Hawthorn

Crataegus spp.

Hawthorn

It’s probably no coincidence that the earliest records declared the Hawthorn tree a symbol of love. Crataegus species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemispheres of Europe and North America. All of the cultures that traditionally used Hawthorn leaves and berries medicinally — including Native American, Chinese and European — employed it as a tonic for the heart.* In fact, its use as a cardiac tonic dates as far back as first-century Rome.* Hawthorn has been traditionally used for the emotional heart as well as the physical heart, as a protector of emotional boundaries and support during loss and transition.*

What is Hawthorn Used For?

Significant scientific evidence confirms Hawthorn’s traditional use. It has been the subject of hundreds of research studies, including nine double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical trials. The results of this research show that Hawthorn strengthens the heart muscle, increases exercise tolerance, and supports a normal heart rhythm.* While Hawthorn leaf contains high levels of flavonoids, the berry is rich in oligomeric procyanidins. The current thinking is that Hawthorn’s biological activity is not due to one group of constituents, but the interaction of various compounds. Experimental and human research indicates these compounds work together to reinforce the heart’s pumping capacity, support coronary blood flow, and provide antioxidant protection to the heart.*