Hawthorn

Hawthorn is not a new name in the category of useful herbs, though its real benefits have come into existence, only in the last century. Before that, this herb, which belongs to rose family, was considered to be a remedy for evil spirits surrounding people. Nowadays, this herb is listed as one of the most beneficial herb, which may act as a miracle for people suffering from heart diseases. The laboratory tests and ongoing research has finally explored the real essence of existence of this herb, having antioxidant aspects, on the planet.

Source of Hawthorn

This herb is grown in the form of shrub having thorns. It is generally found grown on the sides of a hill. The leaves, flowers and berries of this herb are used for preparing medicines, which are capable of curing a number of health issues. The flowers are red, pink or white in color and have no fragrance, in contrast to other rose species. The berries or the haws are either red or black in color. The hawthron herb contains two main constituents, namely flavonoids and oligomeric procyanidins. These are found in more quantities in leaves and flowers than berries.

Health Benefits Offered by Hawthorn

• This herb is useful in treating problems like abnormal heartbeats and pain in the chest.
• The people suffering from common problem of high blood pressure are also treatable by hawthorn.
• The most significant health benefit of this herb is that it helps in taming the free radicals, due to the antioxidant present in it.
• The herb is useful in preventing the congestive heart failures and ensures overall wellness of human heart.
• It helps in reinstating the floe of blood to and from the heart by removing the excessive amount of plague accumulated.
• The herb is also useful in controlling the level of cholesterol in human body to help your heart remain in good working condition.

How to Use Hawthorn

Hawthorn is available in variety of forms like capsules, solid extracts, liquid extracts and tinctures. This herb may also be consumed in the form of tea, which is quire bitter in taste.

This herb is not recommended for the usage of children. In case of adults too, one needs to learn about proper dose required every time.

Words of Caution

• There is wide range of side-effects associated with consumption of hawthorn. These include headache, nausea and heart palpitation.
• This herb is not suggested for pregnant as well as nursing women to consume this herb.
• Digoxin and Phenylephrine are two medications, which must be avoided while consuming hawthorn.