practice that spans all of humanity throughout all of our history. It is as old as humanity itself. In fact, even animals will consume certain plants for their medicinal qualities, as astute farmers and nature observers well-know. Our planet is abundant in plants that support our health and well-being in a synergistic, harmonic manner that is hard to describe purely by objective means in the laboratory setting. History, along with newer scientific analysis, tells us that these plants offer powerful medicine that has been documented throughout the centuries in written and oral testimony, passed on from generation to generation. This tried-and-true method changed fairly recently when modern medicine eclipsed the use of mother natures’ offerings by presenting an alternative that appeared to be even more therapeutic, (and in some instances has been), the manufacture of chemically-based factory-made medicine. Much of this new medicine is derived from the plant world, but then reduced to single constituents which are replicated in a factory. This degrades and diminishes the holistic nature of the plant which has synergistic components that act together to both enhance the biological effects and prevent side effects that often are an expected outcome when using reduced single chemicals.
As is the way with us humans, we become set in our ways and entrenched in a particular point of view that pits us against one another. As though there is only one way, one answer. The truth is, we are complex beings in a complex environment that is ever changing. Synergy and combining the best of all worlds is in the interest of all of us. Listening to one another, trying to understand all points of view, and blending various knowledge sources, leads to better outcomes in life as in medicine.
One of the most potent and effective botanical remedies I have had the pleasure of learning about and utilizing clinically is Hawthorn (Craetagus oxycantha). The Hawthorn plant is a spiny tree or shrub native to Europe and exported worldwide. We often use this plant ornamentally because of its gorgeous berries and flowers. The beauty extends beyond that which appeals to the eye however. The medicinal qualities of this plant are equally as beautiful. The organ which benefits the most from Hawthorn is the heart. When taken as indicated, this botanical herb has the ability to measurably and noticeably improve symptoms of poor heart function such as shortness of breath with exertion, palpitations, anginal chest pain, poor energy, and high blood pressure. It acts as a heart tonic and ionotropic agent, improving the strength of heart contractions and regulating the rate and rhythm of the heart. Some studies indicate it strengthens collagen which is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for maintaining tissue integrity, including blood vessel health. Thus, it aids in preventing atherosclerosis, or plaquing in the arteries which can occur when the blood vessel lining becomes weak and inflamed.
Hawthorn can by used in conjunction with mainstream medicine or alone. It is not meant to replace prescription cardiac medication, but to enhance it. That said, even herbs can have toxic effects and patients should be informed, guided, and monitored when pursuing any health protocol. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Seek the care of a regulated health professional when considering a new protocol.
